Microsoft has Addressed Duracell Deal Rumors
Duracell UK’s marketing manager Luke Anderson recently confirmed a deal between the battery company and Xbox and it sparked conspiracy theories that this is the sole purpose for Xbox controllers continuing to support AA’s. Microsoft was quick to go on the record to say that the deal doesn’t impact its decision to continue supporting batteries, rather the option is there for gamer flexibility and freedom. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate brings the extensive Game Pass lineup to Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and mobile through Project xCloud.
During a recent interview, Luke Anderson said, “There’s always been this partnership with Duracell and Xbox… it’s a constant agreement that Duracell and Microsoft have in place… “(The deal is) for OEM to supply the battery product for the Xbox consoles and also the controllers’ battery. So that (deal is) going to go on for a while… it’s been going on for a while and I think it needs to go for a while (more).”
“What it comes down to is when actually talking to gamers,” said partner director of program management at Xbox Jason Ronald. “It’s kind of polarising and there is a strong camp that really wants AAs, so just giving flexibility is the way to please both people… You can use a rechargeable battery pack and it works just like it does on the Elite, but it is a separate thing.”
“We intentionally offer consumers choice in their battery solutions for our standard Xbox Wireless Controllers,” said a Microsoft spokesperson. “This includes the use of AA batteries from any brand, the Xbox Rechargeable Battery, charging solutions from our partners, or a USB-C cable, which can power the controller when plugged into the console or PC.”
Do you think that this deal between Duracell and Microsoft impacts AA’s being a continued option for Xbox controllers or do you believe Microsoft? Let us know in the comments below!