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A select batch of new Xbox controllers shipped without a very important item included in the package, not containing any batteries for the controllers. The mispackaged Xbox controllers have already seen an official statement from Microsoft about the error.
Xbox fans have no shortage of options when choosing new controllers for Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S, with different colors, styles, and more. Microsoft’s product lineup includes a wide range of colors for shoppers to customize the look of their Xbox set-up, from the standard Black and White controllers to colorful options like Volt, Pink, Green, and more. The company even offers some premium Xbox controllers with more customization options with its Xbox Elite controllers, including adjustable thumbsticks, an interchangeable D-pad, and multiple paddles to adjust the feel of bumper and trigger buttons. However, some recent Xbox controllers have excluded a very important item from the packages.
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New Xbox Controllers Have Shipped Without Batteries
Xbox gamers have discovered that some recently shipped controllers for the Xbox Series X/S arrived at stores without batteries. Reddit user BroChillCatPills discovered the change after buying a set of Xbox controllers, noting that the box for the controller even lacked an appropriate slot for storing batteries. The disgruntled fan also posited that the change to remove batteries from the packaging could have been an intentional change from Xbox, citing the clear and apparent adjustment to the packaging. Another Xbox gamer noted in the comment that Microsoft has addressed the erroneous controllers, providing a solution and free rechargeable batteries to affected consumers.
The exclusion of batteries from new Xbox controllers has seen a wide variety of reactions from fans. One Reddit user working at GameStop relayed that the issue was the result of a production error, with stores told to “zero out” their supply of AA batteries for customers buying the controllers. The Microsoft statement also provides a range for when the battery-less controllers were shipped to stores, affecting units shipped beginning in December 2025. Many Xbox gamers also suggested that users who have experienced the controller issue should buy rechargeable batteries, with one even suggesting Panasonic Eneloop batteries.
The new Xbox issue joins a plethora of executive-level changes for Microsoft’s gaming brand, with new leadership in place. Both Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and Xbox president Sarah Bond left the company in February, with Spencer being one of the faces of Xbox during his time with the company. Asha Sharma was named the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming on February 23, following Spencer’s departure, while Matt Booty was named Xbox’s new Chief Content Officer.
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Xbox’s new leadership takes the reins of the company at the cusp of an exciting year. Microsoft is gearing up to debut a brand-new remake of one of its most iconic games of all-time, with Halo: Campaign Evolved revamping the original Halo. Another fan-favorite Xbox series is also set to make a return in 2026 after more than a decade, with Fable planned to launch as a full reboot of the classic Lionhead Studios RPG franchise. Xbox gamers should have plenty to look forward to throughout the rest of the year, with big things on the way from the company.
