Selected batch of new Xbox the controllers come without a very important item that is included in the package and does not include any batteries for the controllers. Badly packaged Xbox controllers have already received an official statement from Microsoft about the error.
Xbox fans have no shortage of options when it comes to Microsoft's new Xbox Series X/S controllers, with a variety of colors, styles and more. Microsoft's product line includes a wide variety of colors for shoppers to customize the look of their Xbox setup, from standard black and white controllers to color 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, a swappable D-pad, and multiple paddles to adjust the feel of the bumper and trigger buttons. However, some recent Xbox controllers have dropped a very important item from their bundles.
Xbox is already sending out Project Helix gift packs
Some players are getting exclusive merchandise promoting the new Xbox Project Helix console before the platform has been officially revealed.
New Xbox controllers come without batteries
Xbox gamers have discovered that some recently shipped Xbox Series X/S controllers have arrived in stores without batteries. Reddit user BroChillCatPills discovered the change after purchasing a set of Xbox controllers, noting that the box for the controller even lacked a matching battery storage slot. A disgruntled fan also speculated that the change to remove the batteries from the packaging may have been a deliberate change by Xbox, citing a clear and obvious change to the packaging. Another Xbox gamer commented in a comment that Microsoft has reached out about the faulty drivers and provided affected consumers with a solution and free rechargeable batteries.
The exclusion of batteries from the new Xbox controllers has seen a wide range of reactions from fans. One Reddit user working at GameStop said the issue was the result of a manufacturing error, with stores told to “reset” their stock of AA batteries for customers buying the controllers. Microsoft's statement also lists the extent to which the battery-less controllers have been shipped to stores, affecting units shipped from December 2025. Many Xbox gamers have also suggested that users experiencing the controller issue purchase rechargeable batteries, with one even suggesting Panasonic Eneloop batteries.
The new Xbox release joins a slew of changes at the executive level of Microsoft's gaming brand with new leadership. 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 at the company. Asha Sharma was named the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming on February 23 following Spencer's departure, while Matt Booty was named the new director of Xbox content.
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New Xbox leadership takes the reins of the company at the height of an exciting year. Microsoft is preparing to introduce a brand new remake of one of its most famous games of all time. Halo: Campaign Evolved renovation of the original Halo. In 2026, another popular Xbox series will return after more than ten years. Fable plans to launch as a complete reboot of the classic Lionhead Studios RPG franchise. Xbox gamers should have a lot to look forward to for the rest of the year, big things are on the way from the company.
