Microsoft is offering free rechargeable batteries to some Xbox Wireless Controller users. This comes after the company confirmed that a limited number of controllers shipped without AA batteries since December 2025. Affected users can now claim an Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB-C cable at no extra cost. The offer applies to purchases made via the Microsoft Store, Xbox Design Lab and third-party retailers. Microsoft said users “may be eligible” if their controller package did not include batteries, with the change expected to reflect in shipments going forward.In a post shared on the microblogging site X, Microsoft wrote, “A limited number of Xbox controllers have shipped without batteries since December. If you received one of these controllers, go here https://aka.ms/batteries for a rechargeable battery on us. All controllers moving forward will include batteries.”
How to check if you’re eligible for free Xbox rechargeable batteries and how to claim it
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to redeem the offer by registering your device on Microsoft’s website:
- Go to account.microsoft.com/devices
- Select Register device > Register a new device
- Complete the registration flow
- Select the registered controller and choose Start order
- Under Category, select Accessory, and under Issue Type, select Charge Kit
- Enter or confirm your shipping details and proceed
- If eligible, select Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable – Send Immediately – One-Time Offer
Microsoft added, “Once your request is submitted, you’ll receive an Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable. Limit of one rechargeable battery per eligible controller.”More importantly, there was no need for a user receipt when making a claim, as they were eligible based on their controller serial numbers. This rule applied to certain new Xbox Wireless controllers and to Xbox Design Lab controllers that did not come with AA batteries.