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I wish the Steam Controller used AA batteries (lemmy.world)
submitted 10 months ago by to c/linux_gaming@lemmy.world
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Based on the description on their site, the controller includes a built-in battery: "8.39 Wh Li-ion battery​, 35+ hours of gameplay... "

That was disappointing for me. Specially condidering the Steam Frame's controllers make use of AA batteries: "​One replaceable AA battery per controller, ​ 40hr battery life​"

AA Batteries might not be as convenient to use, but being able to replace them is a great advantage. All my Xbox360 controllers still work fine, but none of my PS3' Dualshock 3s.

The official docking station could be used to recharge (rechargables) AA batteries so the functionality could remain the same.

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[–] 101 points 10 months ago* (16 children)

Hard disagree, AA batteries are passe.

Steam did the right move here.

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  • [–] 22 points 10 months ago* (4 children)

    Vastly prefer my DualSense with built-in rechargeable that lasts multiple days unplugged over my Xbox Series pad that eats AAs. Just make the replacement simple and affordable, which it appears they will.

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  • [–] 10 points 10 months ago (2 children)

    Vastly prefer my DualSense with built-in rechargeable that lasts multiple days unplugged over my Xbox Series pad that eats AAs. Just make the replacement simple and affordable, which it appears they will.

    Meanwhile I’m over here bitching about how my DualSense dies after like 8 hours of gameplay while my Xbox Elite Series 2 lasts like 40.

    (But both of those are built-in rechargeables.)

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  • [–] 3 points 10 months ago

    I have the exact opposite experience: the NiMH rechargeables in my Xbox Series controller lasted ages (before I replaced them with a play-and-charge pack that uses the controller's port to charge and also lasts forever), while the DualSense dies in like 10 hours of play.

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  • [–] 8 points 10 months ago (6 children)

    I honestly really like them. Get a charger and some good batteries and you can go from 0 to 100% charge in a few seconds and the batteries will cost basically nothing in the long run.

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  • [+] -7 points 10 months ago (5 children)

    Nasty waste though

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  • [–] 11 points 10 months ago (2 children)

    Disposable sure, but it sounds like they're describing using rechargeable ones?

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  • [–] -5 points 10 months ago (1 child)

    They might be, but people using those are pretty uncommon I think. By designing it with a rechargeable battery they're preventing the use of millions of single use batteries

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  • [–] 4 points 10 months ago (1 child)

    There are rechargeable lithium batteries in the form of AAs that would reduce the waste, they might not last quite as long though

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  • [–] 2 points 10 months ago (2 children)

    Yeah I love having non-user-replaceable batteries in my electronics devices to give them an inbuilt death timer.

    Very zeitgeist.

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  • [–] 9 points 10 months ago (1 child)

    Important to note that the controller is designed to be serviceable and Valve is partnering with a company to provide replacement parts.

    It sounds like it'll be as hard to replace the battery as old smart phones were, which makes it very customer friendly.

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  • [–] 3 points 10 months ago

    Where have Steam said they are partnering with a company to offer replacement parts? As far as I've read, Valve have not provided any details around sourcing replacement batteries for the Steam Controller. All they've said is that the controller is able to be serviced by opening via the screws and clips - ie it's not glued closed like many user-hostile companies, eg Google Stadia.

    This is in no way the same as old smart phones (eg Galaxy S1-S5) toolless battery replacement, where you would just slide off the battery cover, pop out the old battery insert new, click battery cover back on. PS3 Dualschock 3 controllers are also exactly as user-serviceable - clips and screws, no glue. So I agree with OP: batteries that are built for toolless user replacement to a standard format are far superior. This is just asking for e-waste.

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