Of the three big consoles, only the standard Xbox Wireless Controller takes AA batteries. The PS5 DualSense, Nintendo Joy-Con and Switch Pro Controller have built-in rechargeable batteries.
Which controller?
The battery it takes
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Controller batteries by model
Game controller batteries, from Xbox, Sony and Nintendo
Controller
Battery
Xbox Wireless Controller
AA (LR6), or an Xbox rechargeable battery
Xbox Elite Series 2, including the Core
Built-in rechargeable
PlayStation 5 DualSense (CFI-ZCT1W)
Built-in lithium-ion, 3.65 V
Nintendo Joy-Con
Built-in; about 3.5 hours to charge
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Built-in; about 6 hours to charge
Joy-Con AA Battery Pack
2 AA alkaline or NiMH per pack
From each maker’s support pages and manuals.
Xbox controllers sold without AA batteries
Xbox says that if a Wireless Controller you got in December 2025 or later came without AA batteries, you may be able to get an Xbox Rechargeable Battery with a USB-C cable from Xbox. The older Play & Charge Kit battery also works in the new controller, with a USB-C cable instead of the one in the kit.
Looking after a built-in battery
Nintendo says to charge a device with an internal battery at least once every six months, even when you’re not using it. Sony warns never to open, crush, heat or set fire to the DualSense’s battery.
Common questions
Do rechargeable AA batteries charge inside an Xbox controller?
No, Xbox says rechargeable AA (HR6) batteries don't charge in the controller, so they need a separate charger.
From Xbox support and xbox.com, Sony’s DualSense manual and Nintendo support, read on October 25, 2026. Checked against published data from Xbox, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Nintendo.
See all 4 sources
Xbox Support: Using batteries in your Xbox Wireless Controller; Charge your Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2; What to do if your Xbox controller didn't include batteries
Xbox, Xbox Wireless Controller (product page)
Sony Interactive Entertainment, DualSense Wireless Controller CFI-ZCT1W instruction manual (PDF)
Nintendo Support: Charging (Nintendo Switch); battery lifespan of the console and controllers; Joy-Con AA Battery Pack FAQ
Battery sizes come from battery makers' datasheets and device makers' own manuals and help pages. Check your device's manual or the old battery before you buy. If anyone may have swallowed a battery, call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 1-800-498-8666 or your poison center at 1-800-222-1222 straight away.