You can use standard AA batteries in an Xbox One controller, but there are a few good options depending on how you like to play.

Quick Scoop: What batteries for Xbox One controller?

For a typical Xbox One / Xbox One S / Xbox One X wireless controller, you have two main choices:

  • Two AA (LR6) alkaline batteries (disposable).
  • A rechargeable solution (either AA NiMH rechargeables or a dedicated Xbox-style rechargeable pack).

1. Simple option: regular AA batteries

If you just want to play right now with what’s in a drawer:

  • Use 2 AA alkaline batteries (marked LR6).
  • Insert them in the battery door on the back of the controller, matching the + and – symbols.
  • This works on Xbox One, One S, One X, and Series controllers.

This is the easiest option, but you’ll keep buying new batteries, and they’ll end up as waste.

2. Better long-term: rechargeable AA NiMH

Many players switch to NiMH rechargeable AAs:

  • Use 2 AA NiMH rechargeable batteries in place of disposables.
  • Buy a separate charger and rotate pairs so one set is always ready.
  • Costs more upfront but saves money over months and is more eco‑friendly than constantly replacing alkalines.

If you game a lot (daily sessions, long weekends), this is usually the sweet spot between cost and convenience.

3. Rechargeable battery packs (Play & Charge–style)

You can also use a dedicated lithium‑ion battery pack instead of loose AAs:

  • Official and third‑party packs replace the AA compartment with a single rechargeable pack.
  • They typically charge via USB while the controller is plugged into the console or a charger.
  • Many packs offer long runtimes (often 20–30+ hours per charge) and include overcharge protection.

This is great if you hate swapping batteries and prefer to just plug in and keep going.

4. What most people on forums use (vibes from recent discussions)

In recent community and forum threads:

  • A lot of players use Eneloop‑style NiMH AA rechargeables or similar, because they’re reliable and work across remotes and other gadgets too.
  • Others like dedicated Xbox battery packs with a drop‑in charging dock for grab‑and‑go sessions, especially if they have multiple controllers.
  • Pure disposables tend to be people who play less often or don’t want to bother with chargers.

5. Quick recommendations by play style

  • Play occasionally → Good quality AA alkaline batteries are fine.
  • Play several times a week → 2–4 NiMH rechargeable AA batteries plus a charger.
  • Heavy gamer / multiple controllers → One or more lithium‑ion Xbox battery packs with a dock or USB charging setup.

Bottom line: Any Xbox One wireless controller will work with 2 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH rechargeables), or you can drop in a rechargeable battery pack if you prefer plug‑and‑charge convenience.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.