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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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[-] zakobjoa@lemmy.world 86 points 1 week ago

Because it means you can probably swap your battery with a single screw or two.

[-] artyom@piefed.social 10 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I'm not doing that on a regular basis. I can swap the battery in my Xbox controller without any screws.

E: Wow, I really love being downvoted for my opinion. Super cool shit, guys.

[-] EldritchFeminity 4 points 6 days ago

I used my launch day PS4 controller up until last year without ever having to unlatch a cover or unscrew a screw. After more than a decade of use, I finally had to open the case and replace the USB port with a new board I bought for $2 by unscrewing and unplugging the old one and swapping it out with the new one.

Why are you acting like having to replace the battery is this super inconvenient thing that you'll have to do frequently when the odds of having to do so more than once every 5-10 years is unlikely with proper care? I'd consider having to replace AA batteries more of a hassle than that. Especially if they go bad and leak all over the contacts or something. Crystalized battery acid is a pain in the ass to clean out.

[-] artyom@piefed.social 1 points 6 days ago

Why are you acting like having to replace the battery is this super inconvenient thing that you'll have to do frequently

...I don't know how to be more clear about this. I don't want to be tethered to a cable. The only other way to charge it is by removing it. I didn't come up with this ridiculous suggestion. My suggestion was using a battery door, like my current Steam Controller has.

Especially if they go bad and leak all over the contacts or something. Crystalized battery acid is a pain in the ass to clean out.

I don't use lead acid battery.

[-] EldritchFeminity 5 points 6 days ago

People think this is a crazy complaint because the controller has an estimated battery life of something like 30 hours and a wireless charger included. So as long as you remember to put it on the dock when you put the controller down once every couple of days, you shouldn't have to worry about your battery's charge.

I agree that being able to hot swap the battery would be nice, but this is closer to having to remember to charge your phone and being able to change the battery in a phone at all is a crazy concept in this day and age.

[-] rebelsimile@sh.itjust.works 61 points 1 week ago

Not downvoting you, but you’re not being reasonable. Serviceable means actually serviceable. It might be “better” to use AA batteries but if they can’t, the next best thing would be that it can be serviced by the actual end consumer. And yeah if you’re planning on fixing your own things you may need to own a screwdriver.

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[-] RedWeasel@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago

I'd rather have screws than those clip-in covers that break or having to pry the device open like some brands of devices, ie most of the tech industry. Somewhere in the middle. Quickly being able to replace a battery easily a plus don't get me wrong, but I don't want it getting torn up in the process one either extreme. I am ok with it may take several minutes, but not with "can I buff this out" or "where is the tape/glue".

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this post was submitted on 15 Nov 2025
271 points (100.0% liked)

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