Microsoft forgot to include batteries with its Xbox controllers for over four months

Have you bought an Xbox Series X controller in the last four months? You could be owed thousands... of hours of gameplay.

Microsoft yesterday took to Twitter to announce a mistake with its shipping of Xbox controllers - it seems that "a limited number" of gamepads have been sent out without their accompanying Duracell batteries since December last year. As originally spotted by Pure Xbox, the brand is offering free rechargeable battery packs to those affected - just head to the dedicated support page to start your request.

Xbox controllers have used a simple set of AA batteries for wireless connection ever since the 360. Whether you love the freedom or hate the landfill (or both), it looks like they're here to stay. Duracell conspiracy theories aside (some argue that the two brands signed a marketing deal at some point, but that's never been proven), there are plenty of reasons the base controller uses replaceable charges.

After all, there's nothing stopping players picking up a set of rechargeable AAs (about $13 at Amazon) or a charge kit (the PowerA version comes in at $20, currently $12.99 at Amazon). It's an extra fee, of course, but if you value that versatility it's worth the extra freedom.

For now, Microsoft is righting its mistake- the rechargeable battery pack it's offering to all customers who received battery-less controllers is worth far more than a set of replaceable sticks. The official pack will run you around $24.99 at full price (but is regularly on sale, and currently $15.69 at Walmart).

To claim yours, head to account.microsoft.com/devices, register your controller, and then select the 'Start order' option from the controller menu. Use 'Accessory' for the category and 'Charge Kit' for the Issue Type when prompted.

• See all Xbox rechargeable batteries at Amazon

We're also rounding up all the best PC controllers and the best PS5 controllers for more options - or check out the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers.