Xbox CMOS battery issue fix is being worked on

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Xbox is pledging to look into consoles continuing to run after the internal CMOS battery eventually dies.

Earlier this year, it was reported that an issue with the PS4 and PS5's internal CMOS battery could one day render the consoles unplayable, when the battery inevitably dies. In the following months however, Sony launched a software update for both consoles that remedied the issue, allowing both PlayStation consoles to continue playing games even after the battery failed.

"The hardware team is hearing the message about our consoles […] should allow for the ongoing relationship between the player and the content that they own. So we hear the message and the teams are looking at things," Spencer said.

At present, there is one way of saving a console if a CMOS battery dies. If users can connect to Xbox or PlayStation online services when a CMOS battery dies, they'll be able to authenticate their console, thus letting it continue to play games. The concern is that if Xbox or PlayStation online services were ever to shut down, the consoles would then be useless if they're lacking a CMOS battery. It's a relief then, to hear that Xbox is attempting to fix the issue, just like Sony has over the past few months.

If you're still on the hunt for a new-gen Xbox console, head over to our Xbox Series X stock updates guide for more.

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Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.