Recharging the Wireless Controller - Clarified

Justin Buser · 26-08-2005, 02:25 AM

A quick clarification was considered in order by Major Nelson with regards to getting the wireless controllers for the Xbox 360, and whether the system packages come with anything you can use to recharge them...

Quote:

Well, a few questions regarding the 360’s wireless/rechargeable peripherals came up a few days ago, and it seemed like a good idea to ask the major himself for the [un]official lowdown. Here’s the gist of what he had to say:

In the $399.99 Xbox 360 package (and not the $299.99 Core one), you’ll get a wireless controller AND 2 batteries (AA) to run the controller with.

The $19.99 Play and Charge Kit will come with the cable AND a rechargeable battery pack.

The $11.99 Rechargeable Battery Pack won’t come with anything else, so you’ll need the cable from the Play and Charge Kit to recharge it.

Update: This information is subject to change. [Thanks, Major Nelson!]

Source: Joystiq

pApA SmerF01 · 26-08-2005, 02:19 PM

that's a really good find matt!

i was a little curious as to what the cost was going to be.

Sfx7 · 27-08-2005, 11:29 PM

So in order to charge the controller you must buy the play and charge kit, either that or simply replace the AA batteries with fresh ones?

Joergen · 28-08-2005, 01:04 AM

Will the Play and Charge kit follow the premium pacage? or only the batteries

Nomino · 28-08-2005, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joergen

Will the Play and Charge kit follow the premium pacage? or only the batteries

Eh?!

The wireless controller in the Premium Pack comes with 2 standard AA batteries. When they run out, you have several options:

1) Buy some more disposable AA batteries
2) Buy some rechargeable AA batteries and a separate charger
3) Buy the official "Play and Charge" kit from Microsoft
4) Forget wireless, and buy a wired controller

If you want to see the battery level "fuel gauge" in the dashboard, I think you need the official battery pack which comes with option 3.

Joergen · 28-08-2005, 05:18 AM

thats what i though, gonna buy the Play and Charge kit too then

korphaeron · 28-08-2005, 06:07 AM

Ive ordered the Play and Charge kit with my 360, but thats only as I dont have AA Rechargeables in the house

Joergen · 28-08-2005, 06:14 AM

When i ordered my Premium, i couldnt order anything else than premium or core.. no games or anything :/ so i have to go to the stores to get the games, or play xbox live arcade the first day :P

idontknow · 29-08-2005, 11:03 PM

i dont want wireless controllers, imagine if your batteries run out in the middle of a boss batlle or important race

ShadowX · 31-08-2005, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idontknow

i dont want wireless controllers, imagine if your batteries run out in the middle of a boss batlle or important race

You've gotta be pretty lazy if that happens, it should last 120+ hours if it is any good, and if you have a play and charge kit, you shouldn't have problems, just plug it in and use it wired.

Grumpy Old Fart · 31-08-2005, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadowX

You've gotta be pretty lazy if that happens, it should last 120+ hours if it is any good.

I think 120 hours is a bit optimistic, especially since 30 hours is ehat's been quoted at the moment for the wireless controller before batteries will need recharging.

From xbox.com

Quote:

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox® Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries

ShadowX · 31-08-2005, 10:09 AM

30 hours? Third party controllers right now can get 4x as long, hopefully it will last longer charged up, not just on AA's.

Gee · 31-08-2005, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadowX

30 hours? Third party controllers right now can get 4x as long, hopefully it will last longer charged up, not just on AA's.

You'll get up to 25hrs play time with Microsofts rechargeable battery pack.
Also you'll get plenty warning when the battery needs rechargeing(2hr warning)

Grindstone · 31-08-2005, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadowX

30 hours? Third party controllers right now can get 4x as long, hopefully it will last longer charged up, not just on AA's.

Eh? What 3rd party company makes a wireless controller that lasts 120 hours- seriously, I want one.

Gee · 31-08-2005, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grindstone

Eh? What 3rd party company makes a wireless controller that lasts 120 hours- seriously, I want one.

Nintendo wavebird is around 100hrs but has no rumble feature

TRouBLe · 01-09-2005, 03:41 PM

i'm getting wireless and play and charge kit
i can get some rechargable batteries but i preffer it the official way

Romper Stomper · 01-09-2005, 10:26 PM

Third party wireless controllers suck arse, in halo 2 one of mine shoots and throws a nade at the same time when you try to crouch or zoom.

G4everX · 01-09-2005, 11:04 PM

Logitechs Wireless controllers last about 100 hours without the rumble pack on. Though, around 50 with the rumble pack turned on.

scutterboy · 02-09-2005, 01:53 PM

the logitech cordless wingman is tops. I bought one for my Xbox and used it LOOOADs.
You can't buy it anymore though. You can get the precision version that doesn't have analogue shoulder pads.

TXSPheonix · 04-09-2005, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadowX

30 hours? Third party controllers right now can get 4x as long, hopefully it will last longer charged up, not just on AA's.

You guys probabley (definitaley) heard the announcement that MS won't allow 3rd party wireless accesories, right?