The decision to use AA batteries for Xbox controllers has been a source of console war controversy since the first wireless Xbox controller, so why not swap them out for a rechargeable option?

This is exactly where Xbox controller charging stations come in. With these kits, you can replace the AA batteries with a rechargeable battery pack and simply put the controller on the stand while you’re not using it. The question is whether this is worth the hassle or if you should just stick to using disposable AA batteries.

It’s a Neat Way to Store Your Controllers

Setting aside the whole charging thing for a minute, a charging station gives you a dedicated place to put your controllers. No more just leaving them lying around loose. This means you won’t forget where they are, they aren’t in harm’s way, and your gaming area will look less messy.

On the flip side, you can just get a non-charging stand to get all of the same benefits, but if you don’t currently have any sort of stand then this is definitely a benefit to consider.

You’ll Always Start With a Full Charge

There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of an intense game, especially online games that can’t be paused, only to face a dead battery. If you use a charging station for your Xbox controller then you know you’re starting every gaming session with enough juice in the tank to make it all the way through.

It’s Less Wasteful (Maybe)

Let’s face it, every time you throw those spent AA batteries in the trash, you feel a little guilty about the environment. It’s true that it can be less wasteful to use a recharging station setup, but there’s more nuance to the discussion than that.

Modern disposable batteries no longer have the toxic components that made them such a menace in landfills, and some lithium batteries contain cobalt sourced from problematic parts of the world. So it’s not that clear-cut. However, if you’re throwing away a huge number of batteries a year, it’s probably better to have rechargeable batteries that last you years and only get thrown away once.

Rechargeable Batteries May Have Lower Capacity

While this can differ depending on the exact model of battery, rechargeable controller battery packs often have less total capacity than disposable AA batteries. This translates to shorter sessions before the controller needs to be recharged again. Of course, this is offset by the fact that you’re putting the controller on charge as soon as you’re done playing, and even lower-capacity batteries will run an Xbox controller for longer than the vast majority of people will play in one session.

Recharging Can Take a Long Time

While lithium batteries generally charge quite quickly, many rechargeable packs for Xbox controllers still use Ni-Cd (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, which take hours to charge in some cases. If you have short periods between your gaming sessions, it might just be faster to swap out disposable AA batteries if the charge runs out.

Using Rechargeable Batteries Without a Stand

It’s also important to point out that you can just use rechargeable batteries without a charging station setup. Nothing stops you from buying several rechargeable AA batteries that use a wall charger and just swapping them out as needed. This is the best choice if you don’t actually have the room for one of these stands or need to game for longer than the charge cycle can handle.

Compatibility Concerns

Most of these charging docks are designed to work with the standard Xbox controllers that come with the console. This means they probably won’t work with specialist controllers like the Xbox Elite range, or third-party controllers not made by Microsoft.

If you’ve decided that a charging dock is the right solution for you, here are a few of the best we think are worth considering.

Fosmon Quad Pro 2 Max Charger

The Fosmon Quad Pro 2 Max Charger presents a compelling solution for gamers tired of the constant battle with disposable batteries during intense gaming sessions. This charging dock, designed specifically for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One controllers, including the Elite version (though not compatible with the Elite 2 controller), offers a convenient and eco-friendly alternative. Equipped with two controller slots and four 2200mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries, the device promises to deliver up to 40-45 hours of playtime on a single charge. This not only extends gaming sessions but also contributes to significant savings by eliminating the need for disposable batteries, aligning with a more sustainable gaming practice.

The charger’s design emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, featuring a ‘place and charge’ system that allows gamers to easily dock their controllers for charging. The inclusion of smart charging capabilities, such as overheating and short-circuit protection, along with LED indicators for charging status, enhances the user experience by ensuring safety and convenience. The dock’s ability to charge up to four batteries simultaneously, with two in the controllers and two in the dock, means gamers can always have a set of fully charged batteries ready to swap in, ensuring minimal downtime.

Looking at customer reviews, there are some minor quibbles about durability, particularly when it comes to the “flimsy” feel of the battery covers.

PowerA Solo Charging Stand for Xbox Series X|S

Most charging docks are designed to take at least two controllers, but these days there are few games that actually allow for local multiplayer, so most people just use two controllers to swap them out if the battery runs out on their current one.

However, that’s more a PlayStation problem with the relatively short battery life of DualShock and DualSense. For Xbox controllers, with their long battery lives, you really only need one on charge. That’s where the PowerA Solo charging stand comes into the picture. It’s affordable, takes up a minimal amount of space, and if you do want to charge a second controller at some point all you have to do is buy a second Solo.

This is an officially licensed product, so it’s approved by Microsoft, which means you don’t have to worry about messing up your Series controllers. It comes with a single 1100mAh battery, and two battery covers for some reason we can’t figure out.

OIVO XSX Controller Charger Station

This kit from OIVO is extremely popular, and it’s not hard to see why. It comes with two battery packs, each promising about 20 hours of playtime per charge. What’s really interesting is that you can charge just the battery in the dock, or the battery while attached to the controller. This means that even if you only have one controller, this kit is still worth it because you can hot-swap the two battery packs and charge the one you’ve just depleted while you play.

The batteries are rated for 3000 charge cycles before they start degrading, which works out 60,000 hours of play time per battery. We don’t care how hard-core you are, that’s probably way more than you actually need.

Charging speeds are also great, with a full charge taking about 2.5 hours to complete. So you’ll never have to worry about depleting the current battery before the other one is done charging. You also don’t have to worry about overcharging, since the dock has protection against overcharging, overheating, and overvolting.

The only real negative thing we have to say about the OIVO is that it looks a little cheap, but if you can live with that it’s a good option.

8BitDo Charging Dock for Xbox Wireless Controllers

We’re big fans of 8BitDo, who have been creating wonderful niche controller solutions for many years now. While their controllers are great, here they’ve created an accessory for a controller produced by someone else.

Like the PowerA, this is an officially licensed product, and as usual, 8BitDo has outdone itself and shows why they have a reputation for quality at a good price.

This is one of the best-looking charging stands we’ve seen, and it really does match the aesthetic of the original controllers well. The indicator light is well-integrated, and it has a magnetically secured charging design.

This is overall a very similar product to the PowerA, while being just a little bit more expensive. So pick the one that you like the look of most, but either would be a great choice for single-controller charging.

8Bitdo Dual Charging Dock for Xbox Wireless Controllers

Our last suggested charging dock is also from 8BitDo, but this time it’s a dual-charging dock if you want two controllers ready to go when you need them.

The aesthetics of the dual-charger model are however quite different, with a very cool translucent design, and molded inserts for the controller grips. This is one accessory that will make your current Xbox setup look just that much cooler.

Despite those deep inserts, there’s still 8BitDo’s magnetic secure charging, and you get two 1100mAh batteries in the kit. To fully charge one controller takes about 3 hours, and if you want to charge two from empty, it will take about 3.5 hours. Not bad at all!

The Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?

In short, the answer is “yes.” We think charging stations are an awesome accessory for any console, and that includes your Xbox. While you can definitely buy a big bag of cheap disposable AA batteries, that’s not an ideal solution in anyone’s book. Also, the low price of these charging stations will quickly pay for itself.