No, what we need are lithium batteries in the form factors and power outputs of traditional batteries.

All my Xbox360 controllers still work fine, but none of my PS3' Dualshock 3s.

The Steam Controller battery is user replaceable. It's not AA "pop it out and throw a new one in from the charger" like a Logitech F710, but you can open the back cover and replace the battery.

My main concern about that is that using AA and AAA form factors promotes the use of disposable dry cell batteries, even if nickel or lithium cells are just as widely available. And, realistically, not even the closest Li-ion form factor is fully compatible with AA, and Ni-MH sucks balls.

The controller is also filled to the gills with hardware. Doesn't look like there's enough volume left for AA or AAA receptacles without giving it an underbelly to rival the Xbox Duke.

I think it is way more inconvenient when you pick up a dead controller and fiddle around with long cables then taking the minuit to swap out AAs. Recharchable AAs are so much more convenient and as you said ensure the controller's longevity. I am still rocking the original steam controller.

I don't want to have to pay a subscription for physical disposable fuel pods for my controller, and it would be really nice if plugging it in cut down on input delay.

I was disappointed too. I have a handful of eneloops I use with my Steam Controllers, that last me a few months each charge.

For my partners Switch, we have 3 wireless controllers with rechargeable AAs as well. Meanwhile the Switch Pro Controller is dead as shit.

I get it, people want blocks of lithium around their house. But if you’re used to how good eneloops are this is a huge disappointment.

I absolutely would have preferred to use my existing rechargeable AA collection. I have them in a tray next to a charger on my desk, the charger shows the condition of the battery and swaps are fast, no need for disassembly and risking breaking plastic clips on the shell like happens every time I have opened a ps4 controller to replace not the battery but the charging board.

Disagree. I bought the rechargeable replacement for all my xbox controllers. When those wore out, after years, I just replaced them with another rechargeable. Too Easy. I think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill.

The new Steam controler reminds me of this!

I have an 8bitdo that sits in a cradle and turns on automatically when you pick it up. Never having to worry about batteries is so nice I would never have it any other way.

Funny, the steam frame using AA’s was disappointing to me. There’s multiple types of rechargeable AA’s on the market and having them through the controller and not potentially cause problems would be difficult as I understand it. Valve has been pretty good about parts being replaceable and available, the steam deck’s parts are sold through ifixit.

Li-ion is fine but it should've been removable. The wireless Xbox controller was great how it let you swap the pack and keep going.