Based on the description on their site, the controller includes a built-in battery: "8.39 Wh Li-ion battery, 35+ hours of gameplay... "
That was disappointing for me. Specially condidering the Steam Frame's controllers make use of AA batteries: "One replaceable AA battery per controller, 40hr battery life"
AA Batteries might not be as convenient to use, but being able to replace them is a great advantage. All my Xbox360 controllers still work fine, but none of my PS3' Dualshock 3s.
The official docking station could be used to recharge (rechargables) AA batteries so the functionality could remain the same.
In a world where every household has rechargeable AA batteries, absolutely - but until and unless we successfully regulate away disposable batteries this solution (internal battery, easy to replace thanks to Right to Repair) will likely remain the most realistic, environmentally friendly one.
Before you start establishing a working group to assess the impact of creating a commitee to judge the effect of switching to replacable cells, what if...
What if the companies just packed a few universal rechargable cells with their product? I meam the charging circuit is already a part of the design.
…lol, yes! Unless it’s the EU, they managed to get on the USB-C standardisation pretty early - there’s a chance we might see something like this out of them before 2050 🤞🏻
I do worry about the Monkey’s Paw nature of capitalism though, with the regulations on vaping here accidentally causing a surge of ‘disposable’ vapes equipped with lithium ion batteries - ending up having something similar occur as a result.
Duplicating charging circuits also seems a bit wasteful, especially if manufacturers cheap out and use the lowest quality components - rather than having a high-quality centralised GaN charger or similar.
What do you need AA batteries for? And why do you think the whole world also does?
You have missed my point entirely. OP is disappointed that the Steam Controller doesn’t use AAs, while the Steam Frame controllers do.
Easily replaceable, rechargeable batteries are the best solution we as a society currently have for electronic devices. We can’t force people to not use disposables - so internals like that on the Steam Controller is the best-fit solution currently.
As an aside, we currently have ~20 or so AA Eneloops in circulation in our household currently, from TV and AC remotes, to children’s toys, to IOT devices.
You are right. Thank you for replying.
Personally I only always buy those enegizer alkaline batteries. Didn't know you could recharge them, might try next time. I've almost usually always chuck them in the bin.
You cannot charge those, please do not try unless you like the smell of burnt chemicals or a house fire (or both), alkaline batteries are not rechargeable. There are lithium rechargeable batteries with the same form factor (AA, AAA, etc.) or if you use older ones there are also NI-MH or NI-CD (really old).
Just to clarify, the alkaline batteries like below are not rechargeable, and if you try you will have a bad time:
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Energizer have their own range of rechargeable batteries, that look like this:
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If you have an IKEA nearby, their LADDA (I think?) branded rechargeable batteries tend to be a quite affordable entry point.