Did your Xbox controller recently ship without a battery included? Microsoft has finally acknowledged the issue and is compensating players with a 'one-time offer' — here's how you can claim yours

The offer only applies to select new Xbox Wireless Controllers and Xbox Design Lab controllers

09 Apr 2026, 16:05 by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/demi-williams · TechRadar

News By Demi Williams published 9 April 2026

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Chikena)

Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Become a Member in Seconds

Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful

Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.

Explore

An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter

Some Xbox wireless controllers have been shipping without a battery for months
Microsoft is now offering players a "one-time offer" to claim their missing item for free
Players can register their device online and receive an Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB‑C cable

Xbox users who recently received a shipped Xbox wireless controller without a battery can now receive compensation by claiming a free Rechargeable Battery + USB‑C cable.

In a new social media post today, Microsoft acknowledged that "a limited number of Xbox controllers have shipped without batteries since December" and those affected can now claim theirs at no extra cost.

"All controllers moving forward will include batteries," the company said.

Article continues below

Players affected can head over to Xbox support, where they'll be prompted to input their details and register their device in order to be eligible for their "one-time offer" and receive an Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB‑C cable, which typically costs $25.

Here's how you can claim yours:

Go to account.microsoft.com/devices.
Select Register device > Register a new device.
Complete the registration flow.
Select the controller you registered, then select Start order, and follow the onscreen instructions.
For Category, select Accessory and for Issue Type, select Charge Kit.
Select or enter your appropriate shipping address, then choose Send it to us for service. Note that you will not need to send in your controller.
If your controller is eligible, you'll see an offer for Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable - Send Immediately – One-Time Offer. Select this and continue with the steps to complete the order.

"Once your request is submitted, you’ll receive an Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable. Limit of one rechargeable battery per eligible controller," Microsoft said.

It noted that a retailer receipt isn't required so long as you can register your controller using its serial number, so don't worry if you've lost it.

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors