The new controller that comes with the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X needs batteries if you want to use it wirelessly. If you are willing to sacrifice the wireless connectivity, then you can use the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X controllers without AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack.
To find out how to do so, you can check out this step-by-step guide from Seeking Tech.
What are the advantages of using a wired connection for Xbox Series S and X controller?
The main reason you want to use a wired connection to connect your Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X controller is that you that you can save money from having to replace the AA batteries. If you are using a rechargeable battery pack instead, then you can save on your electricity bills.
Furthermore, connecting the controller over an USB connection to your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X console will get rid of any potential Bluetooth interference, which may cause disconnections, input lag and/or unresponsive inputs.
What are the disadvantages of using a wired connection for Xbox Series S and X controller?
The only real downside of using a wired connection to connect your controller to the Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X is that you may be tethered to the console. You can solve this issue, however, by getting a longer USB cable.
What USB cable type do you need to use the Xbox Series S and X controller over a wired connection?
In order to use the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X controller as a wired gamepad, you will need a USB-C to USB-A cable. Unfortunately, that cable type isn’t include with your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X console.
If you are looking for a compatible cable, then we recommend picking up the Anker USB-C to USB-A cable on Amazon with this link. (#CommissionsEarned).
How to connect your controller to Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X by using an USB cable
Now that you have a compatible cable, you can use connect your Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X controller to your console.
In order to do so, you can take the following steps:
1. Connect the USB-C end of the cable to the USB-C port of the controller. The port should be located in the same area as the sync button.
Note: You can choose to take out the AA batteries or rechargeable battery back from your controller as you won’t need them when you are connected over a wired connection.
Even if you keep the AA batteries or battery back installed, the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X controller will be using power through the USB connection instead.
We recommend keeping the AA batteries or battery back installed if you plan on using both wired and wireless connections.
2. You need to connect the USB-A end of the cable to one of the USB-A ports on your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X console.
3. With your controller connected to your console via the USB cable, press the Xbox button on your controller to turn on your console.
For the uninformed, the Xbox button is the flat button with the Xbox logo. It should light up when pressed.
Note: If you are using a controller that hasn’t been synced to your console, then this step will automatically sync your gamepad for use with your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X.
4. While you can start using your Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X controller immediately, we also recommend checking to see if there is any update available for the gamepad. In order to do so, first press the Xbox button to open the Guide menu.
5. In the Guide menu, press the RB button on your controller to go to the Profile & system tab.
6. On the Profile & system tab, go to Settings.
7. In Settings, scroll down and then select Devices & connections on the left column.
8. On the right side of the same screen, select Accessories.
9. In the Xbox Accessories menu, select the “…” option underneath your controller graphic.
10. In the Xbox Wireless Controller by Xbox menu, you should see the option to update, if there is one available, at the top.