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.
I own an 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ controller that has a neat feature: It comes with a rechargeable battery back that is user replaceable via a simple back cover, but regular AA batteries can also be used in the same slot instead.
Kinda like an Xbox controller, except that the rechargeable battery was actually included instead of being a separate purchase, and no adapter is needed for either battery types.
I had something similar to this for the original fat gameboy in the 90s, except instead of being a rechargeable battery, which weren’t really worth it then, it was a plug-in adapter, and it replaced the battery cover panel to do so.
I genuinely don’t understand why that sort of thing doesn’t exist anymore, either as plug adapters or as rechargeable bricks (or both, why not), so you can fall back on standard AA or AAA if necessary. They’d be standardized parts so manufacturers would only get the original sale but… so? Would it not also be just easier from a manufacturer standpoint?
I don’t recall the Xbox rechargeable battery pack requiring an adapter. It just pops in where the AAs would be.