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

• 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.

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:

1. Go to account.microsoft.com/devices.
2. Select Register device > Register a new device.
3. Complete the registration flow.
4. Select the controller you registered, then select Start order, and follow the onscreen instructions.
5. For Category, select Accessory and for Issue Type, select Charge Kit.
6. 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.
7. 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.

The process also applies to select new Xbox Wireless Controllers and Xbox Design Lab controllers that did not include AA batteries in the packaging.

We rate the latest iteration of the official Xbox controller as one of the best Xbox controllers money can buy right now, but if you're waiting for something more flashy, then Forza Horizon 6 is reportedly getting a limited edition Xbox Wireless controller and headset alongside the game's launch next month.

The best Xbox controllers

➡️ Read our full guide to the best Xbox controllers
1. Best overall:
Xbox Wireless Controller
2. Best budget:
8BitDo Pro 2
3. Best premium:
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
4. Best wired:
GameSir Kaleid

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.