PlayStation controllers have one thing ahead of Xbox controllers – they have a built-in battery. To be fair, you have to say that they also cost more. If you buy a new Xbox controller or a new console, you will still find two AA batteries in the scope of delivery, at least you can start playing right away, but when these are all you need new batteries. Microsoft itself is of course aware of this issue and officially offers its own battery pack, which is supplied with a long cable. Basically not a bad investment, but the battery will often run out at some point, as you don’t necessarily have to attach the controller to the cable again after playing. Docking stations are better suited for the controllers, the market is full of them, very few are officially certified by Xbox. Today we’re going to show you a docking station that has been certified by Microsoft for the Xbox controller and thus meets a certain quality standard – the HyperX ChargePlay.
How the HyperX ChargePlay works
In addition to the docking station itself, the HyperX ChargePlay comes with two rechargeable batteries, which can be used in the controller instead of the AA batteries. The batteries have a capacity of 1400 mAh, which corresponds to the same performance that Microsoft batteries offer.
In order to be able to use the docking station, the battery cover must also be replaced. For this purpose, four different flaps are included in the scope of delivery, two each for Xbox One and Xbox Series controllers.
Once the controllers have been converted, you can place them on the docking station and they will be charged automatically. You can see the charging status by means of two LEDs on top of the docking station.
Incidentally, charging the batteries via the USB port of the controller is not possible.
WarumHyperX ChargePlay?
Here are two points:
Advantages of HyperX ChargePlay over Microsoft Xbox Play & Charge Kit
A docking station basically has the advantage that when you are not playing, the controller is always charged. With the implementation, as offered by Microsoft itself, you have to connect the cable every time, which experience shows that you do not always do. So it can happen that, despite the built-in battery, the controllers run out at some point when you want to play.
The controllers are always ready for use on a docking station when you are too.
Of course, there is also a disadvantage, the replacement of the battery flap does not always look visually coherent, with the black controllers this actually has no effect at all, if you have a white controller, the battery flap would normally be white, then it is just black. This also applies to other variations of controllers and special editions, such as the Cyberpunk 2077 controller.
Nevertheless, the use here speaks for itself. Especially if you have two controllers, the HyperX ChargePlay is much more practical.
Advantages over similar products
If you search for “Xbox controller battery” or “Xbox controller docking station” on Amazon, you get a lot of offers, but be careful! Many of the products offered on Amazon, some of which are also recognized as bestsellers or Amazon’s Choice, are not officially licensed by Microsoft. The consequence may be that the product does not really fit your Xbox, and in case of doubt it can even cause damage. In addition, the quality of batteries from the Far East is often not particularly good and, in the worst case, can even lead to fire, which often happens with smartphones.
We generally advise against using batteries for the Xbox, which are charged outside of the controller, as the controller is exposed to unnecessary physical stress when inserting and removing the battery.
Especially with the docking stations, however, it is also noticeable that the performance does not correspond to what HyperX offers with the ChargePlay. Instead of the 1400 mAh, which is also used by Microsoft’s own battery, you can often find docking stations with 1200 mAh or even only 800 mAh, which means that the controller’s battery is much shorter.
Price-performance
Of course you also ask yourself whether a rechargeable battery or a docking station with rechargeable batteries for the Xbox controller is worthwhile at all. We are of the opinion that a higher price has to be paid, especially compared to batteries, but you don’t have to constantly replace the batteries and dispose of the old ones. If you decide to use a battery, you can orientate yourself well by what other products on the market cost.
Microsoft is asking for a retail price of 55 euros for the Xbox controller, a PlayStation controller with a built-in battery costs 70 euros. This leaves about € 15 difference that you can pay for a battery. The original battery from Microsoft costs € 22.99 and is therefore a bit more expensive. If you buy two, you would already be 50 euros for two batteries with cables, HyperX ChargePlay costs 40 euros RRP. So it is even cheaper to buy the docking station including the batteries instead of just the original batteries.
recommendation
Before you get the next best battery on Amazon for your Xbox, make sure that it is certified in any case. Batteries that are charged outside of the controller should be avoided.
Especially if you use two controllers, HyperX ChargePlay is worthwhile. Despite the additional docking station, the price is below that of Microsoft with the same battery capacity. Thanks to the docking station, the controllers are always charged, ready for use and finally have a permanent place in your apartment.
