🔋 Xbox 360 Battery Pack Life Calculator
Estimate how long your rechargeable battery pack lasts based on your exact usage
| Battery Type | Capacity | Voltage | Est. Play Time | Charge Time | Cycle Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEM NiMH Pack | 2000 mAh | 2.4V | 20 – 25 hrs | ~8 hrs | ~500 cycles |
| OEM Li-Ion Pack | 2600 mAh | 3.7V | 25 – 30 hrs | ~6 hrs | ~300 cycles |
| 3rd-Party NiMH | 1800 mAh | 2.4V | 15 – 20 hrs | ~5 hrs | ~400 cycles |
| AA Alkaline x2 | ~2500 mAh | 3.0V | 30 – 40 hrs | N/A | Single use |
| AA NiMH x2 (2500) | 2500 mAh | 2.4V | 25 – 35 hrs | ~4 hrs | ~1000 cycles |
| Scenario | Base Draw | Rumble Add | Headset Add | Total Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menu / Idle | 70 mW | — | — | 70 mW |
| Casual Gaming | 95 mW | +10 mW | — | 105 mW |
| Normal Gaming + Rumble | 110 mW | +30 mW | — | 140 mW |
| Intense + Rumble + Headset | 130 mW | +40 mW | +10 mW | 180 mW |
| Intense (no accessories) | 130 mW | — | — | 130 mW |
| Pack Age | NiMH Capacity | Li-Ion Capacity | Expected Life Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| New | 2000 mAh (100%) | 2600 mAh (100%) | — |
| ~1 Year | 1800 mAh (90%) | 2340 mAh (90%) | –10% |
| ~2 Years | 1560 mAh (78%) | 2028 mAh (78%) | –22% |
| ~3 Years | 1300 mAh (65%) | 1690 mAh (65%) | –35% |
| Heavily Used | 1000 mAh (50%) | 1300 mAh (50%) | –50% |
The wireless controls of Xbox 360 run on two AA-batteries. They are very common, and many families already own some extras that sit around. The cover of the batteries sits behind the control, and a little button opens it.
For the wireless controls of Xbox 360, the usual solution stays the AA-batteries that fit in the special Battery Pack.
Xbox 360 Controller Batteries and Tips
The Battery Pack for AA-batteries are connected in series, so that the two batteries of 1.5 V join one after the another. When the control seems too sensitive and runs poorly during the game, maybe a safety fuse in those nearby wires cause the problem. Controls of Xbox 360 with AA-batteries however drain them slowly even when they are not used, although the speed ranges according to the model of the control and the settings.
Extra backup covers for the Battery Pack come in black or white colour, that serve as spare parts for the wireless control. When the original cover got lost, some users simply set two coins above the batteries for a quick fix and it really helps.
For use over long time, the rechargeable versions are the best option. Microsoft offers a rechargeable Battery Pack from NiMH, that fits exactly in the space of the control. These packs charge by means of an outside cable of the Play and Charge or by means of a special battery charger for it.
The Quick Play and Charge Kit is another official solution, that allows warm changes of the packs during the game. Simply place the dead one on the charger and plug in a fresh one. Also third-party rechargeable Battery Pack units with double station for charging work well and commonly cost less.
Rechargeable NiMH AA-batteries work too, but they drain more quickly then the alkaline ones. The wireless controls of Xbox 360 are a bit picky about AA-batteries and prefer the 1.5 V alkaline over the 1.2 V NiMH. Lithium-ion rechargeable AA-batteries in 1.5 V are a good option.
The Eneloop batteries are rated as the best rechargeable AA for that use. They last several hours during long gaming sessions and can be used for other devices, like modern controls of Xbox. Buying a good charger, that checks the batteries and stops the process when they are full, is a clear advantage.
Problems with dead rechargeable Battery Pack units that fail commonly come from bad contact, worn pins, bent pack body or old connection for the battery. A bit of cleaning of the springs in the battery space with a steel brush can sometimes fix it. Do not leave batteries in any electronic device for long timewhen it is not used, because they can leak acids, that corrode the metal connections.
Some rechargeable Battery Pack units have capacity of 300 mAh from lithium-ion. A brand new battery of Xbox 360, that sat in the box for more than ten years, can lose all its charge.
