system
A chat on subreddit /r/pcmasterrace
human
Been thinking getting the one with the dongle. When it comes to charging the battery, do I just plug it with a USB cable or does it require actual batteries?
gpt
The Xbox controllers require 2 AA batteries. There are a number of third party battery packs you can buy that will charge inside the controllers when you plug it in. Normal expendable batteries work fine. I personally use a bunch of rechargeable batteries around the house and just use some of those.

Downside is it is more expense.

Upside is the controller will (or should) outlive the batteries which ever type you use.