Each of HP Reverb G2 controllers needs two AA batteries. Batteries are expected to last for 10–15 hours of play time. Buying a bunch of single-use alkaline batteries is a viable choice, but getting yourselves rechargeable ones could be a better long-term solution.

However, G2 controllers have rather a non-standard requirement: the batteries should have 1.5–1.6 V each. This is fine with single-use alkaline batteries, but classical NiMH rechargeable batteries are only 1.2 V, so they would not work properly. Therefore, you should only buy NiZn or Li-pol/Li-ion rechargeable batteries. We’ve put together a list of batteries people in the community usually buy (no warranty).

We recommend getting Li-ion batteries over NiZn ones. Li-ion batteries have higher charge cycle count, don’t suffer from self-discharge and generally require less care. On the other hand, they can be more dangerous potentialy (bursting into flames when damaged).

Also please be aware that each type of batteries needs a special charger and should not be charged with chargers for other types of batteries!

If you put 1.2V batteries in the controllers, the controllers think the battery level is low and enter power saving mode. In the power saving mode, haptics (vibration motors) are disabled and the tracking LEDs have their brightness reduced, making the tracking less reliable. This is the same across all Windows Mixed Reality controllers.

We do not recommend buying cheap rechargeable batteries from China as they could pose a safety risk. Please note that basically all of the brands below are probably made in China, but when buying on Amazon, you have some guarantee at least. However, bigclivedotcom did quite a positive teardown review on the Jugee brand (there is also an extensive manual for the batteries here). We also have positive feedback from the community for the Hixon batteries. Project Farm also made a thorough review of many lithium rechargeable batteries.

You can buy either 4 or 8 batteries. If you buy 8, you’ll make sure that you will never have to wait for the batteries to charge.