HyperX Chargeplay Duo Xbox review: A charging station up to the task

As Microsoft continues to use AA batteries in its Xbox Series X, we are waiting for the Series X | S solution, to fix this old problem. Finally, a 16 year old problem.

In the meantime, we tested their 8th gen charging dock. As the name suggests, the main attraction of ChargePlay Duo HyperX’s Xbox resides in its two batteries and space for two controllers on its charging cradle.

Presentation

Packaging includes two batteries, two battery covers for easy charging, dual charge dock and AC power cable.

To use the kit, place the battery in your controller, then simply replace the original battery covers with the ones provided. By resting your controller in its cradle, charging will begin - there are small grooves to guide your controller to the perfect charging position. A white light on the corresponding zone will indicate that it is working. There is a light for each charging cavity which is good.

The back covers of the HyperX ChargePlay Duo each have a square opening to allow the battery charge pads to touch the corresponding blades. It is a clever solution that makes it easy to charge and recover the batteries. This means that we cannot load and play as the name might suggest. It’s necessary two o’clock to fully charge the other battery, which means you will have to play a single player game for a while.

The base is weighted and has rubber feet to keep it stable on your desk or TV stand. These details are sometimes overlooked in this type of docking station and are sorely lacking when they are absent.

Ergonomics

Both batteries have a capacity of 1,400 mAh each. That’s about half of what a decent pair of AA batteries contains, and the difference is really noticeable. A pair of AA batteries can work for more than 40 hours, while the ChargePlay Duo will not reach 20 hours. The 16-hour ChargePlay Duo is a bit better than the standard PS4 battery, but less than Microsoft’s battery, which offers 30 hours per charge.

Using the mains as a power source is generally a good choice. HyperX ChargePlay Duo is always powered on, whether or not your console is receiving power from its ports. It also has the juice to charge both batteries at the same time and at the same rate. And finally, that means you’re not using a valuable USB port on your Xbox. On the other hand, the TV and Xbox already take two outlets, so some of you will need an extension cord.

As mentioned before, not being able to literally load and play is a bit of a pain. This could have been fixed if HyperX ChargePlay Duo allowed users to charge a battery without being housed in a second controller. If you don’t have a second controller, you will have to endure some downtime.

HyperX Chargeplay Duo Xbox review: review

The endurance is top notch and the ease of use is commendable. It works superbly well with a second controller ready to accommodate the second battery. It is flawless with another grip close at hand.

The ChargePlay Duo makes the most of its layout with a smart design. The ease with which you can drop them to recharge and its stable base are two of the things that struck me the most.