Based on the description on their site, the controller includes a built-in battery: "8.39 Wh Li-ion battery, 35+ hours of gameplay… "
That was disappointing for me. Specially condidering the Steam Frame’s controllers make use of AA batteries: “One replaceable AA battery per controller, 40hr battery life”
AA Batteries might not be as convenient to use, but being able to replace them is a great advantage. All my Xbox360 controllers still work fine, but none of my PS3’ Dualshock 3s.
The official docking station could be used to recharge (rechargables) AA batteries so the functionality could remain the same.
Yeah I love having non-user-replaceable batteries in my electronics devices to give them an inbuilt death timer.
Very zeitgeist.
Important to note that the controller is designed to be serviceable and Valve is partnering with a company to provide replacement parts.
It sounds like it’ll be as hard to replace the battery as old smart phones were, which makes it very customer friendly.