I actually prefer rechargeable batteries.

But rechargeable lithium batteries in AA form factor are cheap and cheerful. Even low quality ones will get 20 hours in that situation. So I have no more room to complain.

Valve is weirdly good at making controllers efficient. The original steam controller could get 80 hours out of two AAs if you turn off rumble.

Why? It is a bummer to keep them, buy them when suddently they stop working, etc.

While chargeable needs just a usb-c socket.

Devices with internal batteries basically have embedded expiration dates.

Standard AAA or AA can be rechargeable so you don’t need to keep buying more. I’d suggest buying like a 100 pack or something, they’re not expensive.

The ideal would be rechargeable AA battery support with a built-in USB-C that would natively support charging said AA battery.

AA batteries have lots of different chemistries and they require different chargers or can't be charged at all.

At this point so many battery packs use the 2 double-a batteries side-by-side, I wish they just sold those as a usb-c rechargeable cartridge, that would make a lot of sense

You can also get a USB charger for them which is very convenient.

Check this out

https://addison-electronique.com/en/aaa-li-poly-rechargeable...

Has technology gone too far

I’ve seen mice with rechargeable AA batteries. Plugging in the mouse recharged the battery (the mouse is basically a battery charger). But you can also quickly swap them in and out if the cable is inconvenient. Best of both worlds.

Allow me to recommend low self-discharge NiMH batteries (Eneloop brand is excellent) and a good charger made for that chemistry.