system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: how can a tv remote sit around all day not wasting it’s batteries and immediately be picked up and used (without having to be turned on), while something like a game controller must be turned on first before use, and if you left it on all day it would drain the batteries even while not in use?
gpt
a tv remote is a usually one way communication and uses IR.  the remote emits a signal when a button is pushed and the tv receives it.  it's like using smoke signals.  

a game controller communicates through bluetooth which is active two way communication.  just by keeping it on and idle, it'll consume power.  and controllers can also do other things, such as transmit audio, rumble, etc.