Batteries can be an expense , especially in kids toys and games. A way to insure your stored batteries are powerful is to make sure they all are going in the same direction (positive and negative ends) secured by rubber bands, or in the original package, because if opposite ends touch it can shorten the life of the batteries. Also, and I was guilty of this, storing batteries in the refrigerator does not prolong the life of batteries. In fact, condensation can damage them. Another thing is to avoid is batteries touching any metal objects. Enclosing them in a baggie will solve this.