Xbox Elite Controller Review From Gadgets
Recently, Microsoft has launched the second version of its premium Xbox Elite controller. In view of this, I decided to share my experience of gaming with an elite gamepad of the first version and compare it with other controllers Steam, Sony DualShock 4, Nintendo Switch Pro which I have been using for the last ten years.
I acquired the Elite a couple of years ago. In those days, many called it unnecessary luxury and mocked the poor thing: What can Mikes do at all? Who needs a gamepad for this money? Is it made from gold?. Well, you know what? Time has sorted things out. Although this controller is hell expensive, for the last two years, I have been playing games only on it.
Is The Xbox One Elite Controller Better For Fortnite
Image Credit: Microsoft
I think a common question for gamers today is whether or not the back panel paddle buttons increase performance in shooting games. Right now, the talk of the gaming world is still Fortnite. Lets put it this way: yes, the Xbox One Elite Controller feels great for shooters, including the battle royale phenomenon. Still, if youre not great at the game itself, you wont get an edge on competition for buying the controller.
How Do I Update My Elite 2 Controller
To update your controller firmware:
Read Also: How To Share Xbox Screen On Discord
What Is The Xbox One Elite Controller
Image Credit: Microsoft
When the Xbox One released in 2013, the console included a base controller. The body of the Xbox One controller smoothed things out from the Xbox 360 days. The controller, in most ways, improved upon its predecessor. Then, two years after the Xbox One launched, Microsoft introduced the Xbox One Elite Controller. The move was very surprising, considering Microsoft spent nearly $100 million developing its base controller for the Xbox One. Why introduce a new version, at such a high price point?
The answer: the Elite controller is a premium product for serious gamers. I hate the term serious as if people are somehow not serious about the games. Plus, how serious can video games really be? In my eyes, the Elite controller offered a new option to people highly invested in their gaming experience. I think images of the controller intrigued many, but feeling the Elite peripheral is another story.
Performance And Xbox Accessories App
Where the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 really shines is in its software and performance improvements. The Series 2 provides you with more customization options then ever, but this time it goes right down to system level.
You can still customize the controller’s button mapping through the Xbox Accessories app , which allows you to configure everything from stick sensitivity to vibration and brightness. You can even set a button to be your ‘shift’ key, so other buttons can have more than one use.
But the most important aspect of this is setting up uses for your new paddles. We preferred assigning them to the X, A, Y and B buttons to avoid having to move our hands from the standard controller position.
If you can’t decide on just one set-up then don’t fret, you can save up to three custom profiles – and one default profile – on the controller and then switch between them using the aforementioned profile button on the front of the pad.
Button mapping can also be used to act as shortcuts for system actions such as recording gameplay, taking screenshots or seeing achievements. It’s worth noting, though, that this feature isn’t currently available on PC.
It takes some time to play around with the various customization options – both in terms of software and hardware – to find what works for you but, when you do, there’s no denying this is one of the best Xbox controller on the market.
Recommended Reading: Can You Download Discord On Xbox
Comparing The Xbox Elite With Other Controllers: Steam Controller Vs Sony Dualshock 4 Vs Nintendo Switch Pro
- The Steam Controller is basically an innovative gadget from very talented developers. It had been my favorite gamepad for a long time.
It is pretty large and weighty, which is the advantage. But still, the Steam Controller does not provide as good ergonomics in use as the Xbox Elite . Additionally, the lack of a second stick, in my view, is critical for third-party games: they are just not comfortable to play with.
The Steam Controller is, by and large, better as a mouse and keyboard replacement in games without gamepad support, but there are no many of such games today. Not without reason, the Valve has discontinued the production of its controller, having decided that there is no great consumer demand for the product. But I cannot fail to acknowledge, it is this controller that is really comfortable to play strategies like Total War or old RPG, such as the first and the second Fallout while sitting on the couch in front of the TV.
- The Sony DualShock 4. This controller made by a Japanese giant has multiple unquestionable advantages. It is comfortable in the hands, well-made, equipped with a built-in battery , and can be connected to a PC But there is something disappointing about this device.
First, the small weight: in comparison with the Xbox Elite, the DualShock feels like a trifling feather-like thing. Secondly, symmetrical thumbsticks. Thirdly, the lack of the consoles native support for many PC games .
The Internal Differences Between The Xbox Elite 1 And 2
To put it simply, the Xbox Elite 2 can do everything that the Xbox Elite 1 does, but with more customization and additional features. Starting once again with the front of the controllers, the thumbsticks of the Elite 2 have been overhauled, allowing users to adjust the tension in their movements. This does not conflict with controller dead zone or sensitivityâboth are still in play. With the enhanced resistance, ideally there is actually less movement occurring. This allows for players to adjust their aim more precisely making snipes in and other shooters that much easier.
As for the back of the controller, much is the same between the two models. Both controllers offer limitless button mapping options with the four-included back paddles, as well as unparalleled control with the hair trigger locks. These Impulse Triggers were introduced with the Xbox Elite 1, and are controlled by a toggle switch, allowing players to adjust how far they must pull the trigger for the controller to read the input. On the Elite 2, the hair trigger locks can be adjusted even shorter. However, it is worth noting that the triggers lack built-in rumble, not operating like the adaptive triggers of the PS5’s DualSense.
Don’t Miss: Is Days Gone On Xbox
Adjustable Thumb Stick Tension
Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller Credit: Microsoft
Gamers notice the little things. I rememberhandling my first Xbox One and remembering how much looser the thumbsticks feltthan previous controllers. It wasnt an unpleasant discovery, but I missed thetightness of old models, especially for shooters.
The designers over at Microsoft, in theircontinual dedication to customizability, decided to add adjustable tensionthumbsticks to the Elite Series 2, a revolutionary idea to nostalgic old me.Using a little dongle that comes packaged with the controller, , one can easily pop off the thumbsticktops and tighten the tension between three different settings. The range goesfrom the loosey-goosey Xbox One feel to the throwback tightness of the Xbox360.
Also, a quick shout out to the steel analog sticks that can not only take a prolonged beating but still shine brilliant even after the most ferocious abuse.
Hours Of Battery Life
Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller Credit: Microsoft
The Xbox Elite Series 2 features an internalized battery that holds charge for for 40 hours of continual playtime, according to Microsoft. This is a major improvement over its battery reliant predecessor, because keeping batteries in my house should only be reserved for things like flashlights and smoke-alarms, not a high-performance gaming controller. There is an argument to be made against the issue of having to replace an entire controller in case of battery issues, but thats a risk Im willing to take
You May Like: How To Change Xbox Name On Xbox App
Whats Better Elite Or Scuf
The Elite 2 Has Even Better Paddle Shape And Haptic Feedback Than The Elite 1. Scuf Still Doesnt Rank. In our last review, we said that touching the paddles on the Elite 1 felt like hitting a key on a good keyboard. If that was true, the Elite 2s paddles feel like clicking the left button on a good mouse.
Shorter Hair Trigger Locks
Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller Credit: Microsoft
As any big league shooter can tell you,trigger throw shortness can be the difference between racking up the most killsin a match and being forgotten as a good assist. Reputationally, a league of difference. TheElite Series 2 serves up the touchiest hair trigger option yet, offering threedifferent trigger lock settings that can be manually switched on the fly. Thiscan be especially useful if you want to reap the benefits of a touchier hairtrigger without having to dig into the Xbox Accessories App.
Another excellent upgrade the designers included are rubberized, grippy studs on the triggers that are especially useful during longer sessions where sweaty palms come into play. A simple but appreciated adjustment.
Read Also: How To Get Mods Xbox One
Best Xbox Series X Controllers
Your thumbs will thank you.
Now that the Xbox Series X and Series S games consoles are out, it’s time to think about how you can improve your gaming set up even more. Sure, you could get a new headset or a fancy lighting system to feel like a real Twitch streamer, but the first thing you need to sort out is your controller.
The Series X has a lot of cool new features, like 4K graphics, ray-tracing, and lightning-fast load times. But you’re going to need a top-end controller to keep up with the powerful gaming machine.
You can’t drop into the Warzone on or harness your powers in Outriders without a fresh handset, so we’ve collected all the best Xbox controllers you should consider getting to go with your new console.
There are plenty of options, and the varying price points might be a factor in your decision about which one to get.
Microsoft’s own-brand handsets are always a good place to start. They’re comfortable, and you get one free when you buy a new console. There are a range of colour options, and the Xbox Design Lab, which allows you to customise your own controller, is due back at some point “in 2021”, giving you further options.
Related: Best Xbox Series X and Series S gaming headsets to upgrade your next-gen console
From there, Microsoft also has updated controllers with rubberised texture grips to stop them from slipping out your sweaty hands, as well as more responsive joysticks for better accuracy.
Xbox One Elite Controller: Is It Worth The Money
I think there are some very real concerns about the more expensive gaming accessories. On the one hand, things like official manufacturer controllers are almost always a better quality than third-party options. So, imagine most peoples surprise when the flagship Microsoft controller, the Xbox One Elite Controller, hit shelves for $150. My first impression included a lot of confusion, and even more curiosity. I think there are a lot of things about this premium controller people dont understand, so lets take time to break things down. Heres everything you need to know about the Xbox One Elite Controller, including whether or not its worth the money.
You May Like: How To Connect Airpods To Xbox Series S
How Long Does Elite Battery Last
So, how long do you get? Well, if you remember, I said the standard Quest 2 battery lasted me two and a half hours playing The Room VR from full to flat during my testing. With the Elite Battery Strap, I played Until You Fall and a few other titles for about three hours before the battery unit was depleted.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
The Elite Series 2 comes with multiple extra bits and bobs that allow players to customize every aspect of their gaming experience. Similar to Series 1, the Series 2 comes with interchangeable joysticks, d-pads and tools to enable gamers to tweak the controller with a unique level of precision. The Elite 2 also stands out thanks to its read paddles. Like the rest of the controller, players can map these paddles to whatever input a play desires, so no more reaching for the B button to melee while simultaneously trying to turn a corner.
The Elite Series 2 is also rechargeable and includes a special dock for the controller the case actually includes a passthrough for a USB cable so you can slot the dock into its case and charge it in there. Assuming that its owner needs to sleep, the battery should never die with a battery life of 40 hours, so plugging it in overnight should give it the juice it needs to stay active all day. However, these upgrades come with a price. The standard Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 retails for $180, while the more coveted limited edition Halo Infinite variant costs $200.
Related: The Biggest Announcements from Gamescom Opening Night Live
Recommended Reading: Xbox Games On Chromebook
Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 Software
Tweaking capabilities of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 are fairly extensive through the Xbox Accessories app, which is available on both Xbox One and PC. It allows button remapping, thumbstick deadzone adjustments, vibration control, and more. The thumbsticks especially get nuanced control, with the option to edit response curves and choose calculation, which I cant make heads or tails of. Theres also an option to set up a Shift, which can give buttons and controls additional functions when another designated Shift button is held down. Those Shift functions are still limited to the standard controls available though, so no macros.
Xbox Wireless Adapter For Windows
The Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows is a USB-A dongle with a single button that allows computers using the Windows 10 operating system to connect with Xbox controllers, headsets, and similar accessories via the proprietary Xbox Wireless protocol rather than Bluetooth. It was announced in June 2015 and began shipping in October of that year. Support for Windows 7 and 8.1 was added through new drivers in December 2015. It is equipped with a single white LED to indicate pairing and wireless connection status.
A revised version, now named the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 was introduced in August 2017 with a smaller size, reducing potential physical interference with adjacent USB ports. As noted by its name, the revised Model 1790 drops support for Windows 7 and 8.1.
Recommended Reading: How To Broadcast On Xbox One 2021
Where Can You Buy The Halo Infinite Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
ByBenjamin Abbottpublished 16 November 21
We’ve got details on where in the hell you can get that new Halo Infinite Xbox Elite Series 2 controller
Want the Halo Infinite Xbox Elite Series 2 controller? You’re not the only one. As a limited edition , it got snapped up almost right away from the official Microsoft store. So, where in the hell can you buy it now that it’s finally out in the wild?
We’ve got some good and bad news. The good news is that it’s available right now at Game for £180. However, the bad news is that it doesn’t seem to be on sale anywhere else at the moment. This means US readers will have to wait just a little longer to secure their version of the Halo Infinite Xbox Elite Series 2 controller.
Because Xbox has noted down official retailers where it should be available, all we can suggest is checking them every now and then to see if you get lucky. We’ve listed those stores below, so keep an eye on them in the coming days for another crack at getting the Halo Infinite Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. With any luck, we’ll get some stock in time for the Black Friday Xbox Series X deals or the wider Black Friday gaming deals.
Halo Infinite Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
Bad news, folks – we’ve not been able to track down the Halo Infinite Xbox Elite Series 2 controller anywhere in North America after it initially went on sale. In fact, many retailers have taken down their listing page for the handset and there’s no word on when it’ll come back.
That’s not a reason to give up, though. Xbox lists the following stores as official merchants for the Halo Infinite Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, so it’s worth checking them occasionally to see if it’s back in stock yet.
Don’t Miss: Brick Rigs For Xbox One
Is Controller Drift Fixable
Its called controller drift, or analog stick drift, because one or both thumbsticks will drift, or move, in an undesired direction even when you arent touching them. To fix Xbox One controller drift, you need to take the controller apart and repair or replace one or more components related to the analog sticks.
Compatibility With Other Devices
Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller Credit: Microsoft
As speculation builds around Project Scarlett, , one thing I was ecstatic to learn was that the Series 2 will, in fact, be compatible with Microsofts next-gen console. This is important, with the drop date just around the corner it would break my heart to find out my new toy is immediately obsolete.
The list goes on with potential connectivitymade possible by Bluetooth: iOS smartphones and computers, Android smartphones,Windows 10 PCs and Laptops. From the company bathroom stall to the comfort ofa living room recliner, you can game just about anywhere with this controller.Just be sure to wash your hands.
In conclusion, I am smitten with the Xbox One Elite Series 2 and look forward to many hours of gameplay together with it as my friend and tool. Microsoft zeroed in on necessary improvements to be made on its predecessor, but let well enough alone with the things it did right. At least I have something new to tide me over until Project Scarlett is unveiled. If weve sold you on the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, buy it from amazon HERE!
Don’t Miss: How To Change Name On Xbox One