The Carry Case Is Great
A carrying case usually isnt given a second thought once the controller is removed, but Microsoft went all out with the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2. The case features magnetic slots for all of the included accessories. Aside from easy storage, it improves transporting the controller without worrying if any of the small pieces will start rolling around or fall out when opening the case.
The case features slots for all of the included accessories.
Plus, it has a built-in charging dock and hidden wire port, meaning you wont have to remove the controller to charge it. While its not a necessity, it does add a nice bit of flair to help justify the cost.
Five Pc Games That Make The Xbox Elite Controller Worth It
Youve stared at the price. $199.95. Thats a hell of a lot of money. The standard Xbox One controller costs around $80. The Xbox 360 controller works perfectly fine.
Why the hell would you consider shelling out that much on a controller especially if youre playing on PC? Well, as it turns out, there are plenty of reasons. Heres five games that might make you reconsider.
Before we start, its worth noting that youll get the most out of the Xbox Elite controller on PC if youre running Windows 10. Its perfectly functional on older versions of Windows as long as you install the Xbox One driver from the Major Nelson blog, it runs without a hitch but the Xbox Accessories app on Win10 will let you remap the controls, which youll want to do .
With that out of the way, lets begin.
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.
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Design A Bold Yet Familiar Design That Feels Wonderful To Hold
The overall design is largely similar to the first Elite Controller, albeit with a handful of changes to its colour scheme, attachments and a couple of other small touches. The strip of plastic which once dominated the home button and upper parts of the body are now a consistent shade of black, with shiny silver plastic relegated to the triggers and shoulder buttons. Its far less jarring, and gives the device a more premium feel overall.
Button layout has also received a slight revision. You can now select from three bespoke profiles, now controlled with a single button instead of a switch, As result it takes up far less space, and is somewhat more graceful across the peripherals overall design. Beyond this, the Xbox Elite Controller 2 doesnt change what doesnt require fixing, instead opting to gradually refine aspects of its predecessor to craft something even greater.
The big difference comes in the customisable attachments that are stored in the carry case. Inside the robust storage unit youll find a selection of thumbsticks, d-pads and other accessories which are delightfully easy to attach and detach from the Elite 2. Unboxing the controller, I spent a few minutes simply toying with different options, finally settling on a configuration which worked for me. However, some changes have been made when compared to the previous model.
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What Are The Best Features Of The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
As you can tell from the box contents list, this is a controller that’s very customisable. You can swap out the thumbsticks, paddles and D-pad tops to get something that feels just right for you, and adjust the tension that you get from some of these buttons too. In short, you can make sure your controller is perfectly tailored to your gaming style.
Button mapping is included, so you can reassign different buttons for different tasks if you need to, and there’s also support for gaming profiles. One default profile and up to three gaming profiles can be set on the device itself, which means you can take a custom approach to particular games .
The customisation options continue when it comes to the configuration utility that Microsoft provides you’re able to set specific buttons to match up with voice commands like “take a screenshot” for example. Despite the wealth of options on offer, the software is simple and straightforward to use, so you can get gaming as quickly as possible.
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New Features And Customization
Sticking with Microsofts first Elite Controller design, the Series 2 features four removable paddles on its back. By default, theyre programmed to each of the four face buttons, which lets you keep your thumbs on the analog sticks while performing other functions. Using the Xbox Accessories app on the Xbox One or PC, these can be reprogrammed to other functions, including a button press from the analog sticks.
Several profiles can be saved for particular games or multiple users, and holding in the special profile button on the front of the controller will disable the paddles completely. This came in handy when playing hectic games like , so I didnt have to worry about accidentally swapping a weapon by bumping a paddle. Removing the paddles is a breeze since theyre also magnetically connected. If a guest is opposed to them, removing them only takes a few seconds.
The paddles can be completely reprogrammed.
Because the paddles function by hitting a smaller hidden button underneath, they leave a tiny hole when removed, but its hardly noticeable. No wires show inside and its unlikely to cause any dust or crumb buildup if theyre left out permanently. It may seem silly to spend almost $200 on a fancy controller and remove its biggest feature, but customization is valued above all else.
Which Controller Is For You
The decision here comes down to the gamer. Gamers who need an entry-level controller and want to play games in their downtime will find the core controller very serviceable. The Xbox controller is one of the best controllers on the market and has much more versatility than the Playstation Dualsense or the Nintendo Joycons. It also has numerous customization options, so players can express themselves through their controller of choice without the need to empty their wallets.
On the other hand, hardcore gamers who accept nothing but the best will find the Elite controller to satisfy their every whim. With interchangeable parts, rear paddles and exorbitant battery life, the Elite controller will find itself in the hands of gamers who strive to be the master of their craft and desire premium gear to accomplish their goals. However, with a price more than double that of the core controller, it is intended for the most dedicated gamers.
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Reasons To Buy The Xbox Elite Controller 2 And 3 Reasons Not To
Is the Xbox Elite Controller 2 worth buying? Heres our look at the reasons you should buy the Xbox Elite 2, or Series 2, and the reasons you should hold off on buying this model.
Ive been using the new Elite Controller 2 for the last few days and comparing it to my original Elite Controller that Ive been using since it first came out. This definitely feels like an upgrade that answers a lot of the shortcomings and limitations of the original.
There are exciting new features like thumbstick tension, more trigger settings, and profiles as well as other key upgrades to usability. The new shorter paddles even help you avoid accidental button presses while using one of the best features.
Will the Elite Controller 2 immediately make you a better gamer? No, but it does give you an edge in many games that can complement your skill. The shorter trigger pulls and ability to press up to four buttons without taking your fingers off the thumbsticks is something you can use as an advantage in many first-person shooter games and in popular battle royale games like PUBG and Fortnite.
This isnt a cheap controller, in fact, it cost as much as an Xbox One S or three standard Xbox One controllers, but it offers much more than a normal controller. What its missing is an upgraded warranty to go along with the $180 price tag. The good news is that it is compatible with the Xbox Project Scarlet, which is the new Xbox coming in 2020.
Should I Buy The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
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There’s been a lot of interest in the best Xbox controllers since Microsoft unveiled the latest generation Xbox consoles, and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 from Microsoft itself is one of the top picks if you’re looking to buy a substantial input device upgrade.
If you own an Xbox Series X, an Xbox Series S or indeed a Windows PC that you game on, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 has to be on your radar as a way of enhancing your experience. It’s packed with features, and it absolutely looks the part as well.
Here we’re going to explain everything you need to know about the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 before you buy it and we’d also encourage you to check out our best gaming laptops and best gaming phones guides too.
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Xbox One Elite Controller Review: Is It Worth It
The Xbox One Elite controller is being touted as the premiere input device for the people who want to get a step above their competition. But is it worth the hefty price tag?
Two years ago, Microsoft released the Xbox One, and with it, the new Xbox gamepad for a new generation of consoles. It had a lot to live up to, considering the Xbox 360 version was arguably the best controller of its time, and generally was met with positive reviews. It has its problems, and Microsoft publicly stated that they spent 100 million developing its new device. The Elite feels like the gamepad they wanted to ship, but ended up having to scale back on because of its hefty price, at $149.99. Although we had to wait two years, its been worth every moment, because this new gamepad is a delight.
The Elite is not for everyone. With that price tag, you could simply buy two very serviceable Xbox One controllers, or a few games. You’re even already about halfway to an Xbox One bundle this holiday season. Its niche status doesn’t stop at the price tag. It has features most gamers will never use, and mapping inputs for a specific game can be overwhelming, not to mention extremely hard to get used to. It’s built to cater to a very specific kind of hardcore player. Look at it as a piece of equipment to enance your job performance that is, if your job is shooting the faces off of aliens or blowing by the competition in a racing game.
Microsoft Xbox Elite Controller Review: Luxury Gaming And Customization At A Price
Its $150 price tag certainly puts it in an exclusive class, but the Elite controller is one of the most customizable, comfortable and luxurious controllers we’ve ever used.
Jeff Bakalar
Editor at Large
Jeff is CNET Editor at Large and a host for CNET video. He’s regularly featured on CBS and CBSN. He founded the site’s longest-running podcast, The 404 Show, which ran for 10 years. He’s currently featured on Giant Bomb’s Giant Beastcast podcast and has an unhealthy obsession with ice hockey and pinball.
The Elite Wireless Controller for Xbox One and PC is one of the most comfortable controllers I’ve ever held. It’s head and shoulders ahead of other controllers for Microsoft’s console and other platforms. The only problem is its eyebrow-raising price: $150, £120 or AU$200.
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
Odds are you probably don’t need to spend that kind of money — two and a half times more than a regular wireless pad — on an Xbox One controller. But for the privileged few, the Elite is an indulgence that delivers in ways no other controller can.
The analog ball joints feel really solid too and they have a certain buttery springiness that the original controller just doesn’t offer. I enjoyed using the taller concave right stick for first-person shooters — it makes precision aiming much easier.
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Is The Elite Controller Worth The Money
Image Credit: Microsoft
From here, I can only talk about my experience with the Elite controllers. I own a Series 1 and Series 2, because I fall into a core consumer category. Im the type of guy who loves putting money into my hobbies. I see the Elite controller as an investment in a favorite hobby of mine. Therefore, I purchased both. So, do I regret either purchase?
Overall, I believe the Elite Controller is worth the money if you know what youre getting into. I dont think its fair to say the controller is something it isnt. No, the controller doesnt make you better at your favorite game. No, the controller doesnt vastly change your experience on the Xbox One. But, heres what it does do. The Elite controller offers a better experience because of how it feels to use the design. The heavier weight, improved grips, and button mapping are wonderful. I take full advantage of every feature of the controller.
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Possible Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 Price
The Xbox Elite Series 3 controller could likely cost you $200+. They are not cheap, with the Series 2 and SCUF Instinct Pro costing a similar amount.
Whether the technology upgrades will be worth the steep price is something we are going to have to wait for but expect to pay a large amount for this luxury.
Xbox Elite Controller 2
- Toronto
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sabesh wrote: I don’t play much combat / shooting heavy games, but did get AC Valhalla & Immortals Fenyx Rising on sales for the Xbox Series X. Would this controller be useful for those games?Asking, as the price dropped to $200 on Amazon . I currently have a Series X controller. Thx.
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johncraven wrote: you dont need the elite per say, just any controller that has custom buttons to substitute L3 and R3, as those buttons are important in AC games and it’s a pain in the ass to press them repeatedly on the base controller. Usually those custom buttons are in the back next to the triggers.Ps4 has a back button attachment to solve this problem, sadly Xbox doesn’tI have the Razer wolverine TE which can be had for around 85$ during amazon warehouse deal events, it has 6 custom buttons, i use them for l3 r3 and the dpad 4 directions, this way you never have to move your left thumb .
sabesh wrote: Good points. Thank you! I ordered one just now. Will check it out and see, as it has a full year of warranty, and Amazon has a good return policy for Prime members.
moulamou wrote: Since buying an elite 2, all other controllers feel like light plastic pieces of nothing but I wouldn’t suggest buying one unless you want to be able to press certain buttons without taking your fingers off the sticks. I use it for FPS. Alternatively, learn to play claw.
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