Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review

The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is still an excellent product with amazing battery life and a wealth of configuration options. However, like its predecessor, there is no real evidence that it is more durable.

The Elite 2 is the best pc game controller Microsoft has ever made, a triumph of engineering that sets a new standard for high-quality gamepads on any platform. The new second-generation design offers more features, deeper customization options, and clever conveniences that make the Elite 2 a pleasure to use. Here’s why we love it – even if it’s not for everyone.

The Elite 2 comes in the same soft-shell case as its predecessor, but the lump of foam that previously supported the Xbox controller has been replaced with a handy charging dock that complements the new (unfortunately non-removable) battery nicely. Remove the fabric cover, and the pins of the wedge-shaped charger fit snugly with the contacts on the back of the controller. You can even plug in a USB-C cable through a specially designed flap on the back of the case, so you can charge your Elite 2 while it’s fully covered.

Along with the removable wireless charger, there is a tool kit containing four spare thumbsticks, four paddles, a conventional four-way D-pad, and a strange item that looks like a cross between a guitar pick and a SIM card removal tool. Removing the thumbsticks allows you to adjust the tension of each stick. There are two settings to choose from: a default setting for a looser feel and a stiffer setting that pushes the sticks back more toward the center.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review: Design

The overall design is largely similar to the first Elite controller, albeit with a handful of changes to the color scheme, attachments, and a few other small details. The plastic strip that used to dominate the home button and the top of the case is now black throughout, while the triggers and shoulder buttons are shiny silver. This is far less distracting and gives the device a more premium feel overall.

The button layout has also been slightly revised. You can now choose between three custom profiles controlled by a single button instead of a switch. The result is that it takes up much less space and the overall design of the device looks a bit more elegant. In addition, Xbox Elite Controller 2 doesn’t change anything that doesn’t need fixing, but gradually refines aspects of its predecessor to create something even better.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review: Software

In our opinion, however, the best improvements to the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 are on the software side. As with the original Xbox Elite, you can completely reassign the controller using the Xbox series x Accessories app. However, the range of inputs you can assign to each button has expanded significantly. In addition to the buttons on the controller, you can also assign inputs for specific system-level actions, such as taking a screenshot on window, viewing your achievements, or opening a specific app.

If it’s a Kinect voice command, you can assign it to a button. This is a great advantage for gamers who want to share paddles and face buttons instead of just using them as finger-friendly replacements. You also have the option to assign a “shift” key, which allows for a second set of alternative inputs.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review: Gaming

While the Elite 2 was comfortable in almost all games, the additional features of this controller were especially helpful in competitive shooters; after setting up a custom profile for the Gears 5, I was able to use the control stick on the back to cover, run, dodge, and switching between weapons with my thumb always on the stick.

We similar fun with the Elite for Apex Legends, where we could run, jump, slide, and reload without having to touch the face buttons. The shorter trigger guards were especially handy for firing quick bursts in both Gears and Apex. However, the controller didn’t help the fact that we always died instantly in both games.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review: Performance

We have spent the last week using the Elite Controller Series 2 as our daily companion after nine months of using the standard Xbox Series X controller. To be honest, a big fan of the standard controller and didn’t expect to be as impressed as we know with the Elite 2. It’s an expensive upgrade, but now that we have lived the good life, it’s hard to go back.

First of all, as a parent of young children, it can’t stress enough how much we like the charging solution. our toddler loves to reach for our controllers, and with a device as expensive as this, baby drool is a risk we didn’t want to take. Being able to put the controller in the bag, zipper it up, and know it’s ready to go again is a peace of mind we didn’t know we craved.

Configuration Options

First, let’s talk about the price. At £160 in the UK and $180 in the US, the Elite 2 is three times the price of a standard controller, which is actually the same price as a new Xbox One S All Digital. In other words, it remains a luxury item that is only worthwhile for very invested Xbox and PC owners. Fortunately, this price difference is at least reflected in the depth of the controller’s feature list and build quality, and the premium feel kicks in as soon as you unbox it.

Final Words

Microsoft has given the original a fancy controller with a few practical improvements. It comes with decent number of extras to add to the value, but the experience suffers from shortcomings that shouldn’t be in this price range, especially when original Xbox Elite controller is now cheaper and has almost the same features, but no issues. At this point, you have certainly noticed that there is a lack of negatives here.

The fact is, there really aren’t many besides the high cost of entry. This is an incredibly well made accessory. It’s intuitive, well thought out, and exceptionally high quality. At $179, it does cost a chunk of change, but even then, it includes an integrated charging station that’s built into a travel case, so it’s even more of a value than it first seems. If you have the wherewithal, this is a great accessory for your Xbox or PC.

John Brister
John Brister
Meet John Brister, the prolific content writer renowned for his perceptive comparison articles on Bollyinside. Specializing in topics ranging from TVs to headphones and other accessories, John's knack for breaking down intricate details into reader-friendly insights has garnered him a dedicated following. Beyond his literary pursuits, John is an avid swimmer and equally passionate about tracking, often exploring new trails and routes, feeding his sense of adventure.

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The fact is, there really aren't many besides the high cost of entry. This is an incredibly well made accessory. It's intuitive, well thought out, and exceptionally high quality.Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review