Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Gaming Controller – White Series X|S, One, Windows PC, Android, and iOS

This is my third elite controller (had 2 version 1 elites) my biggest issue with my first two elites was the rubber grips coming off and I had some stick drift as well. I never had the issue of broken bumpers that I saw other people have with their v1 elites but Im hoping that is something they also addressed with this new controller. Obviously having this controller only for one day I can't really say if the new designed grips on this controller will hold up but im hoping they do. The New design to the grips do feel good tho.First thing about this controller I noticed is that it is slightly smaller than the version 1 (this could be something microsoft already mentioned when they announced the version 2 im not sure). Since it slightly smaller it also has a little less weight but it still has that weightiness that the version 1 has just very slightly less.The back paddle are also smaller and do not extend as much as the v1 paddle, which I think is ultimately a good thing but it will take maybe 30mins/hour to get use to the smaller paddles if you are use to the v1 paddles. The bumpers and triggers are also smaller but it still feels normal.Also the thumbsticks of the v1 controller are NOT compatiable with the v2 controller. And that is because the v2 has the new tension adjusting mechanic in the stick, so the thumbsticks themselves have new designs. As for the thumbstick that come with the controller: 2 short concave stick (smooth on the top surface but having a textured mesh-like on the sides like the typical v1 sticks), 1 short convex/dome stick with a textured patterned, 2 short wide surface concave sticks, 1 long concave stick (essentially the same as the v1 long concave stick). Im currently using the 2 short wide surface stick as I like the extra surface area of the sticks.It comes with long USB-C charging cable too and has a slot to insert the USB-C cord into to charge the controller on a charging dock that is inside case but of course you can just connect the USB cord directly to the controller to charge and play at the same time which is probably the way most of us will charge the controller but still a nice feature nonetheless.Only con I would have is my X button feels a bit stickier/stiffer than the A,B,Y buttons but im hoping that goes away as press the X more and more.I will say this controller is overall better than the v1 from design to feel to look but If you have a v1 elite already and are not suffering from the grips, stick drift. or broken button issues then you probably dont need to upgrade unless the tension stick adjusting and more button config profile, other things the v1 dont have are very important to you. Unfortunately only time will tell if the grips/drift issues have been solved.

Ok so there is alot hit and miss on the reviews and I would assume it's due to QC problems with Microsoft.Here is my experience.I received mine October 12 2024 and I play roughly 25-30hrs a week. When I got it and started using it there was minor stick drift like everyone mentions, however it went away after using it for a few days. The battery life on this thing is around 40 hrs when it will go into red light on the controller which is crazy long but I must note I disable vibration on all games I play. It is a internal battery fyi. The buttons are crisp and precise and the adjustable triggers are fantastic!!! The only complaint I have is the rubber grips they tend to pick up dirt and grime off your hands pretty easy, but a quick wipe with a damp cloth and looks good as new.I don't miss the regular $50 controllers at all. So get you the elite and enjoy. If it's not for you then return it.

The Xbox Elite controller is incredible. It feels solid, comfortable, and fully customizable. The swappable paddles, adjustable triggers, and premium build make every game feel more precise and professional. Totally worth it.

I'm on my third Elite 2 controller. About a year ago I bought one, and right out of the box, the face buttons weren't always responsive. I turned it in for warranty work to MS and the new controller I got back from them (different serial number) also had exactly the same problem. At that point, I swore never to get another one. Fast forward a year, and after trying other controllers and never finding one with decent back button layout, I decided to roll the dice again on this controller after hearing they may have improved QC, this time with the longest warranty I could get (3 years)... for Science.I'm flabbergasted to report that this one works perfectly right out of the box. Is it a fluke, or did they actually find the problem and correct it in their production process? I don't know, but if so, this is monumentally good news, as there are very few "pro" controllers that have even passable ergonomics (I just came from a Thrustmaster eSwap X). If this thing holds up for 6 months, I'll be ecstatic and provide a follow up review (and I'll probably buy another one to have as a backup).The GoodErgonomics - Microsoft invested far more money in studying controller ergonomics than any other company. This is evident when you handle their default controller as well as this one; the size is right for most hands, all the controls are laid out where you can actually reach them. I haven't found any other aftermarket controller get this right like MS. This clamshell design is the best out there. It's no wonder that companies like Scuff start with a default controller; other than licensing concerns, it's because designing something better would be extremely difficult. When you couple this with the textured rubberized grips, nothing comes remotely close in terms of comfort.Back paddles - This is the star of the show, and the reason you get a "pro" controller. Again, after lots of research into reviews and personally buying and handling a lot of other controllers, I've never found, or am aware of, any back paddle/button layout that is better than this one. Your fingers just naturally fall where the paddles are. There's no reaching or straining to get to them. Why is this so difficult for other companies to get right?? This is the thing that brought me back to an Elite 2. I will at some point get a Scuf Instinct Pro to compare, but I have doubts it will be better any than this. The problem I see right away with the Instinct Pro is it's not designed for you to be able to press more than one button per side. This could be an issue for some and potentially for me.Sticks - These are also top tier. They are very smooth with virtually no slop. The only other ones I felt that were as good or better was the Thrustmaster eSwap, which uses highly touted NXG sticks. The fact that the tension is adjustable also takes this to the next level. Whether they hold up over time will be telling but I never had that issue on the last Elite 2s I've had.Triggers - Again, top tier, smoothly action, nicely textured finish and with 3 stops (you're lucky to get one stop with most other controllers). I really like the throw of the trigger at the shortest throw. I suspect the Scuf Instinct Pro will be better so I can't wait to try it. I can't think of another competitor that will come close in this regard.Overall refinement - Microsoft has the money to throw at proper R&D, design, and production line assembly and it shows. When you consider the overall design, the feel, how the controller is sculpted and fits the hand, the finishing and quality of the plastics and rubber, nothing else really comes close. I suppose Sony does, but that's unfortunately not an option.The BadReliability - Everybody knows about the laughable return rates on these controllers. I had zero expectations going in this time around, and was ready to duke it out with the longest warranty I could get. You should never get something like this without at least one backup controller. Time will tell if mine holds up. If I can get 6 months out of this without having to turn it in for warranty work, I would call that a victory. If it holds out that long, I will definitely buy another one to have as a backup.Buttons - This has been the Achilles heel of the controller. The soft rubber domed, mushy feeling buttons are no different from a bog standard controller. I expect more from a premium controller, and I'm willing to pay a lot more to get it. Take Razer Wolverine Chroma V2 and their mechanical switches for example. They're able to offer that at a lower price point than this one. Come on Microsoft, stop cheaping out on buttons! For that matter, give us mechanical switches on the paddles also.Bumpers - They have a nice texture to them and are sculpted well, but like the buttons, I wish MS would get away from the mushy feeling rubber dome feel. One thing I will give them props for is they made these nice and quiet, like the rest of the controls.I'm still on the search for the holy grail of controllers, and will be getting a Scuf Instinct Pro next. I've waited over a year to have a working Elite 2, and I finally have it! As it stands right now, IMHO it is the best controller currently available on the market (when it works).