Customer Ratings & Reviews

The Red Elite 2 controller is a game-changer in every sense. From the moment you hold it, you can feel the premium build quality and attention to detail. The customizable options allow for a tailored experience, whether you're a competitive gamer or just looking for more comfort and precision. The trigger stops and adjustable thumbsticks make gameplay smoother, while the additional paddles provide quick access to commands without missing a beat. Battery life is solid, and the grip is comfortable even during long sessions. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into making this controller durable and reliable. If you're serious about your gaming, the Red Elite 2 is a worthy investment.

As an avid gamer, I’ve gone through my fair share of controllers, but none have left me as impressed as the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller. From its premium build quality to its customizable features, this controller is a game-changer in every sense.First and foremost, the build quality of the Elite Series 2 is unmatched. The controller feels incredibly solid in hand, with a satisfying weight that exudes durability. The textured grips ensure that it stays firmly in place during intense gaming sessions, reducing any chances of slipping.What truly sets the Elite Series 2 apart, however, are its customizable features. With the ability to adjust trigger sensitivity, button mapping, and interchangeable thumbsticks and paddles, the controller allows for a level of personalization that enhances gameplay to a whole new level. Whether you're fine-tuning your aim in a first-person shooter or optimizing your button layout for a fighting game, the possibilities are endless.Furthermore, the addition of Bluetooth connectivity and a rechargeable battery means no more tangled wires or constant battery replacements. The convenience factor alone is worth the investment.In terms of performance, the Elite Series 2 delivers in spades. The responsive buttons and precise analog sticks provide a level of control that is essential for competitive gaming. Every input feels instantaneous, giving you the edge you need to dominate the competition.While the Elite Series 2 comes with a premium price tag, it's worth every penny for serious gamers looking to elevate their gaming experience. With its unparalleled build quality, customizable features, and top-notch performance, this controller earns a well-deserved five-star rating. Whether you're a casual gamer or a seasoned pro, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller is a must-have addition to your gaming arsenal.

Love this controller and will always stick with this brand. The customization is amazing and has top-tier performance. The weight, grips, and overall build are far superior to other brands. If you are thinking about buying it - do it! Have fun playing with the paddles and mapping them to whatever feels best for each game. It will feel weird at first but makes gaming so much more enjoyable and competitive. Highly recommend keeping all 4 paddles on for almost every game. Also, trigger locks are OP! BIG plus, I have not experienced any stick drift with any of these controllers. I have had 4 in total. Microsoft is a genius for The Xbox Accessories app, which allows you to make profiles for every game that you can easily switch to with a press of just one button. Only one con with this generation and the original Elite: The LB button and only the LB button eventually gives out. This happens usually within a year, but I also use it frequently. This seems to be common in all the forums I have read. Bring it back into Best Buy within a year and they will send it off to Microsoft to fix. Est. 2 week wait Highly recommend getting the Geek Squad Warranty if you decide to purchase for a faster turnaround.

Probably the best controller as long as you don't damage it and cause stick drift. I've had 3 of these in total and if one breaks I'll probably buy another. Comfortable and grippy, useful customization and charging case, long lasting rechargeable battery, multiple user profiles, and a very high quality feel. Just make sure you get a warranty or treat it very carefully

The Microsoft Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller for Xbox is widely regarded as one of the best gaming controllers on the market, offering a premium experience for dedicated gamers. Here’s a detailed review: Pros: 1. Exceptional Customization: The Elite Series 2 allows deep customization with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, interchangeable components, and mappable buttons. Players can save up to three profiles and switch between them effortlessly, making it ideal for different game genres. 2. Premium Build Quality: The controller features a durable design with rubberized grips and a solid weight that feels premium in hand. The swappable components and shorter hair-trigger locks enhance precision and control. 3. Outstanding Battery Life: With up to 40 hours of gameplay on a single charge, the internal rechargeable battery is a significant upgrade from standard controllers. 4. Versatility: The controller is compatible with Xbox consoles, PCs, and even mobile devices via Bluetooth or USB-C connection, making it a versatile option for gamers across platforms. 5. Enhanced Comfort: The ergonomic design and wrap-around grips ensure comfort during extended gaming sessions. Cons: 1. High Price Point: At $179.99, the Elite Series 2 is significantly more expensive than standard controllers, which may deter some buyers. 2. Durability Concerns: Some users report issues like stick drift or button malfunctions after extended use, raising questions about long-term reliability. 3. Limited Bluetooth Performance: While connectivity options are robust, some users experience inconsistent Bluetooth performance on PCs without purchasing an additional USB dongle. 4. No Screenshot Button: Unlike newer controllers, it lacks a dedicated button for capturing screenshots or recording gameplay, which may disappoint some players. Final Verdict: The Microsoft Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller delivers an unparalleled gaming experience with its extensive customization options, premium materials, and excellent performance. However, its steep price and occasional durability concerns may not justify the cost for casual gamers. For those willing to invest in a high-end controller and take advantage of its advanced features, it remains one of the best options available today. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) While nearly perfect in design and functionality, minor durability issues and the high price prevent it from being flawless.

I picked up my first Xbox Elite Series 2 controller as an open box deal from Best Buy, mostly out of curiosity and a bit of hope that it would live up to the hype. It didn’t just meet expectations, it quickly became my favorite controller to use across both Xbox and PC. Even with its flaws, the overall experience was good enough that I didn’t hesitate to grab a second open box unit when I saw another deal pop up. At that point, I figured if the first one performed this well despite being used, a second one could only add more value to my setup. Build quality on the Elite Series 2 is genuinely impressive. The controller has a premium heft to it without feeling overly heavy, and the materials feel durable and high-end. On both of my open box units, the face buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks have remained reliable with zero drift, zero mushiness, and zero misfires. Considering these were used items, that alone was a huge win. My first controller did come with visible signs of use, and there was a minor trigger issue caused by a tiny broken piece of plastic rattling inside. Once I shook it out, the controller worked flawlessly again. That’s not something you want to deal with, obviously, but it also didn’t turn out to be a deal-breaker. The more annoying issue came many months later when the rubberized grip panels started peeling. It’s a known weak spot with this controller line and probably the biggest flaw Microsoft still hasn’t fully perfected. Thankfully, the grips are replaceable if you want to take the time to swap them out, but I’ve put it off since it doesn’t actually affect functionality—just comfort here and there. Still, for a controller at this tier, it’s the one thing I wish had more longevity. Outside of that, performance has been nothing short of excellent. The magnetic paddle switches feel fantastic, the interchangeable D-pad is super satisfying, and the customization options make it easy to fine-tune everything to your play style. I love that the included carrying case hasn’t been treated as an afterthought. It not only stores all the accessories neatly but also allows you to charge the controller while it’s still in the case. It’s honestly the best controller case I’ve ever used. Battery life has been stellar, easily lasting through long sessions without me feeling the need to micromanage charging. Bluetooth connectivity is instant and stable across console and PC, and the Xbox Accessories app is straightforward when checking firmware or adjusting profiles. Thankfully, updates for the Elite Series 2 aren’t frequent or frustrating. Even with the grip issues and that one minor trigger piece on my first unit, this controller remains the most comfortable, responsive, and feature-packed option I own. It’s become my daily driver, and the fact that I was confident enough to buy a second open box version says everything. If Microsoft ever strengthens the durability of the grips, this thing could be near perfect. For now, flaws and all, it’s still the best blend of performance and versatility I’ve used in a controller.

The Xbox Elite Controller is hands down the best controller I’ve ever used. From the moment you pick it up, the build quality stands out—solid, premium, and made to last. The customizable paddles, adjustable tension thumbsticks, and trigger locks give you a real competitive edge, especially in fast-paced shooters or precision-heavy games. What really sets this controller apart is the level of personalization. With the Xbox Accessories app, you can remap buttons, tweak sensitivity curves, and save multiple profiles. Switching between them on the fly is super smooth and incredibly useful. Battery life is excellent, the rubberized grips feel perfect in your hands, and the included carrying case and accessories add great value. If you’re serious about your gaming or just want the best possible experience, the Elite Controller is worth every penny. Highly recommended.

Very capable peripheral. Comfortable to hold, and the placement of the paddles feels natural to my grip. The connectivity options, settings app and battery are amongst my favourite features. It feels durable. My criticisms would be #1 price. In my opinion Microsoft aren’t the only guilty ones but the whole Controller market is quite messed up with their prices. A regular controller $60-70? So you buy 4 of them and you are essentially almost buying another console… No controller should cost +$150, it doesn’t matter how many features they have. Personally, 100-120 is a more proper price for a controller of this caliber, though. #2 Why aren’t you giving me the wireless USB receiver included? Add $10 to the total value if you want, but you are already giving me almost the whole set, just add the receiver to the bundle for the next gen. #3 $25 for a USB wireless receiver is stupid… there is just no way that little piece of plastic costs that much. #4 In my case, off the box, I was getting way too much input delay. I managed to lower it through the Xbox app settings to the point where it feels as instant as my old DS4 controller. It is annoying though. After doing a lot of research, apparently it turns out that Xbox controllers in average have higher input delay than PlayStation controllers on PC off the box. This shouldn’t be a thing, especially with a +$150 “pro elite” controller. Because of this last issue, for the whole first week of use I was thinking about returning it. I was close to returning it but the other features were so good they made me want to find a workaround or something that it would help me lower the input delay. In the end I kind of found my answer through the accessories app. Currently I’m happy with the controller. Not sure if I would recommend though. If you can afford it, just because of all the cool features give it a shot and if you don’t like how it feels in game then return it.

The controller is fantastic. Good battery life. The weight feels fantastic. Paddles on the back make gaming much more comfortable once youre used to them. No real issues out of it for the first year or two. But after that year or so the Right Bumper is bound to go out, you'll get stick drift in the left stick (you can prolong this by cleaning out some of the plastic that gets shaved off during use around the stick every couple weeks) and the rubber grips are going to start coming loose on the sides. Other than these being persistent issues from the original elite series the controller is a fantastic upgrade for someone who games for long hours or "claws" during games.

Love the grip of the controller. Feels great in the hands, even after hours of gaming. You can tell it’s a little durable by the weight and feel. Customizing the analog sticks and back pedals to your liking is really nice to have and can do it on the fly. Really had to go through 3 controls before I actually got a good control that worked properly without any issues with the buttons. Once I actually got a good one it’s the best.

If you had the series 1 elite controller, stop reading this review and buy the dang thing already... you know how much you loved the first one, right? This one is worth $30 for the built-in li battery and included charge dock alone!!! Ok. If you are still reading, let me tell you why I love mine: First, I NEVER take my thumbs off the sticks when I am playing games anymore. This controller has magnet-attached (for easy removal or re-arranging) back paddles that can be mapped to any of the other 14 gaming inputs. 2nd, Hair-lock triggers. On the fly, I can switch between 3 trigger settings. That means you can shoot faster in Gears, Halo or COD, but still feather the break/gas/clutch in Forza (remember, remapping will allow you to use the triggers for what ever action you want) 3rd, adjustable stick tension. Maybe the game has few or zero sensitivity settings? Or maybe you just want to see what really works best for you? (Imagine tightening the stick tension while increasing the look sensitivity.) Each stick has three tension options that can be changed with the included key/tool. 4th, swappable thumb sticks. If you use Kontrol Freeks you know why this is awesome. Get each thumbstick the right height, shape and texture. Held in place via magnet, you can easily change either one whenever you need to do so. 5th, rubberized grip. That should be nuff-said, but just in case: this textured grip wraps around the left and right grips of the controller. This means you easily hold the controller no matter which or how many paddles you have attached (even if your hands get sweaty while you are in a clutch gaming moment). 6th, button mapping pre-sets. This controller has on-board flash memory to hold 3 custom, full controller mapping presets, plus super-easy access to the default mapping. One button let’s you cycle between all four on the fly, while also indicating which pre-set you are using. 7th, premium travel case. This case let’s your controller fit snug while you take it on the go; holds all the included paddles, and thumb sticks that are not in use, and let’s you charge your controller while it’s in the case!!! I mean wow. That simple resealable opening allowing the usb-c cable to connect to the charge dock is super convenient! (Plus the dock is held in place in the case by a magnet, too) I know what you’re asking: will this work on PS4 or PC? It WILL work on a Windows 10 pc! It will NOT work on PS4 but check out the ASTRO c40 controller.

The back paddles are the best and most comfortable/ most useful I've seen on any controller ever. The rubber grips are completely unique as swell and really resist sweaty gamers syndrome, as well as massive amounts of comfort. The customizing of the key-binds allows for your bottom right paddel to act as the A butten, or your A to act as the right bumper (playing the original Assassin’s creed). Any game that doesn’t allow remapping of the keys you can just completely ignore and remap with the xbox consoles accessories app (already built in so no download required, and you can get it on your PC and map the keys there too). The controller can hold up to 3 quick switch key mappings, but in the accessory app it can hold much more. Back paddles make it extremely easy to permanently forgo your ABXY so you never have to take your thumb off the joystick or use the claw. You can even customize the big glowing X button on the controller to be whatever color you want for any of your key mappings. Swap out the hight of your sticks or there sensitivity and dead zones, and the triggers dead zones, or just adjust the switches on the back to make your triggers only go a portion of the distance and more sensitiveity. Ive got a switch 2 now, and a switch two pro controller, and the pro controller has “back buttons”, and honestly they are so useless and hard to reach in comparison. And if you just want comfort with your controller and don't want the back paddles for the Xbox controller, you can remove them. Don't like the Dpad Octagon, jut take it off and place the regular Dpad on there, all magnets, same with the sticks. Charging is extremely easy and super cool, being built into the case and all. And the controller is suuuper reliable, had it for years and only had bumper issues for the time i transported it unwisely in my suitcase. Overall beautiful controller, incredible customization and key mapping, really REALLY comfortable professional not improvised rubber grips, and best back paddles of any controller on the market. (Also not to state the obvious but with the three key mappings saved to the controller you can use any console or PC with them without any extra work, just editing them on PC takes an extra quick download). Also when you’ve created tones of extra key mappings, they will all show up in any Xbox accessories app you open, new Xbox, old, New PC download and so on. I want them to make a series three so i can have a controller with even more beauty, but i doubt they will because they have nothing to improve.

I’ve been using the Xbox Elite Controller for a while now, and overall I’m really impressed—the build quality feels premium with a solid weight, great materials, and the interchangeable thumbsticks and paddles make it super customizable, especially once you get used to the back paddles for competitive games. The grip is comfortable for long sessions, battery life has been reliable, and the ability to fine-tune settings through the Xbox Accessories app is a big plus. The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that for the price, I’d expect a bit better long-term durability, as I’ve noticed some minor wear over time, but overall it’s still a great controller and worth it if you want a performance upgrade.

Disclaimer: I got this item on sale. I would never buy this full price, but that’s a matter of personal priorities. That being said, I love this controller! It’s weighted a good bit heavier than a normal Xbox controller, which is nice. The textured, rubberized grips are great for extended gameplay. If you are interested in the extra thumb sticks, paddles, and d pad they can be gotten on Amazon from 3rd party sellers for a lot less than Microsoft’s versions. You can map 3 different profiles for different games or play styles and change them easily with a switch on the controller. It anlso has a great battery life so far. Overall, great controller. Would recommend.

This controller is amazing I absolutely love it! I was looking at scuf and battle beaver since that’s what pros use but then I stumbled upon this on Reddit and so I pulled the trigger wow! The quality is great it feels very premium. So many adjustments you can make from mapping the buttons or paddles to adjusting tension on the sticks. You can remove and use different sticks or DPAD with a quick pull. It comes with a very nice carrying case for when on the go and so you can take care of your $175 controller haha. You do have to download like 3 Microsoft apps on the computer to do that though and that is slightly annoying and makes it difficult for the average person that doesn’t know what they’re doing. Pros: -premium materials -interchangeable buttons and sticks -adjust tension of sticks and trigger tolerances -comes with a nice case to hold everything -paddles Cons: - It is nice but it is also $175 lol an Xbox is $299 so you are buying another Xbox haha kind of cray Overall I would definitely tell people to buy this And I would say it’s a good investment if you play competitive shooters like COD. It does take some getting used to. You’re gonna keep trying to hit the buttons becsuse you’ve always played like that but once you are trained you will play a lot better since you don’t have to take your hands of the sticks and away from aiming to jump reload switch weapons and lay down. I map mine right too paddle: reload Left top paddle: switch weapons Button left: jump Bottom right: lay down/crouch. I hope this helps.

If you’re reading this, you most likely need a little perspective on if this is worth buying. From my experience and comparisons to other “pro-gamer” type controllers, this is hands down the best in terms of feel and gameplay. Quality for me has been an issue with stick drift and shoulder buttons over several controllers. I hate to say it, but I love this controller so much, I have a backup waiting in a box. 2-3 hours a night of gaming for 8+ months and I usually start to see symptoms of failure. The options are to go with Geek Squad protection for which provides a same day replacement, or send it off to Microsoft for the 1 year warranty. Or both. It really is a great controller. I’d recommend protection or having a 2nd on deck in the event your primary goes down.

Caught this controller on sale for 139.99 and I am recommending it on that price. Aesthetically, the controller is awesome. Full rubberized front and back handles, not that ‘faux” gripped like on the series X controller either. Interchangeable sticks and wheelpad( Change that thing ASAP, it sucks!). Honestly would have preferred another set of the rubberized sticks instead of the variations that come with it (I also don’t see how to purchase OEM ones separately). Controller body and trigger rumble is great, although the PS5 dual sense haptic feedback is awesome and I like it more. But, the feel of this controller is just top notch. Coming from PS5 to series X, I bought this controller and used it right away. So in comparison to the default series X controller, this one beats it no contest. The long lasting rechargeable built in battery, the premium feel, the resistance modifier for the analog sticks, and the customizable paddles change it for me. I keep trying to tap the paddles when I play PS5 to no avail. It might seem expensive to buy but after using it, it will be hard to play with the regular series X one. I haven’t had any of QC issues the original elite series had. The case it comes with is also a charging dock, so you can plug the USB C to the case and lay the controller on top after moving to the side the felt cloth layer.

Great controller. Feels great in the hand very dense. I love the case! Having the removable dock in the case for charging was a great idea. The customization options are seamless. You can also remap everything on the controller. With the shift option you can control any action the console supports. Overall great control. Compared to the Dual Sense for PS5, i wish that they added the adaptive triggers. I do like the locking triggers but the sensation of the resistance when you pull a trigger is just too good.

The controls are nice and responsive, the texture and grip always makes it more comfortable whenever I play a competitive genre, customization is on point, battery life is always limitless so not much of charging the Elite Series very often, overall design of the Elite Series 2, makes me want to use it over the default Xbox controller for hours.

Wonderful upgrade from a standard controller, lots of customization with the joystick. The triggers helps to improve gameplay, comfortable, and very precise controller amazing to use. Got to use my points that added up as well, highly recommend!