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Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Customization
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Exceptional Controller for Serious Gamers!!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This control will last me for a week without charging it. I see a lot of people get stick drift but i have not experienced that at all yet. (Had it for 5 minths now) I did get thr 2 year geek squad protection just in case but so far amazing control. Kight need to break it in first because its stiff but eventually it gets better and better
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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.
Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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.
Great controller for the slightly more than casual
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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 reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I love good controllers, and this one is great. Battery life is super long, and it had a nice weight to it. The grip is a nice addition as well
I did get the warranty, because ive heard of stick drift issues people have with these controllers, so keep that in mind. No problems so far, but its still pretty new to me.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Honest great controller. The grip and ability to modify some pieces is really nice and convenient. Play you can modify different profiles for different games and switch with a click off a button
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Works very well and I love the grips and handle/lever attachments, and how you can customize it to your liking. But stick drift got horrible only a month in or so. Luckily I got the 2 year protection plan which covers things like that! Phew* will be exchanging asap because it’s an amazing controller for what it’s worth!
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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.
Premium Feel and Precision in a Stunning Blue Fini
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I recently picked up the Microsoft Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Controller in blue, and it’s easily one of the best controllers I’ve ever used.
Build Quality: The build is premium all around. The controller feels solid and has a nice weight to it, giving a sense of durability and precision. The textured grip is comfortable for long sessions, and the buttons, triggers, and joysticks are incredibly responsive. It’s clear that this controller is designed with gamers in mind.
Customization: While this is the “Core” version, meaning it comes with fewer accessories compared to the full Elite package, you still get the elite performance. The ability to adjust trigger sensitivity and fine-tune the thumbstick tension makes a noticeable difference, especially in competitive games. For those who want extra paddles or swappable parts, they can be purchased separately, but the base controller alone still performs exceptionally well.
Performance: The controller shines in responsiveness. Inputs feel faster and smoother compared to standard controllers, which is great for FPS, racing games, or any title where precision matters. I also appreciate the longer battery life—I’ve been able to go multiple gaming sessions without recharging.
Design: The blue color is absolutely stunning and looks even better in person. It has a clean, vibrant finish that stands out without being flashy. It’s a great addition to any Xbox setup or for use with a Windows PC.
Final Thoughts: If you’re a serious gamer looking for improved performance, comfort, and durability, the Elite Series 2 Core is worth it. Even without the extra accessories, this controller delivers on all fronts and feels like a huge upgrade over the standard Xbox controller. Highly recommended for gamers who want a competitive edge and a touch of style.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Overall, a very decent controller for the price there’s only marginal stick drift and the build is solid. It’s a heavy controller. I like that you can customize the light of the Xbox button to any color you want nice feature, and obviously the tuning of the controller is very good in the app on the Xbox the Microsoft controller plays best with Game Pass on PC and console The only thing is the paddle placement they get loose It’s hard to slide cancel in Call of Duty for example
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I had initially purchased the blue version of this controller and liked it so much that I decided to get the red version because I had spare cash and liked the red color. These are now the primary controllers I use and I only use the regular series x controllers when I have guests over or I want to let these controllers recharge.
The paddles make playing many games a lot easier, especially if you play a few competitive multiplayer games. I also like the internal battery and the face that you can also charge the controller and continue to play if you want to. The hair lock triggers also feel nice for people who don't want to use as much force when pulling them, and the settings will mostly be uses for online shooters.
These controllers are best for gamers who play a lot of competitive multiplayer games, need a lot of customization in their controller, or people who want a controller that has a long lasting battery life and does not need to be recharged that often. For everyone else, the standard Series X controllers will do just fine.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I love this controller. It has more weight than the regular Xbox controller. It has nice rubberized group areas which add to comfort and control. The sticks on the controller have customizable tension which really lets you get dialed in when playing FPS games. It also has 3 programmable layouts. The price of the controller seems high at first glance but after using it for a good bit of time you'll see and feel that it is totally worth the price. If you're serious about gaming, buy it.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I preordered this controller prior to release and have used it regularly since November of 2019. Overall, the controller felt like a joy to use; in almost every sense it gave the appearance of a premium product. The bluetooth and internal battery were natural quality of life improvements over the Elite 1. I used it regularly on my PC and an NVIDIA shield.
Then, one morning, I went to use and felt myself being stabbed on my finger tip. Apparently, one of the tiny sleeves on the hair trigger lock popped off the controller. It happens to be in a place where I naturally hold the controller; so far from having a smooth and nice tactile feel, I get stabbed in the finger by what appears to be metal every time I use the controller.
A little bit of research revealed this to be a known problem with multiple threads on the MS support site complaining of this issue. The common solution seemed to be to super glue the sleeve into the trigger (which is startling given how expensive the controller is). However, despite this knowledge, there is no option to purchase a replacement sleeve from MS and its not included in the replacement button accessory kit the company sells.
The only option provided to me by MS was to buy a replacement controller; a horrifically expensive proposition for what seems an obvious and glaringly simple fix on a "premium" product that hasn't even been on the market for a year. The best MS customer service could suggest was me to engineer a fix on my own, by either sticking a piece of eraser on the stabby part or a glue on bumper. A three figure "repair" option was offered to me as well.
A great and expensive disappointment indeed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Controller is amazing. If you already owned the original, and have all the accessories, and just want to refresh or replace the controller, this is perfect. It feels great in hand, and everything is an improvement compared to the origianl xbox controller.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I bought a standard basic controller for Xbox from the custom laboratory. It was just basic custom. It wasn’t a fancy picture. It was just a red custom, soft touch plastic elite two controller but the right joystick didn’t press end and click. It was broken. I was a little bummed out because The controller is so nice. I had to be without it for a couple days till they sent me another one now that I’m using it. I really love it. I would never go back to a basic controller. It is light years better you wouldn’t think it by opening the package but when you actually start to play, you’re gonna notice the difference And I’m happy I stuck with Xbox and now I have a white controller because I can use the keypad on the controller on the set up, so I love it. This is the best decision I ever made.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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.
Premium Feel and Performance with Minor Durability
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Posted . Owned for 4 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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.