I've been a fairly avid gamer most of my life, and made the transition to using the Xbox at age 13. Until turning 23, I have only used stock controllers and relatively cheaper variants due to being young. At this point in my life, I can comfortably afford to spend more money on more premium products for that enhanced quality. Three and a half months ago, I made this decision for my console gaming experience when I bought this controller. My qualms are not so much with the controller's amenities but rather the longetivity.
The ergonomics of the controller itself are great. It has a textured grip to improve handling of the controller, interchangeable joysticks and D-pads, paddles to increase variability to your gaming, adjustments to trigger pull for the FPS junkies out there, and a plethora of options for customizing what buttons do in the Accessories App. You can even use one button like a SHIFT key on your keyboard, allowing for even more options. I thoroughly enjoy using this controller as I learned to use the paddles. The paddles by default replace the "A,", "B,", "X," and "Y" buttons. This addition allows you to play games without having to move your thumbs with the exception of the D-pad, Start/Select buttons, and Xbox button. For someone really into FPS, this increases your efficiency by a notable amount once it is learned. I had a fantastic time using this controller when I gamed in my free time, until the drift came.
My controller's left joystick has drift on its Y-Axis. What a controller should do once you release the joystick is return to the center. This keeps your character from moving when you do not intend for them to do so. What my controller does is keep the joystick tilted ever so slightly up or down, keeping my character moving in that direction when gaming and making it a hell of a challenge to select anything with an in-game cursor. I will use Apex Legends as an example. I jump onto a narrow ledge to make use of its elevation and I have a sniper with a scope. While aimed in, I make a slight movement up to see just a bit better. Next thing I know, I am falling off of that ledge to likely 50m below, where there were some enemies sneaking by and now I am dead. That slight movement of my character without my intent will cause issues like that to happen on a constant. The problem is even worse when I need to ping to my team for ammo, a certain attachment, or even to drop an item in my inventory. When accessing your inventory in Apex, you use a circular in-game cursor and move it with your joystick to individual items. Imagine how hard that becomes when my cursor keeps going up/down unless I take extra time to steady the stick to the center. That seemingly small problem impairs gameplay to the point I almost don't even use the controller and use a stock controller instead.
I had actually never had joystick drift until getting an Elite Controller. Due to various reasons, I have been very busy these past few months, making me forgetful or at times unable to contact Microsoft, I got to contacting them this week for help as I did not want to void any warranty trying to fix a nearly $200 controller on my own. However, in a timely manner, I get a response telling me I can't be helped as I am past my warranty. I bought this controller on the 9th of February and got this response today, on the 27th of May. Not even 4 months past the purchase of this item, Microsoft will refuse to provide any help. Now I am hoping I can get some results from AMEX as I bought this controller with that card for an extended coverage of the item. If you buy this, be extremely careful with it, try to clean it, and do what you can to prevent development of a problem down the line as Microsoft will only stand by a nearly $200 controller for 90 days.
From the manufacturer
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Experience the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 featuring adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks.
Play like a pro
Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly. Designed to meet the needs of today’s competitive gamers, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most—in your hands.
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Optimized for youSwap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Use Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, or the included USB-C cable to play across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows. |
More ways to customizeExperience limitless customization with interchangeable components and exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app.* |
Designed for extended gameplayStay in the game with up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life and refined components that are built to last. Charge the controller either inside or outside the carrying case with the included USB-C cable and charging dock.* |
What's in the box
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2; carrying case; set of 6 thumbsticks: standard (2), classic (2), tall (1), and wide dome (1); set of 4 paddles: medium (2) and mini (2); set of 2 D-pads: standard and faceted; thumbstick-adjustment tool; charging dock; and USB-C cable.
*Important information:
Battery life varies significantly with additional accessories, usage, and other factors. Testing conducted by Microsoft using preproduction units. xbox.com/elitebattery. Xbox Accessories app features (including button mapping and profile configuration) are only available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11. Operating system updates: may be required. Go to xbox.com/xboxone/controller-OS for more information.
Windows 10/11: Requires Bluetooth, compatible USB-C cable, or Xbox Wireless adapter (sold separately). Android, iOS, & Bluetooth: Select devices and versions. Some functionality not supported. Software download may be required via Windows PC or console. See xbox.com/controller-compatibility. Use with controller compatible games. You must accept the Software License Agreement at xbox.com/slt.
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Microsoft Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
Customer reviews
Amazing comfortable controller
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Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
Brandon D
FOUR Faulty Units in a Row
Reviewed in Canada on November 2, 2020Style: Elite 2Verified Purchase
Francisco
Una falla que miles de personas tienen
Reviewed in Mexico on August 11, 2020Style: Elite 2Verified Purchase
Harrison
A great controller, but the build quality is absolutely Abysmal
Reviewed in Canada on November 5, 2019Style: Elite 2Verified Purchase
A great controller, but the build quality is absolutely Abysmal
Reviewed in Canada on November 5, 2019
Edit* I would not recommend buying this controller. I am currently trying to get my second one replaced, and they are not responding it under warranty. These controllers do not last longer than 6-8 months before you have stick drift or button failure issues. Disappointed in Microsoft for their build quality and support quality.Reviewed in Canada on November 5, 2019
I received my elite controller yesterday morning, as usual, Amazon's shipping is great!
This review is going to be aimed more at those who owned the original Elite Controller. Although I'll try and make it work for everyone.
For some context, I have had multiple of the original elite controllers. I didn't have any of the issues with the bumpers breaking or the grips peeling. My issue was the sticks starting to drift. My first one lasted me a year and a half, then the second one I had replaced via the warranty after about 8 months. I sold the third one a few days before I received this one and it was still working fine after about 14 months.
This controller feels SOLID. The last one felt pretty good compared to regular controllers, but this one feels amazing compared to even the original elite controller.
Let's start with the new features.
My favorite thing about this controller over the original elite controller is the charging dock. You can remove it from the carrying case for those wondering. I have it sitting on my bedside table so I can have my headphones plugged into it while I watch TV late at night. Now my controller will be fully charged at the beginning of every day!
The new adjustable tension in the thumbsticks is pretty fantastic. I no longer over compensate my aiming as much when I'm playing a FPS! It is super easy to adjust with the provided tool, however if for some reason you lose it, you can adjust it with something you find around the house like a tiny screw driver or maybe even a steak knife.
The third profile that they added will be nice. I'm sure I'll start playing more than two games at some point... But even if I don't, maybe I'll set up a multi media profile, which leads me to my next point.
The new paddle functions! Like the original elite controller, you can customize what button does what and remap different buttons. However, there are a couple of new functions with this! You can now map functions such play/pause, record and screenshot, and even volume control of the TV.
With these new paddle functions, they also added the ability to map a button as the shift key. This allows you to map a second button to each function.
The paddles themselves seem to be a lower profile than the original elite controller. They don't stick out as far and they are more comfortable in your hands.
The only con for me so far, is that the joysticks they provided don't all have two. The dome top thumbsticks and the tall thumbsticks only have one of each, so you can't put two on your controller.
The provided USB type C cable is great quality aswell.
Overall, I'm very please with this controller. At $230 dollars it will not be worth it for most people to buy. However, if you think the price tag is worth it for a exceptional controller, then you will not be disappointed.
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Certified Reviews
Absolutely Perfect
Reviewed in Canada on November 10, 2019Style: Elite 2Verified Purchase
phase transition
Questionable quality
Reviewed in Canada on November 18, 2019Style: Elite 2Verified Purchase
