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 Good
Ergonomics - 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 Bad
Reliability - 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).
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Xbox Microsoft Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core - White (Renewed) $98.99 & FREE Shipping
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From the manufacturer
Xbox Wireless Controllers Comparison
 Elite S2 Core Controller |  Elite S2 Controller |  Robot White Controller |  Shock Blue Controller | |
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Customer Reviews
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40,852
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40,852
|
24,899
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Price
| $114.99 | $150.99 | — | — |
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Works on Xbox, PC, and Mobile
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
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Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
|
Rechargeable battery
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
|
Textured grip on triggers
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
|
Rubberized wrap-around grid
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
|
Adjustable tension thumbsticks
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
|
Shorter hair trigger locks
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
|
D-pad
| Faceted D-pad | Faceted D-pad | Hybrid D-pad | Hybrid D-pad |
|
USB-C
| Port + 9' cable | Port + 9' cable | Port | Port |
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Customization
| 3 profiles + button mapping | 3 profiles + button mapping | button mapping | button mapping |
|
Dedicated Share button
| ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
|
Elite Accessory Pack
| ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Videos
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Videos for this product
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Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core Unboxing
Steve Sherron
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3:40
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Difference Between Core & Regular Elite Controller!
✅ Eric's Picks
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3:10
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WARNING XBOX ELITE SERES 2 CONTROLLER Has A MUST SEE DETAIL
Sunny
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3:53
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Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Gaming Controller
RJ Martinez
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4:26
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Extra buttons and features! Great for FPS gaming!
RJ
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2:49
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Why The Gamer You Love NEEDS The XBOX Elite 2 Controller
Diana Mantey Ng
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1:59
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Honest review after 2 years - Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
Jess Tesch
Videos for this product
5:12
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Unboxing + Is This ACTUALLY Worth The Investment?
Teressa & Corey
Reviews with images
it's worth it
Best controller I bought ever the grips are nice was surprised the analog are magnetic. I like how you can adjust the left an right triggers an compared to the last controller I had. It even has a feature when u set it up on you Xbox that allows you to do more with it's sensitivity to make any game a little bit better.
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Top reviews from other countries
Eduardo dos Santos Mendes
Excelente Produto.
Reviewed in Brazil on May 14, 2024Color: WhiteVerified Purchase
Eduardo dos Santos Mendes
Reviewed in Brazil on May 14, 2024
Embalagem veio impecável.
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Vitor Hugo Araujo
Mais bonito pessoalmente e muito boa qualidade.
Reviewed in Brazil on January 10, 2024Color: BlueVerified Purchase
Vitor Hugo Araujo
Reviewed in Brazil on January 10, 2024
Produto é claramente Premium e tem uma imensa personalização. Comprei paddles no mercado livre por 70 reais e ficou como um elite 2 completo... por um preço mais barato.
Recomendo muito.
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Kam
Best controller ever
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 12, 2024Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Kam
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 12, 2024
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adrianp
Pesa mucho, la batería se agota enseguida y vale el triple que un mando normal
Reviewed in Spain on February 10, 2024Color: BlackVerified Purchase
