The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is the flagship pro controller from Microsoft, aimed at competitive and hardcore gamers who want to customize their setup. But with a premium price tag of $179.99, is the Elite Series 2 worth the investment? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down exactly who should consider the Elite Series 2, what you get for the price, how it improves upon the original Elite, key specs and features, community feedback and alternatives to help you decide if it‘s the right pro controller for your needs.
Overview of the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
Released in 2019, the Elite Series 2 is the second generation pro controller from Xbox, building on the popularity of the original Elite released in 2015. It‘s positioned as the ultimate Xbox and PC gamepad, engineered for performance, customization and durability.
Here are the key details on the Elite Series 2:
- Price: $179.99 MSRP ($139.99 on sale)
- Compatibility: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows 10, iOS, Android
- Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion with up to 40 hours of gameplay per charge
- Materials: Reinforced plastic shell with rubberized grip
- Warranty: 90 days on basic warranty, 1 year with Microsoft Complete extended warranty
At nearly double the cost of a standard Xbox Wireless Controller, the Elite Series 2 is a significant investment. The premium pricing is largely due to the completely customizable components and quality improvements that aim to provide a high-end pro gaming and esports experience.
How Does the Elite Series 2 Improve on the Original?
The Elite Series 2 evolves the original 2015 Xbox Elite Controller in a few key ways:
- Refined design: Smoother joystick modules, refined triggers, and grips for comfort
- New adjustable components: New interchangeable thumbsticks with adjustable tension and shorter hair trigger locks
- Longer battery life: Up to 40 hours per charge vs. 30 hours on the original
- New charging dock: Magnetic charging dock for wireless charging
- Bluetooth and USB-C: Added Bluetooth support and USB-C charging
- Further customization: Even more software customization via Xbox Accessories app
Based on community feedback from the original Elite, the Series 2 focused on enhancing the comfort, customizability, battery life and wireless connectivity to create the ultimate pro-level Xbox controller.
What‘s Included with the Xbox Elite Series 2?
The complete Elite Series 2 package includes:
- Elite Series 2 controller
- Carrying case
- Set of 4 paddles
- Set of 6 thumbsticks: Standard, Classic, Tall, Wide Dome
- D-pad: Standard, Faceted, Dish
- Thumbstick-adjustment tool
- Charging dock
- USB-C cable
- AA batteries
The variety of swappable components allows you to fully customize the feel and gameplay to match your preferences. The carrying case provides safe storage and transport for the controller and accessories.
Breaking Down the Customizable Components
Let‘s take a deeper look at all the ways you can customize the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller:
Rear Paddles
- 4 removable paddles can be attached to the back
- Paddles can be mapped to any controller input via Xbox Accessories app
- Shorten response time by moving inputs from face buttons to rear paddles
Thumbsticks
- Choice of standard, classic, tall and wide dome shapes
- Adjustable tension with included tool
- Increased precision for FPS games with taller thumbsticks
D-Pad
- Standard angled D-pad for default experience
- Faceted D-pad optimized for fighting games
- Dish D-pad provides a circular shape for sweeping movements
Hair Trigger Locks
- Flip switches to reduce trigger pull distance for quicker firing
- Ideal for fast-paced shooters where rapid trigger pulling is critical
Software Profiles
- Save up to 3 custom profiles with unique button mapping
- Switch profiles on the fly using Profile button
- Ideal for tailoring controls for different game genres
This level of physical and software customization allows you to truly optimize the controller for your hands, playstyle and game genres.
Design, Build Quality and Ergonomics
The design of the Elite Series 2 focuses on high quality materials and comfort:
- Rubberized Wrap Grip: Provides a sure grip during intense gaming sessions
- Reinforced Chassis: Made from durable silicone-injected resin for rigidity
- Textured Triggers and Bumpers: Added grip on shoulder buttons for faster actions
- Smooth Thumbsticks: Precise and durable joystick modules for accuracy
- Premium Feel: Weighs 345g with a dense, premium feel in hands
Reviews praise the excellent build quality, with the Elite 2 feeling like a sturdy, premium controller made for serious gaming. The textured grips make it very comfortable for long sessions compared to a standard plastic controller.
Battery Life
One of the biggest improvements over the original is much longer battery life, with up to 40 hours of gameplay per charge.
Here are the power details:
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Up to 40 hours wireless gameplay
- USB-C quick charging: 4 hours of play with 30 min charge
- Magnetic charging dock or USB-C cable charging
The excellent battery life means you can game wirelessly for days between charges. And when it does run low, quick charging has you back in the game in no time.
Who Is The Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller Aimed At?
With the high price and focus on customization, the Elite Series 2 is designed primarily for:
- Competitive gamers: For esports players who want to optimize controls and ergonomics to gain any edge possible.
- FPS and fighting game players: Genres that rely on quick reflexes benefit most from rear paddles.
- Console gamers transitioning to PC: Moving from console to PC gaming is easier with the familiar Xbox layout.
- Gamers with disabilities: The ability to remap buttons is helpful for accessibility.
While any gamer can benefit from the premium design, those who actually utilize the customizable features will get the most for their investment. Occasional or casual gamers likely don‘t need this level of customization.
Community Feedback from Reviewers and Gamers
Overall, reviews and community feedback on forums like Reddit praise the Xbox Elite Series 2 as the best controller for Xbox and PC gaming. Here are some of the most common positives:
- Comfortable, premium feel: High quality materials provide a comfortable, durable controller.
- Game changing customization: Rear paddles and button remapping are game changers for improving reflexes and reducing hand strain.
- Excellent battery life: Up to 40 hours per charge is incredibly handy for wireless gaming.
- Smooth performance: Responsiveness, joystick precision and software profiles work seamlessly.
There are a few common critiques:
- High price: $179.99 MSRP is expensive for a controller, though sales often bring it down to $139.99.
- Potential quality issues: Some users report problems like stick drift or bumper failure after months of use. However, defect rates seem low.
- Lack of onboard profile switching: You must use the Xbox Accessories app to change profiles rather than an on-controller switch like with the original Elite.
Overall though, most agree the Elite Series 2 lives up to its reputation as the premier pro controller for Xbox consoles and PC.
Alternatives to Consider
The Elite Series 2 is by far the most full-featured Xbox controller. But here are two alternatives offering some similar benefits at lower prices:
Xbox Controller + Xbox Accessories App
You can customize a standard Xbox Wireless Controller using the Xbox Accessories app. While you can remap buttons and create profiles, you lack the physical customizations like paddles. But it turns a $60 controller into a more affordable elite option.
Razer Wolverine Ultimate
3rd party option with 4 paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, hair triggers, and remapping. A solid cheaper alternative but lacks Xbox/PC integration or wireless. Often on sale for ~$120.
Verdict: A Costly But Worthwhile Upgrade for Serious Gamers
For those who take their gaming seriously and want to optimize controls for competition, the Xbox Elite Series 2 is hard to beat – as long as you‘ll actually utilize the customizable features that set it apart. Competitive and professional gamers will likely find the investment pays for itself in terms of better performance and reducing fatigue over long sessions.
More casual gamers may not need this degree of customization – a standard Xbox controller provides a great experience already. Though if you have the budget, the premium design and long battery life do make the overall user experience excellent.
Overall the Elite Series 2 represents the pinnacle of Xbox controller technology and design. While expensive, it‘s an investment that pays off for serious gamers chasing any extra advantage or boost in comfort during long hours of gaming. For most, the Elite Series 2 is a buy it for life controller that shows Microsoft‘s commitment to providing the best hardware for Xbox fans.
