Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Review: Overkill for most people

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (or Elite 2 for short) was definitely a professional-level industry gold standard. game Controllers from the past 10 years. Over the years, dozens of competitors have appeared. Elite 2 is not perfect yet, but it still sets the bar high.

What I like about Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

One of the best things the Elite 2 does is the layout. It’s roughly the same as the standard Xbox controllers that ship to all consoles. If you use Microsoft Xbox controller Of the past few generations, you will feel at home here. This is a good thing as the controller design has not changed significantly over a decade. It wasn’t broken so there was no need to fix it.

The controller hardware is also top-notch. There’s not necessarily a mistake in the buttons on the standard controller, but the moment you hold the Elite 2 in your hand you can instantly feel the difference. The buttons seem more solid and the D-PAD has also been significantly improved.

Pro grade customization

What really makes this controller elite Additional features and customizations. In addition to the improved main button, there are technically four additional buttons for the paddle. These are sitting where your index and middle finger are placed on the back of the controller, so you can easily hit it without thinking too much about it. It is also magnetically attached so if you don’t want to be unnecessary, you can remove it right away.

Each paddle can be customized to a specific button or button combo. This is extremely useful for performing the action without removing your finger from the joystick. For example, reload weapons during an FPS game, activate secondary fire mode, cast specific spells in an RPG, etc. For most gamers, this may not make a big difference to your playing style, but for more hardcore gamers counting every millisecond, it can be very useful.

To conclude, you can create custom profiles for each layout and assign up to three at a time to the controller. The central memory button allows for quick switching, allowing you to fly around your favorite games without missing a beat.

Microsoft didn’t just stop it with an additional button. Triggers, joysticks and D-pads can also be customized. What Elite 2 includes is a second D-PAD with four directions (as opposed to the direction of the pre-installed octagon) and several different joystick heights, if necessary. I didn’t think this latter aspect would make a big difference until I tried out the highest stick for aim control. Soon, I got a much better shot. There are also some extra joystick covers that can give each one a different grip.

The coolest part I’ve seen with another controller is that you can customize the tension on each joystick. The box has small tools that you can turn the joystick to increase or reduce tension to suit your taste. When I first got my controller, my fingers started to hurt a while later, but after I reduced the tension, there was no further problem.

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No more disposable batteries

Not everyone appreciates the lack of AA batteries in the Elite Controller, but I prefer that. It might be a little more convenient to simply replace a new battery when the controller dies, but I often forget to order more. So when I run I’m going to have to plug it in to play anyway. Now, including a wireless charging stand, you can drop between play sessions while charging. Conveniently, plugging in while playing will charge. Microsoft claims about 40 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is a bit lower compared to other controllers. It hit nearly 30-35 hours in the test, but that’s not bad.

Things I don’t like about Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Some people may prefer heavier controllers, but I don’t. The Elite 2 is certainly the heaviest controller I’ve used, and that’s notable. It tireed my hands much faster than the other controllers I used. Also, the texture grips feel strange to me. I don’t know why, but I can’t explain, but the Elite Controller is actually the most slippery controller I’ve used. I don’t know if the grip is completely wrapped, or if my hands are producing too much oil, or what it is producing, but I couldn’t completely escape the feeling that I was going to drop it.

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There is no easy device switching

The Elite 2 supports Xbox Wireless to connect to the Xbox console, along with USB-C and Bluetooth connections. However, it can connect to almost any device that supports Bluetooth, such as PCs, smartphones, tablets, etc., but the controller doesn’t remember which device it pairs with. This means that you will need to manually repair each time you switch devices. It’s not the end of the world, but it can be a nuisance if you want to play regularly on multiple devices and use one controller between them.

Should I buy the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2?

The Elite 2 controller is incredible hardware. The buttons are solid and clicky, and the customization options are the best in the industry. However, I have struggled to connect to multiple devices and have less battery life. And it’s probably too much for most people. But if you’re looking for something more advanced than a standard Xbox controller and are willing to fire it up, Elite 2 is one of the best you can get.

When Elite 2 first launched, it was $180. That’s a lot for the controller, no matter how good it is. However, Elite 2 Currently, you can get it for $159 at most retailers. Reduced items can be reduced. There are also many sales throughout the year – Prime Day is coming soon – Perhaps you can reduce that. There are rumours that Series 3 will be coming, but there is no definitive information one day.