Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

[VSG]

Microsoft's first-party native support of their Xbox brand has had them bring out relevant hardware and software on Windows as well. The Xbox controller is synonymous with PC gaming today, and we take a look at the Xbox Elite Series 2 to see how it stacks up against the competition.

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[GerKNG]

one year warranty says it all...

 

[Robert Bourgoin]

Love mine, use it wireless .Zero problems A+ quality build.

 

[Mussels]

I've had mine for roughly a year now

1. Bluetooth performance sucks, the wireless adaptor blows it away
2. Heavy
3. i'm mouse and keyboard master race, but this thing is glooooorious

it's the charging dock that works inside and out of the carry case that sold this as premium for me, as well as direct type C charging

 

[VSG]

I've had mine for roughly a year now

1. Bluetooth performance sucks, the wireless adaptor blows it away
2. Heavy
3. i'm mouse and keyboard master race, but this thing is glooooorious

it's the charging dock that works inside and out of the carry case that sold this as premium for me, as well as direct type C charging

I have a review of the latest Xbox controller submitted as well which certainly addresses the weight aspect at least!

 

[Mussels]

i got it exclusively for star wars squadrons while wearing a VR headset, and havent used it in any game since XD

it just sits there looking pretty...

 

[Gmr_Chick]

Damn, and here I thought my Razer Wolverine Ultimate was pricey. Granted, where this controller is wireless, mine is wired. But hey, at least I don't have to worry about a battery crapping out mid-match, lol.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

I don't have to worry about a battery crapping out mid-match, lol.

Unless you are playing for 18 hours + without charging it not gonna happen. The charging dock it comes with is also pretty great.

 

[QUANTUMPHYSICS]

I just don't understand why I should spend $179 for controller.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

I just don't understand why I should spend $179 for controller.

If you don't understand why the controller isn't meant for you.

 

[turbogear]

Unless you are playing for 18 hours + without charging it not gonna happen. The charging dock it comes with is also pretty great.

I agree.
I own one since almost 2 years. I bought it for XBOX One X a few months after this control came out. It was on sales at MediaMarkt.
I don't use it for gaming on PC. I prefer there a gaming mouse and keyborad.

Regarding battery life, yes longest I think I played XBOX was 5 hours in a raw and I was never able to fully drain the battery.
The dock can be left mounted in the case and one can charge it by plugging USB C cable through the small hole provided in the case.

I like the flexibility it provides with the different options for the trigger and buttons.

I like it better over a Scuf controller. My son owns one of those for his PS4 Pro but I find Elite Controller 2 better. The Scuf was even more expensive.
Only advantage with Scuf is that there are tons of options from colors, triggers etc. that you can select from when buying it.

 

[Chomiq]

I just don't understand why I should spend $179 for controller.

Better question is "Why should this controller cost $179?"

 

[Bozydar]

The only complain that I have is it's inability to sync to more than one XBOX/PC-XBOX-Adapter.

I have XBOX and PC with XBOX Adapter next to my TV and I have to pair the controller each time I wanna play on different device.
Moreover there is no way to pair without turning controller on so it turns XBOX on (and I wanna play on PC), then I sync to PC and turn XBOX off .
Very anoying.

I really wish someone at Microsoft implemented quick 'host' switching... e.g. double or tripple click on sync button should switch between last two or three synced host. Host can be differenet combination of XBOX, XBOX-PC Adapter, Bluetooth device.
There are led indicators on the controller so it is easy to comunicate to the user which host (by number) is 'on'.

I know that something like double-click works on new regular XBOX-X-Controller but it switches only between XBOX/Bluetooth.

 

[Fahad]

I've had this controller since launch, and having used Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, and PS4 controllers, the Elite 2 wipes the floor with them.

The price is expensive, but as soon as you hold it in your hands and start using it, you'll feel just how premium and powerful it is. This is hands-down the gold standard of game controllers.

 

[VSG]

I've had this controller since launch, and having used Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, and PS4 controllers, the Elite 2 wipes the floor with them.

The price is expensive, but as soon as you hold it in your hands and start using it, you'll feel just how premium and powerful it is. This is hands-down the gold standard of game controllers.

My issue is more that it no longer has all the exclusive features that it enjoyed at launch, the latest Xbox wireless controller has the faceted D-pad and first-party software remapping in addition to a lot more color customization options. It needs a price cut to remain in the picture, even with the objectively better feature set.

 

[zilul]

no mechanical switches for its price ? I don't want to pay double the price for the same durability as a standard xbox controller, count me out.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

Its £154 on my UK store, out of stock though.

I'll wait and buy one cheaper from CEX or Ebay

 

[Inle]

Went through three of these in less than a year. Just returned the last one two weeks ago. Stick drift, sticky main buttons, a broken shoulder button after two months of light use - you name it, I went through it all. The quality control for this product doesn't exist, or the platform it's built on is fundamentally broken. Now I'm back on the regular Xbox One gamepad and I have to say, it feels absolutely great not having to deal with Microsoft's mundane bullshit related to their premium, "Elite" product.

 

[5 o'clock Charlie]

@VSG Did the series 2 controller you reviewed have the model number FST-00008 or FST-00001? I couldn't confirm it from the box pictures on page 2. Not sure why there are two different model numbers that have the same product name in the first place. Maybe because FST-00008 is a revision model number? Thanks.

 

[Mussels]

@VSG Did the series 2 controller you reviewed have the model number FST-00008 or FST-00001? I couldn't confirm it from the box pictures on page 2. Not sure why there are two different model numbers that have the same product name in the first place. Maybe because FST-00008 is a revision model number? Thanks.

Mines model 1797?
where are you finding this FST number

 

[5 o'clock Charlie]

Mines model 1797?
where are you finding this FST number

This model number is shown on the retail box near the UPC code, such as in this picture from the review. Good point, looking online I see the "model 1797" printed on the bottom of the controller as you mentioned. Apparently, FST-00001 had the same bumper defects as the elite series 1, thus a new revision FST-00008 was made that supposedly fixed this. I am just curious because I have been interested in getting a series 2 controller for my xbox one. The original controller that came with the system is about over a year old and already the left trigger and x button sticks at times. My xbox 360 controllers held up much longer than it, and in fact still function flawlessly today.

 

[Mussels]

Mine says model 1797,1924 and FST-00005

 

[mechtech]

Went through three of these in less than a year. Just returned the last one two weeks ago. Stick drift, sticky main buttons, a broken shoulder button after two months of light use - you name it, I went through it all. The quality control for this product doesn't exist, or the platform it's built on is fundamentally broken. Now I'm back on the regular Xbox One gamepad and I have to say, it feels absolutely great not having to deal with Microsoft's mundane bullshit related to their premium, "Elite" product.

Ya. I’d like to see how long it last with kids. I went through about 8 Xbox 360 wired controllers and started rebuilding them since not really available anymore. I kind of remember the N64 controllers last longer while taking more use and abuse but maybe I’m wrong??