Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 Review: The Best Gaming Controller Yet?

The device is a wireless controller included with the Xbox One S. It can be used to improve your game's performance with features such as custom button configurations. However, it's a controversial device, with some customers angry over its steep price. This review will try to highlight the positives and negatives of this controller to help you decide whether or not it's right for you.

Design

The Xbox elite controller series 2 review begins with the design. The first thing you'll notice about this controller is its larger size. It's about five percent bigger than a standard Xbox One controller. It weighs 4 ounces more, making it the heaviest official Xbox One controller to date. However, the extra weight also makes it feel like a premium product. The device feels sturdy and solid in your hands, with rubber grips on the handles to reduce slippage. The buttons have built-in tension to don't feel loose or squeaky even after repeated use. In fact, the elite controller series 2 feels like a tank in your hands.

Customization

The device has additional customization options not available on regular Xbox One controllers. For instance, you can switch the regular directional pad to a diamond-shaped directional pad if you prefer it over the rectangular standard. There are also two paddles on each side of the controller that can serve various functions. These paddles can also be reprogrammed for easier access to specific commands or remapped entirely for use with any game under any playing style. The elite controller series 2 has four slots for interchangeable thumbstick caps, so you can choose your favorite design from the included set of blue, black, and red caps or buy additional colored caps separately.

Battery

This controller also has a rechargeable battery that lasts approximately 40 hours on a full charge. The controller senses when it's low on charge and turns on the LED indicator light when it needs to be recharged. The indicator light is located on the charging cable, so if you're not already near a power outlet, it won't be obvious when the controller runs out of battery life. You simply plug the charging cable into one of your Xbox One controllers or into any USB port for power.

Compatibility and Performance

The elite controller series 2 is designed for use with Xbox One games. If you're playing on a computer, you don't have to worry about compatibility as long as your computer has a USB port. However, when using the controller on Xbox One, you should be aware that it uses the custom Windows 10 Xbox app. This can cause some problems for players. For instance, there are no in-game audio indicator settings for the controller's headphone jack, so if you want to use headphones with this controller and play on Xbox One, you'll have to download third-party software like VoiceMeeter Banana. Also, there are issues with game saves that are not fixed yet, even after downloading the most recent update from Microsoft.

Button configurations

There are roughly ten different button configurations to choose from. One of the biggest complaints about these configurations is that the thumbsticks and triggers can be challenging to reach. There's only one stick with an extra bumper at the end of the main stick in some configurations. At the same time, other controllers have two sticks on either side of the controller that you can move independently. Some configurations have removed the left trigger, especially if you're using a gamepad with extra triggers like a PC gamepad. It's possible to store profiles for different games or even use different thumbstick/trigger combinations for each game by storing your own custom keystroke profiles in the Xbox Accessories app on your phone or computer.

The elite controller series 2 is built to withstand a lot of abuse. Apparently, it can survive a 3-meter drop onto concrete unscathed and the static IP rating. It's also designed to be used with all kinds of grip styles, so there should be a setup that feels comfortable for you, whether you're right-handed or left-handed.

Conclusion

This Xbox elite controller series 2 review shows that this is one high-quality gaming controller. It has the standard X, Y, B, and A buttons on the right side of the device and two paddles on each side of the controller for easy access to additional commands. The device also has a rechargeable battery life, so you don't have to worry about replacing AA batteries for long stretches of play. The controller is also water-resistant, so you can use it in the rain or in wet conditions without worrying about damaging the controller. You'll pay over $100 for this one. So, if you want a premium gaming controller that's comfortable and durable, the Xbox elite controller series 2 is the device for you.