At a Glance: Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Review

Microsoft’s new Xbox Elite Controller quickly became a popular option among gamers when it first launched in 2015. These controllers have reportedly not held up well over the years, though. Microsoft is looking to improve over its original design with the new Microsoft Elite Controller Series 2.

Design

The new Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is remarkably similar to the original Xbox Elite Controller. The button layout is essentially the same as on any Xbox One controller, except on the underside of the controller where there’s some additional hardware.

The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 features four curved programmable paddles. If you don’t want to use these, or you feel they are in the way, you can pull them off and toss them aside, but that would remove one of the controller’s major selling points.

Just like the original, the new Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 has detachable and customizable analog sticks and a removable directional pad.

The main feature enhancements inherent in the new Series 2 controller include improved rubberized grips and a built-in rechargeable battery that reportedly can last for up to 40 hours, according to Microsoft. Our sister site PCMag tested one of these controllers and did indicate the new grips felt like an improvement over the original.

Conclusion

Microsoft set the Series 2 controller with an MSRP of $179.99, which makes it $30 more expensive than its predecessor. As the new controller features better grips and a long-lasting built-in battery, the new Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 appears to be a superior solution compared with the original. If I was in the market for a high-end controller, however, I’d probably wait a while longer to see how the new Series 2 controllers hold up before sinking $179.99 into a high-end model.

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