Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 review. Dream gamepad that has no equal

Choosing a gamepad is always a difficult task. It should be not only functional, but also comfortable to lie in your hands.

In this regard, I have always liked controllers from Microsoft, even though I have a PlayStation 5. For PC and smartphone, I have always chosen Xbox accessories. They are reliable, durable and simply unrealistically comfortable – I’m not dissembling at all, and I think many will support me.

Today I want to tell you about the ultra-modern Xbox Elite Controller Series 2. So far, this is the best purchase in 2023.

What’s Included

There are two versions of the gamepad: regular and Core. They differ only in the contents of the box.

The standard kit includes the controller itself, a case, a set of 6 mini-sticks (standard (2), classic (2), high (1), domed (1)), a set of 4 handles (medium (2), short (2 )), a set of 2 D-pads (standard, faceted), a thumbstick adjustment tool, a charging dock and a USB-C cable.

Yes, the charging station is included. If the standard Xbox controller is powered by batteries, then this one is powered by a battery that lasts for a long time (more on that below).

In the Core version, in addition to the gamepad, there is a tool for adjusting the mini-sticks and a braided USB-C cable. Well, the documentation is relevant.

This is what the stick tool looks like

Personally, I go for the Core edition because it’s $100 cheaper and the rest of the parts can be bought separately for less.

If you do not want to bother with this, then your choice is the standard edition.

This is a fantastic gamepad.

The Xbox Controller Series 2 looks impressive right out of the box. It can be seen that this is an expensive device.

Convenience is exactly what I value Microsoft for, and especially in such a gamepad. It lies perfectly in the hands, you feel all its power and build quality from the very first seconds.

At the heart of the accessory is rubberized plastic. It does not collect fingerprints and practically does not get dust stuck in it. At the same time, the gadget does not slip at all either in the hands or on the table – it is logical, rubber, after all.

The build quality is also top notch. Nothing nowhere backlash and does not creakand when the sticks collide with the case, a pleasant tapping is heard.

The shape of the buttons is also convenient. You immediately get where you need to go, and your fingers do not slip anywhere. It’s also cool that there is no stick drift (in the reviews they write that it almost never occurs and over time, I can’t check it myself because of the short service life – now everything is fine).

The only thing is that it will be a matter of habit to switch from Dual Shock / Dual Sense to it. The d-pad and left stick are in different places, which may make it seem inconvenient out of habit. But you can get used to it in just 10 minutes. It’s already a matter of taste.

Love the texture of the cover

As for the sticks and crosses themselves, they fixed on magnets. If desired, they can be easily replaced with others – complete or any other, the market is full of options. They are removed with one movement of the hand, they are dressed in the same way. Even the teapot will figure it out, there is no option to make a mistake.

In addition, with a complete tool for sticks, you can adjust the force of their tension. For this:

1. Take off the stick

2. Insert the tool into the opened contact area in which it was located (the contact connector looks like a Phillips screw).

The mini joysticks have three levels of tension. The contact area will make a click when rotated in it

3. Turn the tool clockwise to tighten the mini joystick, or counterclockwise to loosen it.

4. You put a stick in place

Fast, easy, convenient. Personally, I use the second level of tension. The first one is too easy for me to walk. But here, to each his own.

I especially want to note the weight of the device – 345 grams. For comparison, the standard gamepad weighs 230 grams, and the Dual Sense weighs 280 grams. Due to the large weight, you feel that you are holding a weighty device in your hands, not assembled in the basement.

You can add petals to it!

This is one of the main advantages of the gamepad.

The paddles that attach with magnets to the back of the controller are useful if you don’t have enough standard buttons. You can “hang” additional actions or macros on them through third-party utilities or a proprietary application Xbox Accessories (more on that below).

You can find an infinite number of applications for them, almost control the entire computer without a keyboard.

This coating improves grip on the button.

Liked the opportunity shorten the course of triggers. All in the same place, on the back of the controller there are special latches for each of them. Only three positions, and this is more than enough.

Accordingly, we get a long stroke with full closing of the triggers, a medium one (the trigger slows down in the middle) and a short one. The latter is especially convenient for shooters. This way you can shoot faster.

This gamepad can be customized

On the central part of the controller there is a special button for switching profiles. You can make 3 different options in total in the Xbox Accessories app.

This is a real killer feature. Here you can configure literally every element: from buttons and vibration to movement and “dead zones” of the sticks.

You can remap action for each key, change their functionality. In general, completely redo the gamepad for your own needs.

Switching between profiles occurs instantly by pressing the corresponding button.

Together with removable elements, a complete customization is obtained.

Connects to Windows PC, Mac, iOS and Android using Bluetooth. The supplied cable can also be connected to computers. There are no delays in both modes at all. For stable wireless operation, it is better to have Bluetooth 5.0.

The experience is awesome, it’s the perfect gamepad for everything

I’ve been through two games with him. These are brand new Hi-Fi Rush and a remake of Dead Space. He also played Warzone 2.0 and Sea of ​​Thieves at the same time. Of course, where without Microsoft exclusives, if I have their gamepad.

Also pleased to play fighting games on iphone. I took petals from a friend and “hung” fatalities on them so as not to remember key combinations. And in Hi-Fi Rush, I reassigned the inconvenient dash from the Rb button to the petal.

I can’t say that extended functionality was often useful to me. I’ve been used to playing the standard layout over the years. However, in some cases it improved usability. And in general, there are those who simply need these additional body kits.

Due to the solidity of everything, the heavy weight, the convenient shape of the gamepad itself and the rubber handles, it is most convenient to play anywhere and in anything. It fully justifies its cost.

Yes, there are no adaptive triggers like in DualSense. But I won’t say that I often use the chip on the PS5 as well. Yes, and the developers add it with some reluctance or something.

Operates Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 on a single charge for approx. 40 hours. Learn, Sony, what kind of batteries to build in. If DualSense is already discharged in 5-7 hours (it’s a couple of evenings), then this accessory will last for one to two weeks, depending on the gaming sessions.

Microsoft has created a dream gamepad

Worth the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 in the Core package 17 990 rubles and sold in re:Store. Given the current market situation, this is a reasonable price.

And the multifunctional device itself in every possible way proves its value. This is a real elite gamepad that should come with the Xbox.

Even in the absence of petals, it is convenient to use it in absolutely any game. In general, a godsend for a gamer. This is now my main controller for everything.

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