Why the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller Still Carries Late Nights After Seven Years

Microsoft shipped the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, priced at $111.74 (was $150), in late 2019 as a heavier, more configurable pad built around metal parts, an internal battery, and a profile switch that lives on the face of the controller. Years later it still shows up in living rooms and on desks because the basics have held: four rear paddles, tension you can set with a small tool, trigger stops that shorten travel, and a grip that wraps far enough to keep sweaty hands from sliding during long sessions.

Four metal paddles clip onto the back and map to almost any input through the Xbox Accessories app on console or Windows. Plenty of players park jump or reload on the upper pair so thumbs stay on the sticks in shooters. If you only want two, you can get them off with some vigorous pulling, or you may opt for the thinner core version, which comes without them and allows you to add the whole accessory pack later. Medium and mini paddle shapes give you a choice in how far your fingers travel.a

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Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Elite Series 2 Core | White | Console, PC, and Android | Adjustable…

• XBOX ELITE WIRELESS CONTROLLER SERIES 2: Play like a pro with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger…
• CORE ESSENTIALS: Includes just the components you need to unleash your best game. Additional components sold separately for even more customization…
• LIMITLESS CUSTOMIZATION: Exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app—even pick which color the Xbox button lights up with.*

One enhancement that is sometimes ignored is adjustable stick tension. A little tool allows you to tighten or relax each analog stick to three levels of stiffness, so the sensation of returning to the middle matches the game. The full kit also includes a variety of extra toppers in traditional, tall, and dome designs, as well as an extra d-pad in case the one on the controller isn’t to your liking. Hair trigger locks on each analog trigger allow you to select from three different ‘stops’ to reduce the distance required to trigger a shot in a racing or shooting game without sacrificing the complete analog feel when needed.

The built-in rechargeable battery can last up to 40 hours, and we’ve seen it get close to that with the vibration turned off. You may charge it with a USB-C cable or place it on the magnetic dock in the carrying case that comes with the entire set. As for connectivity, this pad has Bluetooth, wireless Xbox, and USB-C all in one, so you can use it on a Series X, Series S, Xbox One, PC, or even an Android smartphone. Paired devices will require some effort to set up, as it can be unpleasant to try to pair them between many machines.

The Xbox Accessories app allows you to save up to three custom profiles and switch between them using the profile button and its three little LEDs. You may customize any face button, bumper, trigger, or paddle, adjust the sensitivity of the sticks, mute or stretch out the rumble and impulse triggers, and even change the color of the Xbox button light. Shift mapping adds an extra layer of commands without overloading the paddles.