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Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: Everything you need to know

CyberPanda

Banned
At E3 2019, Microsoft finally revealed the latest Xbox Elite Controller for 2019, dubbed the "Series 2." With a range of obvious and more subtle refinements, the next Xbox Elite Controller looks set to build on the extensive feature set offered by the original unit, complete with design tweaks to address some of the previous controller's biggest failings.

Here's everything we know about the next Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, ahead of its expected fall 2019 launch.

Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 features and specs

xbox-elite-series-2-controller%20_2_.jpg


At first glance, the Series 2 looks a little more like an evolution rather than a revolution, but the devil is in the details. Microsoft has baked dozens of refinements into the new controller, as well as some huge new features that should really elevate the overall experience.

Internal battery and charge dock

xbox-elite-series-2-controller%20_5_.jpg


Revealed by Windows Central last year, Microsoft has now confirmed that the next Elite controller will have an internal battery complete with a charging dock. Users will not be able to swap the battery out, however, Microsoft reckons the internal battery provides up to 40 hours of continuous gameplay. The controller itself is chargeable via USB-C, and the charging dock has a unique design that allows it to sit inside the provided carrying case, complete with a hole for feeding through a charging cable.

One thing dock manufacturers tend to get wrong is in the weight and underside friction of their charging docks and accessories. The Surface Dock, for example, has added weight to prevent connected cables from pulling it around from its intended position. The Elite Series 2 dock also has a rubberized high-friction underside to help it stay in place, and connects to the carry case magnetically for more stable storage.

Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless
The Series 2 resolves one of the biggest pitfalls of the previous controller, in that it required an Xbox Wireless USB dongle for use on most PCs. This also meant the Elite was completely incompatible with mobile phones, which is a bit of a problem for Microsoft's upcoming XCloud game streaming service. Thankfully, the Series 2 has full Bluetooth support, so you can play through any compatible device.

Thumbstick tension controls

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The new Elite controller comes with a special tool that lets you dial up or dial down the joystick resistance against your thumbs. Microsoft says you can increase the tension all the way up to Xbox 360 levels, if you prefer that experience, while also loosening them down for easier movements.

Returning features and accessories

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The Elite Series 2 will still come with four configurable paddle buttons that can be removed and bound to different keys. Paddles can also be configured as a "Shift" key, allowing you to combine presses for even more keybinds. You will be able to switch between three separate keybind profiles, as well as three-stage locking for the triggers for shorter activation presses. It will also come with a hardshell carrying case, complete with additional d-pad styles, different joystick types, and a robust braided USB-C charging cable. It will retain the 3.5-mm audio jack as well as the proprietary underside port for third-party controller accessories and things like the Xbox controller chatpad.

Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 design and durability improvements
xbox-elite-series-2-testing.jpg


One of the biggest complaints with the original Elite controller pertains to its long-form durability. Microsoft was keen to stress in its E3 2019 coverage of the Series 2 Elite that it tested every aspect of the new device in its labs over a "lifetime" of clicks and presses.

Across two of the three Elite controllers I've owned, the rubber grips have fallen off over time, due to either poor rubber shape molding or lack of adhesive. Many users have also reported that the shoulder bumpers have broken and degraded over time, which often seems to occur outside of the warranty period. Thankfully, Microsoft has confirmed that extra work has gone into improving both the bumpers and the rubber grips, which now wrap around the entire controller. When we saw the grips up close at E3 2019, it certainly looked as though there was less of a gap between the edge of the rubber and the plastic itself, but it remains to be seen how durable it'll be in practice.

Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 release date and price

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The Elite Controller Series 2 is a fair bit more expensive than its predecessor, at $180, probably owing to the charging dock and beefy internal battery.

The new Elite Controller Series 2 should go on sale on November 4, 2019.

Will the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 be worth the price?

xbox-elite-series-2-controller%20_1_.jpg


$180 is a big ask for a controller, an Xbox console itself starts at $250. This controller will be for the hardcore, who want an edge in games.

Having reversible paddles really does help in some games, since it means you can keep extra fingers on the button at all times, without having to move them around the ABXY buttons on the top surface of the controller. The hair trigger locks also help quite a bit, especially for rapidly firing pistols in shooters. Advanced users can also utilize the longer joysticks with a higher sensitivity for more rapid turning without sacrificing precision shots, due to the extra distance from the pivot.

The biggest caveat worth mentioning is the durability of the rubberized grips and the shoulder buttons. Microsoft says they have been fixed with design updates, but there's no real way to know without getting our hands on it. If they are as robust as billed, this could be a controller that will last you for an extremely long time.

xbox-elite-controller-series-2-heroes%20_1_.jpg


All that said, you'll have to really want that extra edge or have that extra disposeable income to make it worth while. At the very least, it'll make an awesome gift, even if you don't fancy picking it up yourself. You can also make your own Elite controller out of a regular Xbox controller and some cheap custom parts off Amazon, if you fancy some extra features like the hair trigger locks.

 

EverydayBeast

thinks Halo Infinite is a new graphical benchmark
SONY and Nintendo have to be ready to counter this, Microsoft is the only one staying up to date with the competitive shooter scene which is 90% of game streaming.
 

Caayn

Member
Microsoft has now confirmed that the next Elite controller will have an internal battery complete with a charging dock. Users will not be able to swap the battery out, however, Microsoft reckons the internal battery provides up to 40 hours of continuous gameplay.
It looks to be an amazing controller. However the battery downgrade (imo) holds it back. Such a missed opportunity to not have that easily replaceable with either other batteries or simple AA batteries like every Xbox controllers over the past decade. If they had made replaceable I'd have probably upgraded from my V1.
 
Fact no one ever mentions: its twice the weight of a normal pad, and aches to hold.
No one ever mentions it because it doesn't hurt at all. I mean, under normal conditions.

I can see that for someone the added weight might be an issue. But then how do they use a Switch in portable mode?

Mattrick's PR would answer like this: "we have a product for those with weak hands: it's called the standard controller".
 
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D

Deleted member 752119

Unconfirmed Member
I’ll stick with my first gen one for now. It’s still going strong after fixing a bumper and loose right stick. I prefer AAs to internal battery (have a bunch of Eneloop rechargeables) and just don’t use it enough (PC and game mostly on PS4 and Switch lately) to justify upgrading.
 
SONY and Nintendo have to be ready to counter this, Microsoft is the only one staying up to date with the competitive shooter scene which is 90% of game streaming.

Scuf already dominates competitive gaming that relies on this type of controller. Sony doesn't need to make their own, honestly, unless they want part of that market. Nintendo, on the other hand, could stand to benefit from it. I'm not aware of a 3rd party option for Nintendo.
 
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Zimmy68

Member
No one ever mentions it because it doesn't hurt at all. I mean, under normal conditions.

I can see that for someone the added weight might be an issue. But then how do they use a Switch in portable mode?

Mattrick's PR would answer like this: "we have a product for those with weak hands: it's called the standard controller".
I like my Elite but it does make a difference.
I always seem to reach for my Sport controller for playing a quick game or two.

My big beef with this, they should made the look more different the the Elite 1.
 

Gavin Stevens

Formerly 'o'dium'
I’ll tell you what I need to know.

I need to know why when I went to buy one the other night there was no white option.

THE FUCK IS THIS?

Ugh...

I was looking forward to it as well... But I need it in white 😭
 

M1chl

Currently Gif and Meme Champion

That singing UGH... PLS NO, Y? Besides, yes a "friend". But I presume, it's easier stomach to say that, when you said it yourself first while man. Especially with music, there is zero chance for this. But yeah well, it's not like she is talented or skilled.
 
Fellas, I just want to chime in with my Elite controller. I have come to the conclusion that the best xbox controller is one of these guys.




FeWEglw.jpg






To me its the best of all worlds (if you use claw grip)

Here are the bullet points for why.

-Best thing about the elite to me is the soft grips (wish it has the soft touch material like the elite for the front) This has it on the back where it counts
-The Elite controllers joysticks while replaceable which is nice, just felt too loose
-the buttons on the elite controller feel mushy and just not satisfying to press
-quality control is really bad, I went through 3 elites at best buy till I got a better one. Standard controllers are just more consistent.
-Thank you for your time. Agree with me.

I just wish those ugly decals on the front weren't there. You can make a custom one and add rubber grips at the official store though.
 
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