Verdict
If value isn’t any object, this controller is a necessary for buy for hardcore avid gamers. It’s a superb peripheral, and given it’ll work on future platforms for years to return, you don’t want to fret about such an funding being wasted shifting ahead.
Pros
Xbox Elite Controller 2Attachments present infinite quantities of customisationComfortable to play for prolonged play sessionsFantastic battery lifeWorks on plenty of platforms and gadgets
Cons
Small components of the gadget lack a premium feelD-pad nonetheless isn’t the most effective within the enterprise
Key Specifications
Review Price: £159.99Bluetooth Compatible with Xbox, PC, Phones and Tablets40 hours of battery life through USB-C chargingImpulse Triggers, Rumble Motors and Customisable Attachments3.5mm Stereo Headphone JackWeight: 345g
Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Controller instantly established itself as a necessary peripheral for hardcore gamers when it first launched again in 2015, its supreme construct high quality and in depth vary of options greater than justifying its monolithic price ticket.
Now, Microsoft is increasing upon its imaginative and prescient for knowledgeable pads with Xbox Elite Controller 2, a direct successor to its vastly in style first entry fully with an enormous collection of enhancements and new options. Set to help Xbox Series X, Windows 10 and all different Xbox consoles shifting ahead, this can be a must-have peripheral for many who can afford it.
Price-wise it sits between the Astro C40 and Razer Raiju Tournament Edition that are two of the present high canines within the gaming controller market. But even towards its stiff competitors the Xbox Elite Controller 2 is a wonderful gadget in nearly each regard, with it solely falling brief in just a few small areas.
Its premium high quality, vary of various customisation choices and astounding battery life guarantee it stands proudly among the many competitors, and in some regards, simply surpasses them. Even in comparison with the unique Elite, this can be a daring step ahead.
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Design – A daring but acquainted design that feels fantastic to carry
The general design is essentially much like the primary Elite Controller, albeit with a handful of modifications to its color scheme, attachments and a few different small touches. The strip of plastic which as soon as dominated the house button and higher components of the physique at the moment are a constant shade of black, with shiny silver plastic relegated to the triggers and shoulder buttons. It’s far much less jarring, and provides the gadget a extra premium really feel general.
Button structure has additionally acquired a slight revision. You can now choose from three bespoke profiles, now managed with a single button as an alternative of a change, As end result it takes up far much less area, and is considerably extra sleek throughout the peripheral’s general design. Beyond this, the Xbox Elite Controller 2 doesn’t change what doesn’t require fixing, as an alternative opting to regularly refine points of its predecessor to craft one thing even better.
The massive distinction comes within the customisable attachments which can be saved within the carry case. Inside the strong storage unit you’ll discover a collection of thumbsticks, d-pads and different equipment that are delightfully straightforward to connect and detach from the Elite 2. Unboxing the controller, I spent a couple of minutes merely toying with totally different choices, lastly selecting a configuration which labored for me. However, some modifications have been made when in comparison with the earlier mannequin.
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Elite 2 comes with six thumbsticks – 2 normal, 2 basic, 1 tall and 1 large dome – with Microsoft foregoing the inclusion of two tall thumbsticks after discovering that solely a small variety of gamers adopted that playstyle. So, you’ll be able to go for a setup much like the normal Xbox One controller and even harken again to the Xbox 360 days with the basic sticks. Alternatively, the choice to combine and match is equally as welcome.
D-Pad choices are considerably much less extreme. There are solely two choices obtainable with this controller. You’ve bought normal and faceted attachments, the latter changing into my common driver because of its angular method permitting for a lot extra nuanced inputs. Classic platformers will doubtless profit from the vanilla d-pad, since it may be straightforward to make the wrong enter when sporting its extra sophisticated sibling.
Finally, we’ve got the paddles. These uncommon attachments are for gamers who’re really obsessed with customised inputs and distinctive profiles matching to totally different genres. Paddles may be assigned to any command on the controller, performing as an extra strategy to entry an current button, or as an alternative substitute one. You may also use them as advert hoc grips or take away them totally in the event that they’re distracting otherwise you don’t require further inputs.
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That’s all for fancy attachments, however the Xbox Elite Controller 2 nonetheless homes a few neat surprises. On the again you’ll discover two switches which regulate the actuation factors of the set off buttons, that means you may make it so weapons hearth quicker in Apex Legends or Call of Duty. Each set off has three totally different ranges of actuation to select from, though you’ll be able to customise these additional utilizing the telephone utility and customized profiles function.
Charging the controller is a breeze, largely because of a frankly gorgeous 40 hour battery life which really lives as much as such lofty claims. Switching from an older enter to the extra trendy USB-C, Xbox Elite Controller 2 features a prolonged cable alongside a chunky charging dock. It may be charged instantly within the case, because of a handy opening on the again the place you’ll be able to seamlessly slide within the charging cable.
Performance – The Elite 2 works superbly throughout a number of genres and platforms
I’ve examined the Elite Controller 2 extensively throughout plenty of genres and titles, making certain I gave Microsoft’s flagship peripheral a real run for its cash. It excels in nearly each situation, solely falling brief in situations much like its cheaper siblings. Platformers merely don’t shine on Xbox One controllers, largely as a result of placement of the d-pad in relation to the face buttons.
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Without loads of follow, it doesn’t possess the accuracy of PlayStation or Nintendo pads in my expertise. Titles corresponding to Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Forza Horizon 4 are the place the Elite 2 actually shines. In Playground Games’ gorgeous racer the improved vibration motors come alive as you drift round rain-drenched roads, conveying a way of suggestions I’ve by no means felt in a controller earlier than.
Combine this with the power to customize the sensitivity of your thumbsticks and also you’re left with a recipe for fulfillment. Each recreation or style may be curated to match your personal preferences. At first I discovered such flexibility to be overwhelming since I’m accustomed to common pads, however I slowly however absolutely grew used to adjusting the Elite 2 when leaping from shooters to racers to platformers.
All of its inputs, whether or not you’re speaking about face buttons or the brand new and improved triggers, carry out splendidly. I’d actually discover it tough returning to the vanilla Xbox One controller after this, though I’ll admit the Elite 2 requires somewhat extra care and a spotlight on behalf of the participant to actually take advantage of it. If you’re after a candy and easy peripheral, the unique controller is arguably a neater, and cheaper, promote for informal shoppers.
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The rubberised grip which wraps across the Elite 2 ensures it’s a cushty controller to make use of throughout prolonged play periods, even when your palms develop sweaty throughout a aggravating boss battle. One of my solely qualms is that in comparison with the remainder of the design, the plastic which decorates the bumpers and triggers feels unusually low-cost compared. Its a small qualm, however one value surfacing given the hefty asking value.
Bluetooth connectivity means the Elite 2 is extra versatile than ever, able to connecting to your Xbox consoles and a spread of different gadgets corresponding to telephones and tablets with ease. You’ll want a bespoke dongle or the included USB cable to utilize it on PC, the previous I fortunately had sitting round on the time of scripting this evaluate. I like this flexibility, and it really works in tandem with Microsoft’s imaginative and prescient of an Xbox ecosystem which spans a spread of various gadgets and companies.
Should you purchase the Xbox Elite Controller 2?
If value isn’t any object, the Elite Controller 2 is a non brainer buy for any hardcore gamer. It’s a superb peripheral, and given it’ll work on future platforms for years to return, you don’t want to fret about such an funding being wasted shifting ahead.
For extra informal avid gamers, the hefty asking value is a bitter capsule to swallow, however as a long-term funding I genuinely suppose it’s value enthusiastic about, particularly should you’re shopping for it alongisde a brand new console or the upcoming Xbox Series X. It’s actually among the finest controllers I’ve utilized in latest reminiscence, and Microsoft ought to be recommended for it.