Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 Core review: Semi-pro

Price When Reviewed

129.99

Best Prices Today: Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 Core

$129.00

129.99

Microsoft used to supply only one Xbox controller, leaving it to 3rd events to fill any particular niches, however no extra. It launched the primary Elite Controller within the Xbox One period, and it adopted that up with the revamped Series 2 Elite controller in 2019. However, at nearly $200 it’s expensive, and even devoted players could scoff on the expense. Now, the Elite Controller Series 2 Core has entered the sport. This controller has a couple of aesthetic adjustments from the usual Elite, and it doesn’t include the equipment equipment, however it’s priced at a extra cheap $130. 

If you don’t want all of the add-ons, the Core is an effective way to avoid wasting money whereas getting a extra feature-rich Xbox controller. But if you find yourself wanting the equipment, it’s going to simply price you extra in the long term. Still, this could possibly be the candy spot for some players.

Elite Controller Series 2 Core: Design and construct high quality

Microsoft’s Series 2 Core controller has the identical form and profile because the Series 2 Elite, which itself is nearly similar to the 2020 base model controller that ships with the Xbox Series S and Series X. If you’re coming from the common controller, as most will, the very first thing you’ll most likely discover concerning the Series 2 Core is the rubberized grips. They really feel rather more safe within the hand than the all-plastic design of the usual Xbox gamepad, and the dot texture is current all the way in which round. The Elite Series 2 has the identical texture, however your entire controller is black—the Core has a two-tone white/black colorway that we predict seems fairly sharp. 

Ryan Whitwam

The prime edge sports activities the USB-C port for charging and wired gameplay, together with the pairing button. It comes with an 8-foot USB-A-to-C cable, too. One factor you received’t see is a seam for the battery compartment. Unlike the bottom mannequin, this controller has an built-in rechargeable battery. Previously, you needed to go all the way in which as much as the $180 Elite Series 2 for that luxurious. Look farther down on the again, and also you’ll perceive why the Series 2 Core is simply $130. 

The Core doesn’t embody Microsoft’s accent package deal, however the controller is absolutely appropriate with it. Thus, you will have 4 slots for rear paddle buttons. Not having them makes the controller look a bit incomplete, however admittedly, you’re not going to spend so much of time staring behind your gamepad. Also on the again are switches to alter the journey of the triggers. That’s helpful if you wish to tune the expertise for particular video games. For instance, you may want the brief throw for shooters, however the longer journey is right for racing video games the place the set off is your throttle. The switches are a bit fiddly and onerous to regulate on the fly, although. 

On the face of the controller, you’ll discover all of the buttons within the standard Xbox structure. The ABXY cluster doesn’t have the color-coding of the cheaper controller, which makes for a extra understated look. There’s additionally an LED profile indicator within the center. The d-pad has the identical steel dish form because the full-priced Elite Series 2, which feels nicer below your finger than even the improved plastic d-pad on the common mannequin. The Core has the identical detachable controls because the non-Core Elite gamepad, too. Both the d-pad and thumbsticks are held in place with magnets, and so they really feel utterly steady—no wobble or clicking—till you pull straight up. Since the Core doesn’t include the accent bundle, you’ll most likely go away these in place.

Elite Controller Series 2 Core: Features and hands-on expertise

If you’re switching from the usual Xbox controller, you’ll discover the added heft of the Elite Core. It’s 300 grams (10.58 ounces), whereas the common controller (with batteries put in) is 250g. The stability of the controller continues to be good, although, and we discovered it completely comfy for lengthy gaming classes. The adjustable triggers additionally assist to restrict pointless motion as most video games don’t want the total vary of movement. 

Because it does a lot extra, the Elite Core wants firmware updates. In truth, it received’t work appropriately out of the field till you replace it. On Windows, you’ll have to obtain the Xbox equipment app, however the Xbox console will already know how you can replace your peripherals.

Microsoft says the controller can run about 40 hours wirelessly on a cost, and that’s solely a tiny bit greater than our real-world numbers. It runs lengthy sufficient you may lose observe of the cable, however fortunately, it fees with customary USB-C. There are pogo pins on the again for the controller charging dock, however that’s an pointless add-on when USB-C is so prevalent. 

All the buttons on the Elite Controller Series 2 Core are easy and appropriately tactile. The sound is a bit quieter and deeper than the usual controller, save for the triggers, that are a lot louder when you use the center or brief journey positions. We’re impressed that the thumbsticks really feel so strong even whenever you’re spinning them furiously—you’d by no means know they pop off until you pull upward on them. 

Ryan Whitwam

The cheaper 2020 controller added a share button in the course of the face, however the Elite Core has much more occurring. The button in that place enables you to change between the controller’s three customizable profiles, as indicated with the aforementioned profile LED indicator. The profiles allow you to management what every button does, alter your set off lifeless zones, tweak the vibration, invert the thumbsticks, and even change the Xbox button’s coloration. 

The Elite Core has much more performance when you want it. You can assign a button to “shift,” which prompts secondary capabilities for any button of your selecting. So you lose prompt entry to the share characteristic, however it is a very highly effective improve over the bottom mannequin controller. However, you won’t have a button to commit to shift until you splurge on the accent equipment to get the paddles. 

You do miss out on among the controller’s performance by not having the accent equipment, which Microsoft will promote you individually for $60. That places the overall value barely greater than when you’d simply purchased the non-Core Elite controller, which comes with the equipment.

Elite Controller Series 2 Core: Compatibility

The Elite Core gamepad pairs completely with the Xbox Series X and S, however its Bluetooth performance means it may possibly additionally discuss to myriad different gadgets. To pair with different gadgets over Bluetooth, long-press the pair button subsequent to the USB-C port and choose it in your cellphone or PC. A double-tap of that button will transfer the controller again to the Xbox, if it’s paired with one.

Microsoft’s Windows OS naturally has full integration, together with the Xbox Accessories app for conjuring the controller’s superior options. You can even join it to an Android or iOS cell machine over Bluetooth, however you’ll have to make use of the desktop app and a USB-C cable to alter settings. 

Ryan Whitwam

Speaking of the USB-C port, that’s one other approach you may connect with the controller. It works in wired mode for PC and Xbox. While we had no bother utilizing the bottom mannequin Xbox controller in wired mode with Android, that’s not the case for the Elite Core. For no matter motive, it’s going to solely cost when linked to a cellphone’s USB-C port.

Ryan Whitwam

Should you purchase an Elite Controller Series 2 Core?

The Elite Controller Series 2 Core provides a ton of options you don’t get with Microsoft’s customary controller, together with profiles, higher grips, button remapping, and adjustable triggers. However, you lose out on a few of what the {hardware} can do by not getting the bundled accent equipment, which comes with the full-priced Elite Series 2 equipment. The rear-facing paddle button connectors are ineffective until you spend extra on equipment, and it’s pointless to have detachable buttons whenever you don’t have the choice controls. 

For cell and PC players, the Elite Core does provide a greater expertise than the bottom mannequin gamepad. The built-in battery means you may take the Elite Core controller on the street and cost it with a daily USB-C cable, however you won’t even need to trouble given the sturdy battery life. However, the shortage of wired USB-C help on smartphones is a bummer. 

For informal players who don’t need button profiles or adjustable triggers, it’s finest to stay with the cheaper Xbox controller. Serious players ought to most likely nonetheless spring for the total Elite controller equipment. It’s costlier, however you get all of the equipment you may find yourself shopping for anyway. Buying the Elite Core and the accent equipment individually is $10 extra than simply shopping for the total Elite bundle. For these few within the center, the Elite Core is a good piece of {hardware}. The $130 asking value is steep however justifiable so long as you might be assured you received’t need the equipment after you begin tinkering with the Elite Controller Series 2 Core.