Xbox Announces New, Cheaper Version Of The Elite Series 2 Controller

Interesting…I wonder if the dualsense pro controller is hitting cheaper than expected…

No extra accessories, so this one must come without stick drift as well then

@Bleachedsmiles no.

Design lab elites???!!

Going to wait a couple of months for stick drift reports before I buy. Had an Elite v2 and it had stick drift after 5 months of use.

So no paddles in the box? What a joke.
I’ll stay with my collective minds back button attachment, thank you very much

My V2 is still going strong and as 'good as new' nearly 3yrs later so I doubt I'll be buying one anytime soon unless something finally happens to my current V2. However I wouldn't 'need' to buy accessories as included with the more expensive option (which seems a bargain compared to the separate options) so could opt to go the design lab route and keep the price a bit lower.

I can understand why they may opt to separate the accessories too as you could have more than one - inc those from Design Lab and use the accessories on whichever Controller is in use and save a bit of money too...

But I think that's more for those with an Elite V2 already and the 'main' (not 'core') is meant for first time Elite V2 buyers. Its also for those that want numerous advantages the Elite offers without the 'annoying' paddles - rechargeable, solidly built, customizable trigger stops and thumbstick tension etc. Paddles take time to get used too and in the 'heat' of battle, time to train your fingers to use them instinctively instead of the way you have ALWAYS played. Break that muscle memory and retrain your fingers/mind to associate whatever paddle you assign to replace whatever 'button' you normally use.

I had 1 main issue with my V1 - that being the Grip peeling off. Eventually, the Bumper button bar broke so I had to replace it, but replaced that with the V2 when it launched and its been the ONLY controller I have used on Xbox/PC since - nearly 3yrs and its still feels and looks like 'new'...

If it does eventually fail, if they have improved the internals, I can just buy a 'core' or design lab variant as I already have all the accessories from my current V2 so save some money on buying replacements or back-up controllers...

Really don't see the point in these expensive controllers...you can get much cheaper versions with the extras..isit really worth paying an extra day £100 just cause it feels perhaps slightly better

So it's basically just a regular controller with the option to buy more parts for it? Why not just buy an Elite Series 2 in that case? Don't see the point of this.

I kind of want to get it... Already got a "complete package" lying around from a "broken" (aka buttons not working properly/double clicking) elite series 2. But as @gollumb82 said I should probably hold off to see what the quality is like.

I Love that theyre adding the Elite to the design lab. NOICE!!!!

Man I hope they improved the design. I'm on my third Elite 2 after the last two go stick drift. Worst part is, after all that, they had the nerve to tell me I'd have to pay for a third replacement then when I got it, it was just the controller without the box and parts. I had sold the broken one for parts and am now out of luck. Xbox customer service sucks so this better hold up better than the old ones

Feels like rushed reaction to PS5 Pro controller.

Design Lab stuff: cool.
Core edition... meh... too many things I would consider essentials are locked behind the stuff they are not including (paddle/charger) but now those can only be acquired as a $60 bundle. So, lower price by $50, and package those separately for $60, that all ends up being a price increase.

@Cikajovazmaj there is nothing rushed about this. The white elite controller has been one of the worst kept secrets for over a year now, and they cant just set up the design lab assembly line stuff by spinning on a dime as if nothing.

@Tharsman what I feel is rushed is splitting existing Elite 2 controller into multiple packages and branding it a new product. Not the white color option.

Glad I didn't wait for the next "iteration" of the elite and got the Scuf Instinct Pro. This is literally the Elite 2 minus the stuff you need...

@Cikajovazmaj I don't see anyone branding it as a new product, and even this I am sure has been planned for a long long time (again, the white elite been known for a long time and now its obvious this is what they intended to ship it as.)

And this is not unlike the XSS launch rumors that we could see a similar "Xbox Series S Core" SKU that didn't ship with a controller.

I like and cheaper, don’t use paddles and it has my three favourite features.
Adjustable thumb stick tension
Adjustable triggers
Wrap around rubber grip
Also like the white on black effect.

Don’t say it much, but we’ll done Xbox

The higher price for the elites always turned me off, and i also doubt i would use the paddles and different sticks, but this? A cheaper price, looks good, supposed to have better build quality than the other elites, i like the colors, and it still has the crazy battery life and adjustable triggers.

Might have to design labs this!

They should've included two back paddles and I'd have bought this in a heartbeat.

@StylesT I got one through a bundle with GameStop. They are pretty cool. Love the battery life and the ability to adjust the tension in the thumb sticks. It is slightly more ergonomic and has a better quality build. I am not into games enough to benefit from creating profiles for different types of games.

Sooooo…. Tho I really prefer the Pro controller, $179 is far too much. The only reason why I got it was to get the system a few month early. Figured I would rather actually get something for it than just pay a scalper. If the price isn’t an obstacle, then by all means, it is a buy.

I love my Elite 2 controller, @FraserG, but I am curious, is this cheaper Core model essentially the same, or is it cheaper because it has less to offer...?

Thank you, @FraserG. I'm still interested to see what options come with the design lab bit, though I don't expect that to be on the cheap side...

Hmmmmm.

Bought the elite series 2 six weeks ago, and a week after purchase the a button packed up.

I live in the UAE so I haven’t even attempted to return it. Hardly “reliable”

The idea's really great, but it's not cheap enough considering what it's missing. It really doesn't discourage not just buying the normal one.

I commend them though for finding ways to reduce initial costs instead of raise them. Some executives seem not to notice discretionary spending has dropped at retail....

Why not just make it all white? Don't like the mix.

dumb af...the white controller will change colors...plus if u don't take care of your elite controller...meaning...leaving it in the case boxed up when not in use to prevent the damage the accrues over time from moisture in the air these elite controllers literally fall apart in humid place like hawaii where I live... luckily I put them in the case and case in box while not in use to prolong usage

Still ridiculously expensive for a gaming controller