Released at the end of 2015, the first Xbox Elite controller convinced us despite its very high price of €150. Almost 4 years later, here comes the Elite Series 2, its replacement. Even more expensive (180 €), it is also even better.
Even more accomplished than the first Elite controller, this Xbox Elite Series 2 has almost everything from the ultimate controller. We could have wished for more responsive main buttons, but in terms of comfort, precision and customization, we simply can’t find better. Unfortunately, it is very expensive for its services, but it is the best gamepad of the moment, without a doubt.
Points forts
- Excellent manufacturing quality and comfortable grip.
- Wireless operation with low latency.
- Built-in battery and magnetic charging stand provided.
- Pallets accessible without being in the way.
- Accuracy of analog sticks.
- Interchangeable stick caps.
- Travel of the triggers adjustable on 3 levels.
- Well-designed directional cross and disc.
- Complete configuration software on Windows 10 and Xbox One.
Weak points
- The A, B, X and Y buttons could have been even more responsive.
- Software travel of the sticks which does not automatically adapt to the mechanical setting chosen at the back of the controller.
- Non-removable battery.
NB: The reported price drop is calculated by comparing the lowest price of the day with the average of the lowest prices charged by all merchants for the product last month, with security rules to exclude prices from shops whose the VAT policy is not clear (known as “grey” shops, typically in the case of imports from China).
An alternative
In the absence of a very marked technological evolution during the transition to the Xbox Series generation, the Xbox controller remains the excellent game controller that we have enjoyed for years on Xbox One and PC. Admittedly quite timid, the developments made by Microsoft further improve comfort and precision, enough to make this new Xbox Series controller a benchmark in this area. However, we remain unsatisfied with the on-board vibration technologies, which would have benefited from catching up with those used by Nintendo and Sony on their respective official controllers.
