The best controller for PC gaming will no longer cost you an arm and a leg
Everything you love about the Elite Series 2 controller, but more affordable.
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Microsoft just revealed the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ‘Core’ controller, launching later this monthfor $129.99. Aside from the new white color scheme, the Elite Series 2 Core features the same design and features as the Elite Series 2 controller, also known as ourfavorite PC gaming controller.The Core controller doesn’t ship with a charging case full of interchangeable thumbsticks, d-pad, and paddles, usually bundled in the originalElite Series 2 controller. You have to buy the complete component pack separatelyfor $60.
But it does come with a thumbstick adjustment tool that will tweak the tension on the joysticks, and a USB-C charging cable. Not including the component pack is a good way for someone to pick up an excellent controller and not spend nearly $200, especially if you don’t care for swamping out d-pads or thumbsticks.
The Elite Series 2 is still without a Share button. Instead, the center button swaps through your controller profiles. I never use the share button since I primarily play PC games, but if you want to use it on an Xbox Series X/S, you’ll have to dig through some menus.
The new Elite Series 2 Core controllers are on sale on September 23, with preorders going live right now onXboxandAmazonfor $129.99, and the component pack is also available for pre-order for $59.99. If you’re looking for a deal, Amazon has the black Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers, which includes the component pack, for$155.99, $25 off its usual retail price of $179.99. It’s cheaper than buying the Core and components together.
This holiday, Elite Series 2 controllers will be added to the Xbox DesignLab, allowing folks to customize the controller’s color scheme. Microsoft hasn’t said, but DesignLab Series S/X controllers are $69.99, roughly $10 more than the standard controller. So, Microsoft will likely follow a similar pricing plan for Elite Series 2 Core DesignLab controllers.
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Jorge is a hardware writer from the enchanted lands of New Jersey. When he’s not filling the office with the smell of Pop-Tarts, he’s reviewing all sorts of gaming hardware, from laptops with the latest mobile GPUs to gaming chairs with built-in back massagers. He’s been covering games and tech for over ten years and has written for Dualshockers, WCCFtech, Tom’s Guide, and a bunch of other places on the world wide web.
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