Microsoft has made its signature Xbox Elite Controller lineup a little bit extra reasonably priced, with a reduced “Core” variant now on cabinets at a $50 saving. It’s the newest revision of the agency’s best-in-class gamepad, designed with superior options and premium supplies to enhance the way you play.
The revised Core shares its fundamentals with the prevailing Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2, together with the identical design, configurable settings, and help for interchangeable components. Nevertheless, the cheaper Core controller strips down the controller to its fundamentals, making this a profitable selection for any budget-conscious patrons. Right here’s how the Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 “Core” compares to the unique Sequence 2 and which model you should purchase in 2022.
Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 vs. Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 ‘Core’ — value and availability
Microsoft has offered two revisions of its flagship Xbox gamepad over time, with the Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Sequence 2 launched as its first main overhaul in late 2019. The revised controller broadened its characteristic set with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, shorter hair set off locks, plus a chargeable battery. The controller launched at a $179.99 retail value, demanding a barely greater value than its $150 predecessor.
The Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 was praised at launch, providing a stellar line-up of much-welcomed options. It stays one of many greatest Xbox controllers cash should purchase, providing a customizable gamepad match for nearly any gaming fanatic. It’s an adjunct that appears and feels the half, providing a premium different to the usual Xbox controller — high quality management issues apart.
Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Sequence 2
Microsoft’s flagship Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 prides itself in full customization, providing hair lock triggers, adjustable rigidity thumbsticks, and a spectrum of interchangeable elements. With wi-fi charging and a devoted carrying case, the Elite Sequence 2 delivers best-in-class options and comfort.
Microsoft now presents a extra reasonably priced “Core” variant of its Sequence 2 gamepad, stripped all the way down to its necessities, and priced at $129.99. The Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 (Core) stays similar to the previous mannequin, minus the vary of additional equipment. The $50 discount removes its steel paddles, spare thumbsticks, and alternate D-pad alongside the wi-fi charging dock and carrying case.
The modifications make the Core Sequence 2 preferrred for these wanting the premium really feel of the Elite Controller line whereas sacrificing some luxuries of the unique. Nevertheless, shopping for the extra elements for $60 down the road is an choice, even when offsetting any prior financial savings. It’s additionally the one means to purchase the brand new white coloration till it arrives in Xbox Design Lab later this yr.
Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Sequence 2 (Core)
The Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 “Core” presents a extra reasonably priced different to Microsoft’s top-tier Xbox controller. It options all greatest from one of the vital well-liked Xbox equipment, stripped down the necessities, with a profitable $50 value lower to sweeten the deal.
Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 vs. Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 ‘Core’ — what’s totally different?
Microsoft launched the Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 (Core) as its least expensive entry within the line thus far, shaving $50 off the standard price. The controller was pitched as a brand new choice to fulfill the “core wants” of gaming fanatics, providing the identical basis because the pricier Elite however stripped again to the necessities.
Whereas toned down, the slick all-white “Core” controller nonetheless represents a substantial leap over commonplace Xbox gamepads. It has the identical basic design, with a wrap-around rubberized end and an total premium aptitude in comparison with the bottom mannequin. The Core Elite is available in white, whereas the unique Elite Sequence 2 ships solely in black.
The newest Xbox Elite Controllers all ship with a handful of shared options that differentiate them from conventional Xbox controllers. Options embody hair lock triggers, making the RT and LT buttons extra delicate when enabled, and lowering journey time in aggressive situations. The thumbsticks help adjustable rigidity, with an included software to tweak resistance on a per-stick foundation. The controller’s inner battery additionally saves on AA batteries, conveniently rechargeable through USB-C.
The Elite line additionally integrates carefully with the “Xbox Equipment” app, the place customers can nearly remap varied buttons and inputs round their preferences. The controller ships with three digital profiles, shortly toggled on the fly, offering the choice to avoid wasting and revisit customized layouts.
It presents the framework for essentially the most customizable controller available on the market, providing options and high quality past the usual Xbox gamepads. Whereas the “Core” gamepad is lacking a few of what makes the basic Elite Sequence 2 nice, it’s nonetheless extremely configurable, with choices to fine-tune your gaming expertise.
The usual Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 ships with varied spare elements, providing additional alternatives to customise the {hardware}. Its interchangeable components are a spotlight, with 4 rear paddles for further inputs, plus a number of thumbsticks and D-pads. The modular design lets you tune the controller round your preferences and the video games you play.
Nevertheless, the “Core” reduces this to the fundamentals, with only one pair of thumbsticks, one D-pad, and no rear paddles within the field. It means you’ll be caught utilizing the out-of-box setup, and with no rear paddles, you’re dropping the additional inputs, usually praised among the many controller’s signature options.
The controller additionally doesn’t have a wi-fi charging dock and carrying case; in any other case commonplace with the Elite Sequence 2. The previous unlocks a useful different to USB-C charging, whereas the accompanying case is a wonderful addition for frequent vacationers. Whereas each welcome luxuries, neither are important past the added comfort when away from the console.
The “Core” Elite Sequence 2 does exactly as its title implies, providing the core features of the usual Elite Sequence 2, further equipment apart. It’s a extra reasonably priced different for many who in the end need a easy, premium controller, particularly if its competitive-geared characteristic set would not sway you.
Upgrading the Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 ‘Core’ is fairly straightforward (and in some instances, low-cost)
Microsoft does present the choice to improve the “Core” Elite Sequence 2 with all these lacking components through its Full Element Pack. The bundle contains the whole lot excluded within the cheaper mannequin, together with extra thumbstick fashions, a brand new D-Pad, and the lacking paddles. You additionally get the charging dock, carrying case, and an additional USB-C cable, packaged as a $60 improve.
The bundle, with the preliminary funding within the Elite Sequence 2 Core, takes the full value as much as $190 within the U.S. Nevertheless, present Elite Sequence 2 Core house owners may go for quite a lot of third-party add-ons which undercut Microsoft’s personal.
Xbox Elite Full Element Pack
The Xbox Elite Controller Parts Pack bundles its further paddles, thumbsticks, and interchangeable components right into a separate $60 package deal. It’s a super pairing with the brand new Core white controller, but in addition supplies a simple means for present customers to interchange misplaced or broken components.
Whereas we beneficial the Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 “Core” in our evaluate, the absence of the paddles was amongst our main gripes, given how a lot they elevate the product. “If the Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 Core included the paddles, I really feel like it could be a much better worth proposition than they’re providing proper now,” stated Home windows Central Senior Xbox Editor, Jez Corden.
“To omit an enormous quantity of this product’s core performance of the field (and accessibility worth, I’d add) right into a separate product looks like the improper choice at greatest. That being stated, there is no denying that this can be a superior Xbox controller regardless, with the added configurability and that monstrous battery life that I like oh a lot.”
Nevertheless, those that simply need the paddles may discover stable unbranded choices for as little as $10 on Amazon. It is a good means so as to add a ton extra worth to the Elite “Core” with out shopping for the complete element set.
eXtremeRate Xbox Elite Controller Alternative Paddles (x4)
Elite Sequence 2 Core house owners can add paddles to their controllers for as little as $10. These eXtremeRate alternative components are manufactured from stainless-steel, providing the identical premium really feel as Microsoft’s personal, albeit at a fraction of the value. These add as much as 4 further inputs to your Xbox controller for the added aggressive edge.
It’s additionally value noting the usual Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 is repeatedly on sale, complicating comparisons between the fashions. Whereas Microsoft has undercut the RRP by $50 with the Core, the Elite Sequence 2 has seen frequent reductions since 2019. Costs have dropped as little as $140 at retailers like Amazon up to now, closing the hole between the fashions.
Present Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 gross sales put the controller close to its lowest-ever value, making it the full-fledged package deal a little bit extra profitable. Should you’re on the fence and contemplating the additional components, it’s exhausting to suggest the Core, with the common Elite Sequence 2 solely demanding a small premium.
That’s not the say you received’t be pleased with the Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 Core. These on a strict funds received’t discover a cheaper Elite controller, providing an reasonably priced entry level that undercuts related merchandise. It’s additionally the one means to purchase a white Elite Sequence 2, and if you would like upgrades down the road, Microsoft and a variety of third events will likely be completely satisfied to serve. However when contemplating total worth, common Xbox Elite Controller Sequence 2 fashions come out on high, particularly with present reductions.
