Hey Bob, you should probably do a re-review of this controller a year from now. I only had mine for a year, with what I would consider regular, adult use, and I have rubber lifting from the handles, analog sticks that lost adherence to their shaft, and paddles that do NOT retain the same clickiness/responsiveness as when you first get them. I don't believe the core made any changes to the construction or the components, so I'm willing to bet you're gonna see some problems in the near future.
Ive not had the issues youre experiencing, but Ive had my Elite s2 for over a year, and my bumpers double register when I click them. I notice it often during racing games when it double upshifts and I lose torque. My analogue sticks may have gotten a tiny bit loose too, but you can adjust the tension and that helped. I also use the soft thumbsticks instead of the default textured ones, they seem to hold up longer for me.
@@aronfaine9457 the bumpers have been the biggest problem for me. They don’t last long at all. I’m on my third one and while I love the controller it’s just not good enough to justify spending all this money on a custom controller I might but be able to get insurance on.
This is what's preventing me from buying one. I know, confirmation bias and all that, but I just keep reading about one too many longetivitiy issues to get one. I'd rather get the new 8BitDo Ultimate one with the Hall effect joysticks.
@@WHYDAFUCKULYING nah I’m on my third one, they just break easy. First one had the thumb stick not click (still registered though), the second one both bumpers would either not register or double register, on my third one in starting to get the bumper issue again. I have gotten the warranty after the first so I can just replace them over and over again
@@WHYDAFUCKULYING No. stick drift and materials degrading like the rubber grips is a huge problem. Ive had to replace mine 3 times under warranty. Its a good controller with serious issues.
@@WHYDAFUCKULYING No, he's right. I've had two malfunction in different ways and I baby my stuff. The first one the RB button stopped registering consistently (which is a shockingly common issue I discovered). My second one has mild stick drifting which I'm sure will get worse with time. Meanwhile, with all my other systems I've never had any other controller ever break on me save for a PS2 controller that just randomly wouldn't respond anymore lol, I have no idea what happened to that thing.
Can back this comment up. I grab a warranty at Best Buy & replace it a few days before it expires. I've had bumpers break, buttons stick, buttons require more pressure, the trigger lock switches breaking off, the grip peeling off, stick drift out of the box, and more. This is all just from regular use. They have severely poor quality control. I'm wondering if that 8bitdo Ultimate Controller is a better purchase.
I remember there being a LOT of reports of QC issues and poor durability over time with the first run of Elite controllers which is especially egregious given how much they cost. That alone has kept me from even giving them a chance.
My v2 has been mostly fine, but I've found that every Xbox controller I've used, including the elite (v2) has issues with face button registration. I can repeatedly press buttons (like 'A') at a certain angle and for it to never register a press. ...so I really like it, I just never use it, because I can't trust the face buttons.
@@al-ww5jp Unfortunately in the Elite Controllers' case the bumpers tend to break first. If you take it apart you'll see that it's a Frankenstein's monster among controllers with weird design choices (likely to save space due to how much they crammed into it).
Same. My aim is already hardwired to aim with gyro so sticks only would make me A LOT worse. Maybe somebody (maybe even me) can make a mod or an accessory. Hopefully Microsoft just upgrades it.
Gyro is way better if you have capacitive thumb sticks like the Steam Deck or Steam Controller trackpad. I hate when playing Splatoon where I have to keep pushing the white button to recenter the camera whereas if I release my finger from the joystick on the steam deck I can just move my hand back into the correct position. I Also would love it if you could have a controller with independently mapable back buttons I don't want them to have to duplicate a different buttons function.
This guy joked his video sounded like an advertisement as if he couldn’t have easily avoided it. There are glaring flaws with Microsoft’s so called premium controllers that he perplexingly refused to bring up. Wulf Den didn’t bother to mention Sony’s upmarket controller will have replaceable joysticks. Gyro is more accurate than sticks, Hall effect joysticks are supposed to be extra precise and reliable. So much for a “pro” controller, last but not least is how behind the times Xbox controllers are. Competitors have the aforementioned features, haptic feedback and the DualSense has the trigger resistance. Microsoft very slightly changed their 9 year old controller and slapped on a price hike.
I always love how Bob walks out at the end of all of his videos. It's like he's saying, "This was a great time we just had, my good viewer. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need resume being a human being and do things like drink water." It's very endearing.
Love the Xbox controller as primarily a PC user. It just works seamlessly, is built well, feels good to use and lasts seemingly forever. What more could I want!
Same. The base one is pretty much perfect, I've tested controllers from GuliKit and 8bitdo and while they have their advantages, none is as good as a whole as the Xbox one. It's also great that it pairs flawlessly with Xbox, PC, Android and iOS.
I bought the original elite controller, twice. Both had issues within a year that led to me basically never using them again. Grip even started peeling off, and I take great care of my tech. Tempted to try this new core model out due to the price, although my Hyperkin Duke has met all my gaming needs and holds up great, just wish it was wireless 😅
I don't blame you buddy I've had the elite series 2 core for months with no problems at all and I'm having a blast with that controller I actually bought a elite series 1 controller because they are really great and I bought one for £22 and its it's in full working order the bumpers were a wobely but I fixed that
@@TommyT_ mine is still going strong after a few months but a lot of people are having problems witch is strange but I've seen a bunch of videos about a review on the controller and a lot of the boxes was no sealed so that means it was opened before thay got the controller
@@tyicbranch2734 I'm telling you I've had 3 sealed units all have issues before giving up. Had the same with the black elite 2 (which is identical components) I returned 10 of them in total
These are the best controllers I've ever used. And they also have the record for the fastest breaking controller. I don't even use mine intensively. A couple hours a day, then the bumpers become unresponsive. It was always the bumpers for me. Lots of other people report tonnes of other issues with buttons and etc. For something so expensive, it shouldn't be this fragile. Unless you want to juggle these things on a warranty, I would not get one unless they fix the build quality issues.
Exactly. Had stick drift after a few plays of Cyberpunk. Send it back. Until Microsoft is putting some hall effect sticks in them I'm not buying them again. They feel amazing however.
Its very very much not, it's great for the first month maybe two, but then issues start showing up. Check out the channel Cuda for indepth controller breakdowns.
unfortunately i don't think we'll ever get hall effect sticks on consoles although for PC gamers there's already options in the market that make them way better than any MS offerings
I love the Xbox controller but it doesn't have gyro aim so u have a big disadvantage when going PC players online. "Just use a KB&M" KBM doesnt have analog inputs
Correction: You actually can connect an Xbox controller to a Switch! All you need is an adapter such as the MayFlash Magic-NS 2. That one added support for Xbox Bluetooth controllers. I have the Magic-NS 1 that doesn't have support for it, but I've used it to connect a PS4 controller to my Switch before and it works very well!
@@ricardojvalentincruz3320 yes but yes!Microsoft Xbox One S/X Controller is Supported! (not to be confused with Series S/X controllers - these use Bluetooth LE, which isn't currently supported)* Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 supported!
I had both a elite, and elite series 2. It really saddened me that the original elite lasted me 2 and a half years and never broke, but then I upgraded to a series 2 and within 2 weeks the stick drift was so awful I just had to toss it because the warranty wouldn’t even work
Never buy the Elite controller, unless you are ok with purchasing an expensive controller that breaks around a year. My Elite V2 got left bumper unresponsive issue and left stick heavy drift upward around 1 year. It really sucks. Many people encountered same issues too, so the product actually has some serious flaws.
Polling rate cap makes microsoft controllers inferior for competitive play. I was an xbox roller purist since halo 2/3; however, i'm now using a dual sense. With OC, I'm playing with 7+ms less input delay and more accurate outer thresholds on the joysticks. Also i went through two elites and three elite 2s in only a couple years. They feel good in hand, but have joystick and bumper breakdown issues just like the regular controllers.
I love my Elite 2 controller and think the paddles are perfect... or at last I have adapted to where I think they are perfect. The only thing I'd like now is if they would use hall effect sensors instead, that would def tip me over the edge. I do have a slight bit of stick drift on one analog but I guess every controller I have ever had gets stick drift at some point
Actually use it though before you recommend it. I bought the Series 2 and 8 months of usage, the RB button stopped working and at the 12 month mark both joysticks got stick drift. My Xbox One controller that I've used since 2018 hasn't given me any issues so far, which is absurd since I payed a premium for the Elite and it barely lasted. As much as I loved the feel of the Elite in my hands and the back paddles, it just isn't worth the money whatsoever.
Any news on if the analogs are still the same units as the base controller? I don't want to buy an Elite until it can work for a whole decade like OG xbox/360 analogs.
There's widely accepted speculation that the ones packaged with xbox's themselves are of higher quality due to the "lifetime" warranty. I've only killed bumpers on recent gens. "Off the shelf" controllers don't even last me 6 months. I bought a PowerA pro or whatever and have used it for over a year, killed a trigger hinge but fixed that with some super glue and a strip of metal - no complaints otherwise. I don't even care about warranties; if my controller breaks within a year and then takes a month to be warranty swapped - for the same model with the same failure potential... well I might as well plan to have spare parts to do the job myself.
Oh and not sure if it's shared with the elite, but the latest gen bumper design is atrocious... guaranteed to fail within a few months. I've compared it to previous gens and the armature that actuates the buttons is flimsy and long; any hard use or excessive dust will either grind it to a halt or break the tip off altogether.
I really regret buying a custom elite 2 after watching this video. Out of the box I'm having issues with the A button not registering, and the X button sticking. I looked at the options for warranty repair and it states that they can just send me a completely different controller back as part of the process in whatever color they have on hand. So I paid >$200 dollars for a controller with faulty face buttons (which even a $10 knock off controller should have zero issues with), and if I send it in for repairs they can't even guarantee that I they don't just throw my custom engraved controller in the trash and send me a base model back? Never again will I buy a microsoft product.
I own an elite Gen 2 as well as a King Kong Pro 2. They get pretty much equal use. One is in my living room and the other one is connected to my desktop PC. I feel like the joystick experience is very similar and might actually be better on the kkp2. Both controller experiences are very similar however because I don't really use the paddles. I use both controllers mostly to play first person shooter games but I occasionally also play third person RPGs.
@@yarbles66 I meant to write 'though', apologies. I've made research about the controller, because I was thinking about buying it, but didn't because of major latency.
@@Empty12345 don't buy the KK2. Get the 8bitdo Ultimate Wireless- Bluetooth version - also includes 2.4hz USB adapter. The 2.4hz only version does not have the hall sticks, which is the draw of the KK2. They use the exact same hall sticks as the KK2, but the controller is overall better.
@10:34 you said you can't change the color under the sticks. You actually can but it's not obvious just like the extra joysticks color options weren't obvious. They have (I think) black, gold, silver, and grey. I have a first gent elite 2 and I'm so so so tempted to get a color personalized one so I've been spending a lot of time on the website and didn't realize you can change the color under the sticks until recently
In my country xbox desig lab charges $195 for the elite series 2(full model) with all extras, name, designs etc. Could be worth checking out other countries design lab pages to save money
Thought my XBOX One S controller malfunction completely and had to let go - found out I just had to internally clean it and replaced it with a new, overall shell (all parts) and it's all freaking good again. Can't even remember how long it's been with me but it's still my durable, and working controller to date~ 😊
I agree with the first sentiment and I don’t even own an Xbox. Also, offset dual analog placement is objectively more ergonomic for your wrists and hands.
(Around 0:20) Remember Any Bluetooth Controller, yes includes Xbox, can work with the Nintendo Switch thanks to the "Switch-Up Game Enhancer" or 8-bitdo Bluetooth Adapter. Both only cost $15-$20 iirc
All it needs now is Hall Effect sticks... and paddles that don't die within 6 months. Oh, and rubber that doesn't peel away from the face.. and bumpers that last longer than a year... If my Elite S2 stayed functional longer than 6 months, I would have been happy as hell with it but, unfortunately it did not. It was actually my first controller I've ever had to retire.
I just hit my 2 year marker with My Elite 2 controller and I'm right stick drifting up and down now. $80 to repair through Xbox, which is where I purchased it. I feel it should at least last as long as the console that I bought at the same time (Xbox series X). I'm a daily gamer, and am very conscious of keeping my electronics clean and in top notch working order. I'm 46 now, and have been working on my own consoles since the NES. Growing up kinda poor, you took care of your stuff because you only got 1,anf that was it when it came to the big presents or gifts as a kid. So, I began taking radios, VCRs, TVs, And Gaming consoles to keep them clean, and maintained. I've already taken my Series X apart twice just to clean and that was cake. Easiest system to date for Xbox to disassemble. The Elite controller series 2 is a complicated piece of hardware. Everything is tightly packed, and at my age a lot harder to see and from doing laborious work all my life, my hands aren't made for small builds... Lol I did take it apart to clean once, and my rb button wasn't always working properly, so I fixed it as I was in there, but never seen any anolog stick builds like the Elite 2 except other Xbox controllers, just not as closed up and compacted. So I'm probably going to say no to sending or buying another elite. I'm gonna take the Aliexpress or Amazon gamble, and find a comparable controller for an 1/8th of the price before I ever buy an elite again. I've never experienced stick drift before, and I've played every Battlefield, Gears of war, etc with my controllers. So, sorry so long, but I am pretty upset that Xbox can't keep such an expensive and must have accessory be so poorly made. I advise o t hers to try options, and don't be afraid to try wired controllers! I grew up on them, and they run cheap with back buttons, LEDs, and turbo functions... I mean, why not try $60 versus $200? Lol 🤣✌️🖖❤️ (SSL) 🤘
This all is premium feeling and yada yada, BUT: 1) Bumpers are the the weakspot and can crack through some time 2) The body is glued so -1 point for the maintainability Anyhow, thanks for the video, Bob!
I'd stay far away from Xbox's Elite controllers. They've had serious QC issues from the start. I had 2 arrive with defective thumbsticks, and one that only worked for like 5 or 6 months with light use. A real shame because in my opinion this is possibly the best controller on the market... when it works.
I've had an Elite Series 2 for the last Year and a bit... It's easilly my favourite controller and my daily for use on my Xbox and PC... Still need to pair it to my phone for Game Pass...
It's extremely hot or miss, the qa is awful. My brother and I have had ours for over a year and they've been great. My cousin is in his 2nd one in the same time frame. It sucks that you have to get the warranty to ensure you're getting what you paid for
A quick 8bitDo adapter and yes, it works with switch. I used to have one so I could use my ps5 controller for my switch. Eventually sold my hacked switch though when I got my steam deck.
No, still holding the industry behind. But I am so glad mainstream devs finally got their stuff together and started adding it on PS in games like Fortnite, COD etc.
Nahhh, not even close to best. It's mid tier at most. Maybe I'll change my tune if they add gyro in the future, but I'm not gonna spend anything close to that price for something that technologically inferior.
Not sure if someone mentioned but Xbox removed most controller body color options in their design lab. Really hoping to hear how soon the sticks die or get drift! :D
I've always had the issue with Xbox controller face buttons where the click doesn't work when you press it softly (The B button in particular) and the bumpers usually double click(Had this issue mostly on the elite 2). I honestly prefer the Nacon revolution unlimited in terms of how it feels
Oh, and the easiest way I found to train myself to use the back paddles instead of the default button is to map the paddle to the button you're trying to use it for, then *unmap* it from the default button. Sure, you'll eat dirt if you use the default button, but that little emotional kick will help bind the new action. I don't even use the left or right analog stick "click" buttons anymore, those live on back paddles. And more's the benefit, I've heard that's what contributes to the stick drift these controllers seem to suffer from over time.
A button doesn't always register input when pressing, real deal breaker with these controllers. Had it serviced as well, got it back, and it was only slightly better
Wait, Can this controller get drift though? I mean you did review Gulikit's drift free controller that while having less support, would last longer and cost less. Kinda confused about this stuff, Just my thoughts on it.
I had never tried a dualsense or dualshock controller before (well since the ps1) and so I went into a store and compared the current gen Playstation controllers against current gen Xbox by feel and the PlayStation ones were more comfortable to me - surprisingly.
The xbox elite controllers triggers still register analog input when you change the physical travel. It's incredible i set it halfway and it's so comfy for everything... Ps back paddles can be disabled for fidgeters ;)
i just got my 1st Elite controller i went with the normal black one with all the stuff but i got it on sale after discount i paid 170 and i love it !!!
I think for a controller that is over $100 it NEEDS Hall effect sticks. It’s kind of ridiculous that it doesn’t yet. I’m pretty sure that’s intentional though.
I doubt that the rubber material has anything to do with why the grips are black only. Case in point, their Shift line of controllers and the 20th anniversary controller.
Bought a Nintendo Pro controller back in 2019 and it still works great. Slight drift starting to form on the left stick, but other than that, still using it with Steam & Switch. That was after a play thru of Breath of the Wild (once), Skyrim (twice) and hundreds of hours playing Asphalt 9 Legends. My son has the Xbox controller & less than a year in and the drift is so bad on the right stick, he cannot use it, so he asks to use my Pro Controller. I have considered getting an 8BitDo Ultimate but waiting. Eventually, I am sure most companies will switch over to the Hall Effect type.
I got an elite controller series 2 and at first I was completely in love. However with some pretty regular, even mild use, the bumpers just failed on me. It started with inputs not registering to having to absolutely squash from a certain angle to downright not working. I love the Xbox controller, but that was bullshit. Funny enough all my regular Xbox controllers work perfectly after years of heavy use
you make one of the most visually pleasing videos on the platform also damn you for making me spend extra 200€ this Christmas for an elite series 2 lab controller..
Fantastic review! If I buy this controller, it's because it's Bob Wulff recommended. I have a few custom Xbox controllers, and they've all been awesome.
My only problem with the elite controller is there seems to be some QC issues. Some of the ones I've had are grips peeling off after a month of use, bumpers stop working and premature stick drift.
They will still get stick drift though. I went through 2 series 1 controllers in less than 8 months. The sticks are the same (mostly) and will suffer the same fate as mine. Until they switch over to a different stick, I'd say avoid this (and other expensive controllers).
Bandwagoning on the rest of the QQ issues, mine has been hit hard with stick drift after light to moderate use over a year. This seems to be a rather widespread issue. Was great until then....
I've been using an XBox controller for years now, and I still forget that it doesn't have gyro. All these features are nice, but any controller without gyro can't be the best controller imo. I still use my XBox controller primarily, but I wish I didn't have to bust out the PS4 controller for the games that use gyro.
I have been pro Xbox controllers since original Xbox’s s-type came out. And have been until I used the dual sense this year. Force feedback aside, the dual sense is ergonomically superior to Xbox’s controller. I have larger hands and the dual sense is more accommodating. D pad is WAY better, shoulders are better, face buttons are better.
owned the same controller for 4 months, my RB dont work at all anymore, now i need to use the paddles as RB, even the cheap version of the series X/S controller is more durable.
Couple things. I just had an Elite for just over a year, I absolutely loved it. But I had to keep servicing the bumpers. It's super frustrating. So I just went ahead and did the Design Lab for a brand new Elite. I'm super excited. But I'm crossing my fingers that the bumpers do not crap out at one year. Please Microsoft, fix the bumper issue.
Be kinda cool if they added a halo template to the elite design labs so you could customize it to be your armor colors that you used in game...if that makes any sense.
I want to upgrade from my crummy 2 year old Xbox One S controller and the only thing stopping me from splurging and getting a Design Lab one is no gyro.
The elite series 2 felt great but I got stuck drift very early on and the Right number fucked up twice and would double switch when pressed. I bought 2 series and experienced the same problem maybe only a month in. I was so pissed
I loved my V1 Elite controller until the vulcanized rubber grips came loose. Replaced them with identical ones and came loose 6 months later as well. I wish they either fix their rubber issue (if it is even fixable) or give the option to get a Elite Controller without the rubber grips. (I like their feel, but they are just not durable). The rest of the controller is in pristine condition.
$200 bucks for a CONTROLLER is just ridiculous, especially now that you can just about get an entire Xbox One for about the same price and it comes with a controller. Personally with regular controllers being only around $50-$60, i think that elite controllers SHOULD only be about $80, MAYBE $90 AT MOST. There is NOTHING about these elite controllers that scream they're worth even the $129.00 that the Elite 2 core is priced at.
Hey Bob, you should probably do a re-review of this controller a year from now. I only had mine for a year, with what I would consider regular, adult use, and I have rubber lifting from the handles, analog sticks that lost adherence to their shaft, and paddles that do NOT retain the same clickiness/responsiveness as when you first get them. I don't believe the core made any changes to the construction or the components, so I'm willing to bet you're gonna see some problems in the near future.
Yep same here probably gonna have to throw the thing out unfortunately, was amazing but it didn’t last long
Ive not had the issues youre experiencing, but Ive had my Elite s2 for over a year, and my bumpers double register when I click them. I notice it often during racing games when it double upshifts and I lose torque. My analogue sticks may have gotten a tiny bit loose too, but you can adjust the tension and that helped. I also use the soft thumbsticks instead of the default textured ones, they seem to hold up longer for me.
@@aronfaine9457 the bumpers have been the biggest problem for me. They don’t last long at all. I’m on my third one and while I love the controller it’s just not good enough to justify spending all this money on a custom controller I might but be able to get insurance on.
This is what's preventing me from buying one. I know, confirmation bias and all that, but I just keep reading about one too many longetivitiy issues to get one. I'd rather get the new 8BitDo Ultimate one with the Hall effect joysticks.
Waiting for a year after the elite 3 release to see if they're good
Biggest problem with the elite controllers is how much they break. Something will break in 6 months guaranteed. You NEED to get the warranty.
No way you must throw your controller when you rage quit 😅
@@WHYDAFUCKULYING nah I’m on my third one, they just break easy. First one had the thumb stick not click (still registered though), the second one both bumpers would either not register or double register, on my third one in starting to get the bumper issue again. I have gotten the warranty after the first so I can just replace them over and over again
@@WHYDAFUCKULYING No. stick drift and materials degrading like the rubber grips is a huge problem. Ive had to replace mine 3 times under warranty. Its a good controller with serious issues.
@@WHYDAFUCKULYING No, he's right. I've had two malfunction in different ways and I baby my stuff. The first one the RB button stopped registering consistently (which is a shockingly common issue I discovered). My second one has mild stick drifting which I'm sure will get worse with time. Meanwhile, with all my other systems I've never had any other controller ever break on me save for a PS2 controller that just randomly wouldn't respond anymore lol, I have no idea what happened to that thing.
Can back this comment up. I grab a warranty at Best Buy & replace it a few days before it expires. I've had bumpers break, buttons stick, buttons require more pressure, the trigger lock switches breaking off, the grip peeling off, stick drift out of the box, and more. This is all just from regular use. They have severely poor quality control. I'm wondering if that 8bitdo Ultimate Controller is a better purchase.
I remember there being a LOT of reports of QC issues and poor durability over time with the first run of Elite controllers which is especially egregious given how much they cost. That alone has kept me from even giving them a chance.
This. I’ve been too worried about QC and durability to spend the money on an Elite Controller, and MS have done nothing to alleviate my concerns.
My v2 has been mostly fine, but I've found that every Xbox controller I've used, including the elite (v2) has issues with face button registration. I can repeatedly press buttons (like 'A') at a certain angle and for it to never register a press.
...so I really like it, I just never use it, because I can't trust the face buttons.
@@seank218 as long as they keep using potentiometer sensors and not hall sensors it will most definitely break.
@@al-ww5jp Unfortunately in the Elite Controllers' case the bumpers tend to break first. If you take it apart you'll see that it's a Frankenstein's monster among controllers with weird design choices (likely to save space due to how much they crammed into it).
Would love the extra buttons, but they are just so overpriced, just as all of the extra button ones are, aside from the really crappy ones.
Gyro missing is the only thing stopping me from switching to it.
Same. My aim is already hardwired to aim with gyro so sticks only would make me A LOT worse. Maybe somebody (maybe even me) can make a mod or an accessory. Hopefully Microsoft just upgrades it.
Seriously man Microsoft please give us gyro ffs
Gyro is way better if you have capacitive thumb sticks like the Steam Deck or Steam Controller trackpad.
I hate when playing Splatoon where I have to keep pushing the white button to recenter the camera whereas if I release my finger from the joystick on the steam deck I can just move my hand back into the correct position.
I Also would love it if you could have a controller with independently mapable back buttons I don't want them to have to duplicate a different buttons function.
And the speaker and light indicator is missing.
This guy joked his video sounded like an advertisement as if he couldn’t have easily avoided it. There are glaring flaws with Microsoft’s so called premium controllers that he perplexingly refused to bring up. Wulf Den didn’t bother to mention Sony’s upmarket controller will have replaceable joysticks. Gyro is more accurate than sticks, Hall effect joysticks are supposed to be extra precise and reliable. So much for a “pro” controller, last but not least is how behind the times Xbox controllers are. Competitors have the aforementioned features, haptic feedback and the DualSense has the trigger resistance. Microsoft very slightly changed their 9 year old controller and slapped on a price hike.
I always love how Bob walks out at the end of all of his videos. It's like he's saying, "This was a great time we just had, my good viewer. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need resume being a human being and do things like drink water." It's very endearing.
Love the Xbox controller as primarily a PC user. It just works seamlessly, is built well, feels good to use and lasts seemingly forever. What more could I want!
Same. The base one is pretty much perfect, I've tested controllers from GuliKit and 8bitdo and while they have their advantages, none is as good as a whole as the Xbox one. It's also great that it pairs flawlessly with Xbox, PC, Android and iOS.
Not only that, i also have a Switch and buying a 8bitdo adapter makes the Xbox One controller works there too, flawlessly.
Gyro.
@@mateusu9895 thank you for this, I was looking how to get my xbox elite run on switch. I will definitely pick the adapter now :)
I agree with you 100 percent. I think the Xbox controller is one of the best controllers ever made.
I have a white Elite V1 and I love the look without the grips. I also have an original V2 and the tension adjustments is the best part.
I bought the original elite controller, twice. Both had issues within a year that led to me basically never using them again. Grip even started peeling off, and I take great care of my tech. Tempted to try this new core model out due to the price, although my Hyperkin Duke has met all my gaming needs and holds up great, just wish it was wireless 😅
Get elite 2 controller
I don't blame you buddy I've had the elite series 2 core for months with no problems at all and I'm having a blast with that controller I actually bought a elite series 1 controller because they are really great and I bought one for £22 and its it's in full working order the bumpers were a wobely but I fixed that
Don't waste your time it WILL have issues out the box
@@TommyT_ mine is still going strong after a few months but a lot of people are having problems witch is strange but I've seen a bunch of videos about a review on the controller and a lot of the boxes was no sealed so that means it was opened before thay got the controller
@@tyicbranch2734 I'm telling you I've had 3 sealed units all have issues before giving up. Had the same with the black elite 2 (which is identical components) I returned 10 of them in total
*GAMING JESUS!*
GAMING JESUS!!
*GAMING JESUS!*
Amen 🙏 lmao
Don’t compare this bum to Jesus
He doesn't look like a short Middle Eastern dude.
These are the best controllers I've ever used. And they also have the record for the fastest breaking controller. I don't even use mine intensively. A couple hours a day, then the bumpers become unresponsive. It was always the bumpers for me. Lots of other people report tonnes of other issues with buttons and etc. For something so expensive, it shouldn't be this fragile. Unless you want to juggle these things on a warranty, I would not get one unless they fix the build quality issues.
Get a dualsense it's better
@@ooooswain Shut up, pony
Same thing happened to me. It's always the bumpers.
@@ooooswain dualsense should have used double cells instead of internal battery, seriously what an outdated way to play.
Exactly. Had stick drift after a few plays of Cyberpunk. Send it back. Until Microsoft is putting some hall effect sticks in them I'm not buying them again. They feel amazing however.
I mean I've heard of a ton of drift issues with these so unless it has hall sensors now I doubt it's DEFINITELY the best
Its very very much not, it's great for the first month maybe two, but then issues start showing up. Check out the channel Cuda for indepth controller breakdowns.
unfortunately i don't think we'll ever get hall effect sticks on consoles
although for PC gamers there's already options in the market that make them way better than any MS offerings
This controller has the worst reliability, I’ve had 2 broken out of the box 😂
I also had 2 broken out of the box. They've had horrible quality control with these.
third party controllers always have better QC than first party ones for some reason 😂😂
Sure
Agreed, nobody should buy these.
@@mobilePCreviews what do you recommend?
I love the Xbox controller but it doesn't have gyro aim so u have a big disadvantage when going PC players online.
"Just use a KB&M"
KBM doesnt have analog inputs
I’ll be honest, if Gulikit were to make an elite King Kong Pro 2, that would probably be the best controller.
Correction: You actually can connect an Xbox controller to a Switch! All you need is an adapter such as the MayFlash Magic-NS 2. That one added support for Xbox Bluetooth controllers. I have the Magic-NS 1 that doesn't have support for it, but I've used it to connect a PS4 controller to my Switch before and it works very well!
Modded switch can also, without a purchase just software Mission control
@@heyGetoutofthere yeah but no, it currently doesn't support Xbox series controllers yet (at least not last time I checked)
@@ricardojvalentincruz3320 yes but yes!Microsoft Xbox One S/X Controller is Supported! (not to be confused with Series S/X controllers - these use Bluetooth LE, which isn't currently supported)*
Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 supported!
@@heyGetoutofthere oh, didn't knew that, thanks for the info tho!
8bitdo also makes adapters
Hopefully they worked out the shoulder button problem where it just refuses to work after a pretty short time
I had both a elite, and elite series 2. It really saddened me that the original elite lasted me 2 and a half years and never broke, but then I upgraded to a series 2 and within 2 weeks the stick drift was so awful I just had to toss it because the warranty wouldn’t even work
Get a king Kong pro controller. Linus tech tips reviewed it, it’s pretty good. No stick drift cuz it uses Hall effect.
0:24 The Dualshock 4, DualSense and, Switch's Pro Controller also work seemingless across all the platforms listed here.
Never buy the Elite controller, unless you are ok with purchasing an expensive controller that breaks around a year. My Elite V2 got left bumper unresponsive issue and left stick heavy drift upward around 1 year. It really sucks. Many people encountered same issues too, so the product actually has some serious flaws.
This guy has holes in his clothes but is buying custom video game controllers. That's dedication to youtube.
Remember, if you go for the non-Design Lab version of the Core, it is $10 more if you buy the accessory pack later.
Yes, but it has motion controls?
Polling rate cap makes microsoft controllers inferior for competitive play. I was an xbox roller purist since halo 2/3; however, i'm now using a dual sense. With OC, I'm playing with 7+ms less input delay and more accurate outer thresholds on the joysticks.
Also i went through two elites and three elite 2s in only a couple years. They feel good in hand, but have joystick and bumper breakdown issues just like the regular controllers.
I love my Elite 2 controller and think the paddles are perfect... or at last I have adapted to where I think they are perfect. The only thing I'd like now is if they would use hall effect sensors instead, that would def tip me over the edge. I do have a slight bit of stick drift on one analog but I guess every controller I have ever had gets stick drift at some point
Actually use it though before you recommend it. I bought the Series 2 and 8 months of usage, the RB button stopped working and at the 12 month mark both joysticks got stick drift. My Xbox One controller that I've used since 2018 hasn't given me any issues so far, which is absurd since I payed a premium for the Elite and it barely lasted. As much as I loved the feel of the Elite in my hands and the back paddles, it just isn't worth the money whatsoever.
Any news on if the analogs are still the same units as the base controller? I don't want to buy an Elite until it can work for a whole decade like OG xbox/360 analogs.
Same as base. They don’t have different analogs. You will be lucky to get a year out of it tbh. But I think that’s how long the warranty is now
A year? Thats how fast they get drift? Why so much faster than a normal one?
There's widely accepted speculation that the ones packaged with xbox's themselves are of higher quality due to the "lifetime" warranty. I've only killed bumpers on recent gens. "Off the shelf" controllers don't even last me 6 months.
I bought a PowerA pro or whatever and have used it for over a year, killed a trigger hinge but fixed that with some super glue and a strip of metal - no complaints otherwise.
I don't even care about warranties; if my controller breaks within a year and then takes a month to be warranty swapped - for the same model with the same failure potential... well I might as well plan to have spare parts to do the job myself.
Oh and not sure if it's shared with the elite, but the latest gen bumper design is atrocious... guaranteed to fail within a few months. I've compared it to previous gens and the armature that actuates the buttons is flimsy and long; any hard use or excessive dust will either grind it to a halt or break the tip off altogether.
ya the new controller we got has a busted bumper after only a few months i hate it
I wish some 3rd part made an all in one controller that has analog face buttons, a touchpad, gyro, and adaptive triggers.
I really regret buying a custom elite 2 after watching this video. Out of the box I'm having issues with the A button not registering, and the X button sticking. I looked at the options for warranty repair and it states that they can just send me a completely different controller back as part of the process in whatever color they have on hand. So I paid >$200 dollars for a controller with faulty face buttons (which even a $10 knock off controller should have zero issues with), and if I send it in for repairs they can't even guarantee that I they don't just throw my custom engraved controller in the trash and send me a base model back?
Never again will I buy a microsoft product.
I'm happy with my own Retro Fighters Defender, since it works for all PlayStation consoles up to PS3.
I own an elite Gen 2 as well as a King Kong Pro 2. They get pretty much equal use. One is in my living room and the other one is connected to my desktop PC. I feel like the joystick experience is very similar and might actually be better on the kkp2. Both controller experiences are very similar however because I don't really use the paddles. I use both controllers mostly to play first person shooter games but I occasionally also play third person RPGs.
The sticks will definitely be better on the KKP2 as theyre hall effect. The8bitdo ultimate uses the exact same ones
Though King kong 2 pro has a significant latency issue. No idea how you didn't notice that.
@@Empty12345 your 'thought'? You actually used one?
@@yarbles66 I meant to write 'though', apologies. I've made research about the controller, because I was thinking about buying it, but didn't because of major latency.
@@Empty12345 don't buy the KK2. Get the 8bitdo Ultimate Wireless- Bluetooth version - also includes 2.4hz USB adapter. The 2.4hz only version does not have the hall sticks, which is the draw of the KK2. They use the exact same hall sticks as the KK2, but the controller is overall better.
@10:34 you said you can't change the color under the sticks. You actually can but it's not obvious just like the extra joysticks color options weren't obvious. They have (I think) black, gold, silver, and grey. I have a first gent elite 2 and I'm so so so tempted to get a color personalized one so I've been spending a lot of time on the website and didn't realize you can change the color under the sticks until recently
If Microsoft ever adds a gyroscope to their controllers, then I will have the one controller for everything I need.
In my country xbox desig lab charges $195 for the elite series 2(full model) with all extras, name, designs etc. Could be worth checking out other countries design lab pages to save money
No Gyro = Worthless.
Thought my XBOX One S controller malfunction completely and had to let go - found out I just had to internally clean it and replaced it with a new, overall shell (all parts) and it's all freaking good again.
Can't even remember how long it's been with me but it's still my durable, and working controller to date~ 😊
My elite controller got "drift" after a few months of light use lol, its because it doesnt properly return to center though.
I agree with the first sentiment and I don’t even own an Xbox. Also, offset dual analog placement is objectively more ergonomic for your wrists and hands.
Watching this video made me realize my obsession for well designed controllers.
I almost want this one now 😅
(Around 0:20) Remember Any Bluetooth Controller, yes includes Xbox, can work with the Nintendo Switch thanks to the "Switch-Up Game Enhancer" or 8-bitdo Bluetooth Adapter. Both only cost $15-$20 iirc
All it needs now is Hall Effect sticks... and paddles that don't die within 6 months. Oh, and rubber that doesn't peel away from the face.. and bumpers that last longer than a year...
If my Elite S2 stayed functional longer than 6 months, I would have been happy as hell with it but, unfortunately it did not. It was actually my first controller I've ever had to retire.
I just hit my 2 year marker with My Elite 2 controller and I'm right stick drifting up and down now. $80 to repair through Xbox, which is where I purchased it. I feel it should at least last as long as the console that I bought at the same time (Xbox series X). I'm a daily gamer, and am very conscious of keeping my electronics clean and in top notch working order. I'm 46 now, and have been working on my own consoles since the NES. Growing up kinda poor, you took care of your stuff because you only got 1,anf that was it when it came to the big presents or gifts as a kid. So, I began taking radios, VCRs, TVs, And Gaming consoles to keep them clean, and maintained.
I've already taken my Series X apart twice just to clean and that was cake. Easiest system to date for Xbox to disassemble. The Elite controller series 2 is a complicated piece of hardware. Everything is tightly packed, and at my age a lot harder to see and from doing laborious work all my life, my hands aren't made for small builds... Lol I did take it apart to clean once, and my rb button wasn't always working properly, so I fixed it as I was in there, but never seen any anolog stick builds like the Elite 2 except other Xbox controllers, just not as closed up and compacted. So I'm probably going to say no to sending or buying another elite. I'm gonna take the Aliexpress or Amazon gamble, and find a comparable controller for an 1/8th of the price before I ever buy an elite again. I've never experienced stick drift before, and I've played every Battlefield, Gears of war, etc with my controllers. So, sorry so long, but I am pretty upset that Xbox can't keep such an expensive and must have accessory be so poorly made. I advise o t hers to try options, and don't be afraid to try wired controllers! I grew up on them, and they run cheap with back buttons, LEDs, and turbo functions... I mean, why not try $60 versus $200? Lol 🤣✌️🖖❤️ (SSL) 🤘
I'll stick with my power a controller. It's wired, and isn't as premium feeling but it's great at it's job.
purpose of this comment?
Oh damn now I want a custom elite. They added the ability to change the color of the Xbox button now in the accessories app
I owned 2 of these and the top L or R triggers brake and work like half the time
nah, buy the 8bitdo ultimate bluetooth. Hall effect sticks means no drifting, ever, no dead zone, and also works on everything. Plus it’s only $70
This all is premium feeling and yada yada, BUT:
1) Bumpers are the the weakspot and can crack through some time
2) The body is glued so -1 point for the maintainability
Anyhow, thanks for the video, Bob!
I'd stay far away from Xbox's Elite controllers. They've had serious QC issues from the start. I had 2 arrive with defective thumbsticks, and one that only worked for like 5 or 6 months with light use. A real shame because in my opinion this is possibly the best controller on the market... when it works.
I've had my Elite since it came out and still use it without issue
Had 2 of them. Been on a Razer V2 Chroma going on 2 years now no problems.
I've had an Elite Series 2 for the last Year and a bit... It's easilly my favourite controller and my daily for use on my Xbox and PC... Still need to pair it to my phone for Game Pass...
I always hear about the elite controllers not lasting long or breaking
It's extremely hot or miss, the qa is awful. My brother and I have had ours for over a year and they've been great. My cousin is in his 2nd one in the same time frame. It sucks that you have to get the warranty to ensure you're getting what you paid for
8:08 OhMyGod is that real? You can change this controller from GameCube travelling shoulder buttons to Switch non travelling ones? That's super epic.
A quick 8bitDo adapter and yes, it works with switch. I used to have one so I could use my ps5 controller for my switch. Eventually sold my hacked switch though when I got my steam deck.
have they added gyro yet?
I think not 🤨
No, still holding the industry behind. But I am so glad mainstream devs finally got their stuff together and started adding it on PS in games like Fortnite, COD etc.
I love my Elite V2. Was worried, but no issues so far. Only had it about 7 months though, so we'll see.
Nahhh, not even close to best. It's mid tier at most. Maybe I'll change my tune if they add gyro in the future, but I'm not gonna spend anything close to that price for something that technologically inferior.
Technologically inferior to what?
Not sure if someone mentioned but Xbox removed most controller body color options in their design lab. Really hoping to hear how soon the sticks die or get drift! :D
I've always had the issue with Xbox controller face buttons where the click doesn't work when you press it softly (The B button in particular)
and the bumpers usually double click(Had this issue mostly on the elite 2).
I honestly prefer the Nacon revolution unlimited in terms of how it feels
Oh, and the easiest way I found to train myself to use the back paddles instead of the default button is to map the paddle to the button you're trying to use it for, then *unmap* it from the default button. Sure, you'll eat dirt if you use the default button, but that little emotional kick will help bind the new action.
I don't even use the left or right analog stick "click" buttons anymore, those live on back paddles. And more's the benefit, I've heard that's what contributes to the stick drift these controllers seem to suffer from over time.
A button doesn't always register input when pressing, real deal breaker with these controllers. Had it serviced as well, got it back, and it was only slightly better
Wait, Can this controller get drift though? I mean you did review Gulikit's drift free controller that while having less support, would last longer and cost less. Kinda confused about this stuff, Just my thoughts on it.
I had never tried a dualsense or dualshock controller before (well since the ps1) and so I went into a store and compared the current gen Playstation controllers against current gen Xbox by feel and the PlayStation ones were more comfortable to me - surprisingly.
The xbox elite controllers triggers still register analog input when you change the physical travel. It's incredible i set it halfway and it's so comfy for everything... Ps back paddles can be disabled for fidgeters ;)
its too bad the bumpers only last 6 months
Elite series 2 + Scuf paddles for elite series 2 is a machine worth trying!
i just got my 1st Elite controller i went with the normal black one with all the stuff but i got it on sale after discount i paid 170 and i love it !!!
I think for a controller that is over $100 it NEEDS Hall effect sticks. It’s kind of ridiculous that it doesn’t yet. I’m pretty sure that’s intentional though.
I would love to have a custom Xbox controller but without Gyro it’s a no go for me.
I doubt that the rubber material has anything to do with why the grips are black only. Case in point, their Shift line of controllers and the 20th anniversary controller.
Bought a Nintendo Pro controller back in 2019 and it still works great. Slight drift starting to form on the left stick, but other than that, still using it with Steam & Switch. That was after a play thru of Breath of the Wild (once), Skyrim (twice) and hundreds of hours playing Asphalt 9 Legends. My son has the Xbox controller & less than a year in and the drift is so bad on the right stick, he cannot use it, so he asks to use my Pro Controller. I have considered getting an 8BitDo Ultimate but waiting. Eventually, I am sure most companies will switch over to the Hall Effect type.
It's the dish on the d-pad that makes the controller. For me. Pretty happy with my Elite 2.
I got an elite controller series 2 and at first I was completely in love. However with some pretty regular, even mild use, the bumpers just failed on me. It started with inputs not registering to having to absolutely squash from a certain angle to downright not working.
I love the Xbox controller, but that was bullshit. Funny enough all my regular Xbox controllers work perfectly after years of heavy use
you make one of the most visually pleasing videos on the platform
also damn you for making me spend extra 200€ this Christmas for an elite series 2 lab controller..
How about the mass amount of defects with the bumpers that still plague the series 2 elite controller?
Fantastic review! If I buy this controller, it's because it's Bob Wulff recommended. I have a few custom Xbox controllers, and they've all been awesome.
The thumbnail for this one was sick
My only problem with the elite controller is there seems to be some QC issues. Some of the ones I've had are grips peeling off after a month of use, bumpers stop working and premature stick drift.
They will still get stick drift though. I went through 2 series 1 controllers in less than 8 months. The sticks are the same (mostly) and will suffer the same fate as mine. Until they switch over to a different stick, I'd say avoid this (and other expensive controllers).
Made it through the whole configurator until I got to the end and realized that the elite2 has a built in battery. Why!?!?
Bandwagoning on the rest of the QQ issues, mine has been hit hard with stick drift after light to moderate use over a year. This seems to be a rather widespread issue. Was great until then....
Those accessories have third party alternatives too. I prefer the SCUF style paddles.
I've been using an XBox controller for years now, and I still forget that it doesn't have gyro. All these features are nice, but any controller without gyro can't be the best controller imo. I still use my XBox controller primarily, but I wish I didn't have to bust out the PS4 controller for the games that use gyro.
love the elite only problem with it is the build quality, 3rd time i had to put it in warranty because of one of the triggers
i bought this controller 5 months ago, still no stick drift nor any problems with it.
I have been pro Xbox controllers since original Xbox’s s-type came out. And have been until I used the dual sense this year. Force feedback aside, the dual sense is ergonomically superior to Xbox’s controller. I have larger hands and the dual sense is more accommodating. D pad is WAY better, shoulders are better, face buttons are better.
You can change the color under the sticks you just have to scroll down.
owned the same controller for 4 months, my RB dont work at all anymore, now i need to use the paddles as RB, even the cheap version of the series X/S controller is more durable.
Remember when bob was talking about the Nintendo NX, the console that fooled bob thinking it was a real thing
You can't deny the versatility of the Xbox controllers.
Couple things. I just had an Elite for just over a year, I absolutely loved it. But I had to keep servicing the bumpers. It's super frustrating. So I just went ahead and did the Design Lab for a brand new Elite. I'm super excited. But I'm crossing my fingers that the bumpers do not crap out at one year. Please Microsoft, fix the bumper issue.
Be kinda cool if they added a halo template to the elite design labs so you could customize it to be your armor colors that you used in game...if that makes any sense.
I want to upgrade from my crummy 2 year old Xbox One S controller and the only thing stopping me from splurging and getting a Design Lab one is no gyro.
The elite series 2 felt great but I got stuck drift very early on and the Right number fucked up twice and would double switch when pressed. I bought 2 series and experienced the same problem maybe only a month in. I was so pissed
This dude would have been a great philosopher or teacher in a world where men aren’t obsessed with collecting digital stuffed animals.
Was not expecting Danganronpa music. 10/10 amazing choice.
I loved my V1 Elite controller until the vulcanized rubber grips came loose. Replaced them with identical ones and came loose 6 months later as well. I wish they either fix their rubber issue (if it is even fixable) or give the option to get a Elite Controller without the rubber grips. (I like their feel, but they are just not durable). The rest of the controller is in pristine condition.
$200 bucks for a CONTROLLER is just ridiculous, especially now that you can just about get an entire Xbox One for about the same price and it comes with a controller. Personally with regular controllers being only around $50-$60, i think that elite controllers SHOULD only be about $80, MAYBE $90 AT MOST. There is NOTHING about these elite controllers that scream they're worth even the $129.00 that the Elite 2 core is priced at.
You can use the Xbox controllers on the switch with a cheap adapter.
I also have roughly 30 controllers, from a variety of companies and I just can't escape using the Xbox Controller on my PC
Elite controller looks and feels great.
Cheap sticks are the bane tho. Not fully worth the price until they start having Hall effect sticks imo.
Soon as I found an Elite Series 2, I grabbed it. It was worth the investment.