Review: Controle XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
- @brunosbom
- 12 minutes ago
- 12 min read
Does the Perfect Controller Exist? What Kept the Series 2 from Reaching That Level?
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is one of those products that I made a point of using for a long time before reviewing. I wanted to have a truly thorough and complete experience with it, especially because, since its launch, several other premium controllers have entered the market trying to compete in the same space. Before writing this review, I used the Elite Series 2 for approximately five years. Before that, I also owned the first Elite and went through several models from Razer, 8BitDo, Thrustmaster, and other manufacturers, as well as multiple versions of the standard Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series controllers.
The Elite Series 2 was built around a very clear proposition: to provide a more sophisticated experience than the standard Xbox controller, offering a premium build, interchangeable components, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, rear paddles, hair-trigger locks, and a long-lasting internal battery. After so many years using the product, however, it becomes easier to recognize not only what it does extremely well, but also what could have been better. The result is a controller that I still consider excellent, but one that also has some design choices that, when viewed against today's market, are beginning to feel outdated.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 uses an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Microsoft's official documentation lists one battery cell per product, with the battery weighing 40 g and having an energy capacity of 7.79 Wh. Microsoft rates the battery for up to 40 hours per charge, although the company notes that actual battery life varies depending on usage and other factors.
The controller officially weighs 345 g, with a 15 g tolerance, when equipped with the four paddles, the faceted D-pad, and the standard thumbsticks. This makes it considerably heavier than the standard Xbox controller, which also contributes to its solid feel during use.
In terms of connectivity, the Elite Series 2 uses Xbox Wireless on Xbox consoles and offers Bluetooth connectivity for compatible Windows PCs, tablets, and Android and iOS devices. It can also be used via USB-C and comes with an approximately 2.7-meter-long cable of very high quality.
The thumbsticks feature three levels of mechanically adjustable tension, using the included adjustment tool. Through the Xbox Accessories app, it is also possible to configure sensitivity curves and even swap the thumbstick assignments, allowing the left thumbstick to control the right stick's input and vice versa.
The controller also features impulse triggers, vibration motors, a 3.5 mm audio jack, four rear paddles, and a wide range of assignable commands. Microsoft allows you to remap A, B, X, Y, all four D-pad directions, LB, RB, LT, RT, both thumbstick clicks, and the four paddles.
The Elite Series 2 can also store up to three custom profiles and one default profile directly on the controller, with profiles switched using the Profile button. The Xbox Accessories app is used to configure profiles, button mappings, thumbstick curves, and motor settings.
The complete package includes the controller itself, the thumbstick adjustment tool, charging dock, USB-C cable, four paddles, two additional classic thumbsticks, one domed thumbstick, one tall thumbstick, a standard D-pad, and a carrying case.
MY IMPRESSIONS
Build Quality, Finish, and Ergonomics
After approximately five years of using the Elite Series 2, I can say that the first thing that continues to stand out is its construction. It is a heavy, sturdy controller that immediately feels like a premium product when you pick it up. It is somewhat heavier than the standard Xbox controller, but for me, that is not necessarily a problem. Quite the opposite: it contributes to a sense of solidity that I find very pleasant.
The metallic finish on the top is also one of my favorite details of the controller. It helps visually distinguish the Elite Series 2 from a conventional controller and gives it a much more sophisticated appearance. The rubberized grips also represent a significant improvement over the first Elite and, especially, over the standard Xbox controllers.
A, B, X, and Y Buttons
The A, B, X, and Y buttons use a traditional membrane-based structure. And I have no problem saying that they work well. The click feels pleasant and comfortable, especially during long gaming sessions.
The problem is that, when compared to what other premium controllers currently offer, this solution is starting to feel outdated. The actuation has that softer, more rubbery feeling characteristic of membrane buttons and does not provide the level of responsiveness I would expect from a controller positioned as an option for demanding players.
I would much rather see Microsoft adopt a mechanical solution for these buttons. Razer, for example, uses an approach that feels much closer to an actual mouse click, with an extremely short actuation distance. This is a feature I find very interesting and would like to see adopted in premium controllers.
Controllers in the G7 Pro lineup also use a mechanical solution, although with a different feel from Razer's controllers. In the case of the Elite Series 2, therefore, the buttons work well and are comfortable, but they could be significantly more responsive.
D Pad
The D-pad is an interesting part of my experience with the Elite Series 2 because my preference is very clear. I cannot comfortably use the faceted D-pad, the round design that comes with the controller.
When this shape is integrated directly into the controller's body, as it is on the standard Xbox controller, I can use it very comfortably. On the Elite Series 2, however, because it is a removable magnetic component, the feel is different for me, and I have quite a bit of difficulty using it.
Because of this, I end up preferring the traditional cross-shaped D-pad. For me, it is more comfortable, more predictable, and does not produce imprecise inputs. In this regard, I consider the Elite Series 2 to have a very clear advantage over the standard Xbox controller, precisely because it allows you to choose which D-pad you want to use.
Thumbsticks
The thumbsticks are one of the most interesting parts of the Elite Series 2, but also one of the areas that leave me with mixed feelings. The ability to mechanically adjust stick tension is a very interesting feature and allows you to adapt the controller's feel to your personal preference. Microsoft offers three levels of tension and also allows you to adjust sensitivity curves through the software.
However, in my experience, certain behaviors become more noticeable when using a taller thumbstick. In some situations, when releasing the stick, I can feel as though the mechanism's return force causes it to move slightly in the opposite direction. This is a behavior that may require a very specific dead-zone configuration to compensate for.
And there is an even harder issue to ignore when looking at the current market: the Elite Series 2 does not feature an anti-drift sensor technology such as Hall Effect or TMR. For a controller in this category, that omission has become increasingly difficult to justify.
When the controller was released, other solutions were already available on the market, and today Hall Effect and TMR have become something of a reference when it comes to resistance against thumbstick sensor wear. There are modifications that allow this type of technology to be installed in the Elite Series 2, but doing so requires altering the original hardware. For users who do not want to modify their controller, the alternative is essentially limited to managing dead zones through software, which can compensate for certain behaviors but does not replace a hardware-based solution.
Rear Paddles
The four rear paddles are one of the most distinctive features of the Elite Series 2. They can be configured through the app and allow important commands to be placed directly on the back of the controller. Microsoft allows a wide range of different commands to be assigned to the paddles.
However, there is a very personal aspect to this. As soon as my Elite Series 2 arrived, I removed the metal paddles.
I think they look great and I also consider their construction excellent. The problem is that, for my playstyle, they get in the way. I am a player who prefers the experience of a conventional controller, and I ended up feeling that the paddles interfered with the way I hold the controller.
So, while I recognize that they are an excellent tool for players who actually use this type of configuration, personally, I prefer playing without them.
Rear Paddles
The adjustable trigger locks are another important feature of the Elite Series 2. They physically reduce the amount of travel required to activate LT and RT, which is particularly useful in competitive games.
In my experience, the feel is excellent, and the metallic finish of the mechanisms also contributes to the perception of quality. The small details on the surface help provide better finger grip and make actuation very comfortable.
Vibration
The Elite Series 2's vibration is pleasant, and the impulse triggers are also an important part of the overall package. Microsoft even allows you to control the motors through the Xbox Accessories app.
Still, I would like to see this aspect evolve in a future generation. After so many years, and considering the product's premium positioning, I believe the vibration system could offer a more sophisticated experience.
Carrying Case, Charging Dock, and Connectivity
One of the most interesting aspects of the Elite Series 2 is the set of accessories that comes with the controller. The carrying case is much more than simple protection for storing the product. It was designed to accommodate the controller itself, the different thumbsticks, the paddles, the thumbstick tension adjustment tool, the additional D-pad, and the charging dock. Everything is very well organized and gives you the feeling that Microsoft genuinely thought about how users would interact with all of these components on a daily basis.
The charging dock is another detail that I consider very well designed. It can be used normally outside the case, but it can also remain inside it, allowing the controller to charge even with the case closed. The dock is also removable, so you do not necessarily have to keep it attached to the case. This opens up some interesting possibilities for people who like customizing their setup or even creating their own stands using 3D printing. And, if preferred, the controller can also be charged directly through the USB-C cable.
The adoption of USB-C was a very welcome improvement over the first Elite, which used Micro USB. The Elite Series 2 comes with an approximately 2.7-meter cable, providing plenty of freedom to use the controller wired or simply charge it while continuing to play. The combination of USB-C, a long-lasting internal battery, and the charging dock makes the charging experience extremely convenient.
Nothing feels like it was included simply to increase the number of items in the box. The case protects and organizes the controller, the dock makes charging easier and can be used in different ways, while USB-C provides a simple and universal alternative. These are the kinds of details that, after five years of using the controller, still make a difference in the overall experience.
Battery
The battery is one of the biggest strengths of the Elite Series 2. Microsoft claims up to 40 hours of battery life per charge, and in my experience, this is a feature that genuinely makes a difference.
It is the kind of controller you charge and then use for so long that you end up forgetting when you last had to plug it in.
The experience reminds me a lot of the convenience found in some of Nintendo's Pro controllers. I would really like to see the same philosophy applied to standard Xbox controllers. Even if a controller has few additional features, a long-lasting internal battery is something I consider much more convenient than relying on batteries.
Software
The Elite Series 2's software is good, but I believe it could be much better integrated into Windows.
Through the Xbox Accessories app, you can make a wide range of useful configurations, such as changing button mappings, configuring sensitivity curves, adjusting dead zones, inverting inputs, and controlling other aspects of the controller's behavior. You can also save profiles directly to the device.
The problem is that, in my experience, you practically only think about the software when you need to fix something or when you actually want to customize the controller. If everything is working perfectly and you do not intend to use different profiles, you simply connect the controller and forget that the app exists.
Because of this, I would like to see this experience much more deeply integrated into Windows. Currently, you have to find the app in the Microsoft Store, install it, and then configure everything. To me, this process could be much more automatic.
It is one of those small things that may seem trivial but can make a difference in the experience of a premium product. I would like to see Windows automatically recognize this type of device and present its configuration options in a much more integrated way.
The Elite Series 2 allows you to store up to three custom profiles and one default profile directly on the controller.
Despite that, I have to be quite honest: I barely used this feature during my time with the controller. It is useful for people who frequently switch between different configurations or games, but it was not a feature that became part of my routine.
THE BEST THINGS
The build quality remains one of the Elite Series 2's biggest highlights. Its weight, metallic finish, and rubberized grips make it feel like a truly premium product.
The battery is also excellent. The claimed 40 hours of battery life are one of the controller's biggest advantages and, in practice, provide an extremely convenient experience.
The ability to swap the thumbsticks, D-pad, and paddles is also very well implemented. Users can physically adapt the controller to their own playstyle, while the software expands that customization even further.
The adjustable-tension thumbsticks, adjustable trigger locks, four paddles, impulse triggers, and 3.5 mm audio jack complete a very robust package.
The carrying case and charging dock are also excellent additions. They do not feel like accessories included simply to increase the contents of the box. They are part of a much more complete product experience.
THE WORST THINGS
The rubber detachment issue was also not completely eliminated compared to the first Elite. The situation is much better, but I still experienced the rubber separating around the LB and RB buttons and had to resort to replacement parts.
The lack of more modern technology in the thumbsticks also works against the controller today. The Elite Series 2 still uses a solution that can suffer from wear and drift, while the market has moved toward alternatives such as Hall Effect and TMR.
The A, B, X, and Y buttons could also be more responsive. The membrane-based feel is comfortable and works well, but for a premium controller, I would expect a faster and more precise mechanical solution.
The software could also be better integrated into Windows. Having a separate application works, but the experience could be much more transparent and automatic.
Finally, I miss having a Share button, an integrated microphone, and a more significant evolution in the vibration system.
The Big New Problem
The most important issue with the Elite Series 2 is its LB and RB buttons. After so many years with the controller, this was probably the mechanical failure that bothered me the most.
There is a small translucent piece associated with the button mechanism, and when contact in this area does not work properly, the result is an LB or RB button that requires significantly more pressure to register an input.
On my unit, this meant that on some occasions I had to open the controller and clean it using compressed air. After cleaning it, the buttons would return to normal operation for a considerable amount of time.
It is particularly frustrating because we are talking about a premium controller and a component that should provide a consistent experience for many years. The fact that I had to open the controller several times because of this issue is, without a doubt, one of the biggest drawbacks of my experience with the Elite Series 2.
The Rubber and the Problem Inherited from the First Elite
One of my biggest concerns when the Elite Series 2 was released was precisely a chronic problem with the first model. Virtually every original Elite unit experienced issues with its rubberized coating, whose adhesive would eventually lose its grip completely. In some cases, the rubber would begin separating so severely that the controller became extremely unpleasant to use.
I really liked the design and grip of the first Elite, but this issue led me to prefer using standard Xbox controllers for quite some time. Because of that, when the Elite Series 2 arrived, there was a great expectation that this problem had been completely solved.
The situation improved significantly, but in my experience, it was not completely resolved. The rubber on the Elite Series 2 has a much stronger grip and its placement is also more favorable, which greatly reduces the likelihood of the previous problem occurring again. However, around the LB and RB buttons, precisely where the rubber ends, it began separating over time.
This issue did not come close to the scale of what I experienced with the first Elite, but it still happened. On more than one occasion, I had to replace the part with replacement components. After some time, the problem returned and once again I had to resort to a replacement part. Therefore, I consider it a major improvement over the first generation, but I do not believe the issue was completely eliminated.
TRAILER OFFICIAL
FINAL THOUGHTS
After approximately five years of using the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and after going through so many other premium controllers, I can confidently say that it remains one of the best controllers I have ever used.
When everything is working perfectly, the combination of weight, ergonomics, finish, rubberized grips, battery life, interchangeable components, and customization options creates an extremely enjoyable experience. It is somewhat heavier than the standard Xbox controller, but I consider that weight appropriate and believe it contributes to the product's sense of solidity.
The biggest problem is that time has also made some of its limitations more apparent. The lack of Hall Effect or TMR technology in the thumbsticks, the issues I experienced with LB and RB, the rubber detachment, the membrane-based A, B, X, and Y buttons, and the limited software integration with Windows make it difficult to consider the Elite Series 2 perfect.
Even so, when I weigh everything together, it remains one of my favorite controllers. Microsoft got a lot right with the build quality, ergonomics, customization, and especially the battery life. What I hope to see from a next generation is not necessarily a revolution, but an evolution of these fundamentals: thumbsticks with more drift-resistant technology, mechanical buttons, more reliable LB and RB mechanisms, much better Windows integration, a Share button, and improvements to the vibration system.
The Elite Series 2 remains an excellent controller. However, after so many years, what once seemed extremely advanced now needs a new generation to return to the top without so many caveats.
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