Xbox, you broke my heart | Elite Series 2 CORE review

[@vi_EviL_iv]

Build cheap, and they will keep coming. They learned from the past, if you build good, it will last. No longer about brand, reputation and reliability but is all about the money.

[@Hilariumosis]

Considering what we can build in this day and age technology wise it's crazy a simple sturdy and reliable controller is so challenging...

[@kwoni3337]

The problem is that if they make good controllers people will only have to buy one, they can easily 5x their income from controller sales by just engineering slight flaws. And considering these pro controllers are practically half the price of the console, that's a lot of money to leave on the table

[@dfillio8993]

@@kwoni3337 exactly apple does the same thing now every time they make a new product they design them so that the older models become less and less efficient with every update

[@natas12rm]

Designed to fail. Every corporation has followed the light bulb industry. I was looking to get an elite controller. Black Friday MS store is offering $8 off and elite 2. Greed heads. I'm now going to best buy to buy a standard Xbox controller for $39. The one that came with my Xbox already has stick drift. Buttons also stick. I kinda wish I got the PS5. I had no idea how bad MS was still

[@ILLTURI]

@@natas12rm don't worry, the PS5 controllers get wayyyy worse drift. All these companies suck!

[@razor15593]

@@ILLTURI yeah but in my dualsense drift is only one problem on xsx controller i have drift, rb register second click and have weird feeling when push 2 days ago x button feels like after push be bloc foe sec than go back to position.

[@GamerHeavenOfficial]

I was casually watching your video on the TV in the living room when I heard my channel name lol. Thanks for the shout out, fantastic video as always, love your channel!

[@9to5toys]

Ha, that’s great! Thank you for doing the hard work 🍻

[@clawson32104]

I honestly didn't expect the quality to be better. That's just marketing BS to push more units out the door

[@tylergebert352]

Totally agree

[@davidjorquera4192]

Fax, if they wanted to improve quality they would use more reliable parts

[@ryandotson8648]

As soon as I saw you could buy one for a cheaper price without the "accessories" I knew it was a color swap money grab.

[@protocetid]

the absence of Hall effect joysticks certainly invites skepticism

[@d0x360]

They are much higher quality than a scuff and with a year warranty or 4 years for an Xtra $15. GL getting that from scuff.

[@PhantasmXYZ]

I got sick and tired of returning my Elite 2 under warranty, only for Microsoft to give me a refurb with as many problems as the last unit or worse... I went from non-working LB only, to non-working LB/RB/B, etc. Until my current refurb had the entire left stick get dislocated too... can't even rely on paddles to work around such an issue. If they don't get a class action lawsuit for the existing Elite 2s, I hope they at least get one for deceptive marketing of "improved reliability" on the Elite Core

[@_theduckofdeath_]

Damn. These issues are so strange. Why let them persist for years? I have an Elte Series 2 Core coming today. Until now, I have resisted, but the price was really low. I'll test it out 🤞and keep it as a backup to my trusty yet aged Elite Series 1.

[@derpkinggaming1773]

The bumper buttons are most times an easy fix if its out of warrenty just take the face plate off and clean the buttons of the buttons with wd40 or something that works like that and they work perfect again

[@PhantasmXYZ]

@@derpkinggaming1773 hopefully most times, my experience was only sometimes. Cleaned a couple of those I mentioned, yet they had their issue come back after several days. I did have one stay working after using WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner, and it's the one working Elite controller I keep to this day.

[@bigkabuto]

It's so sad, because they are indeed close to perfection. I've had so many V2's now and had the luck that the store kept giving me a new one. Rubber grips letting loose, LB/RB buttons not responding unless you press it way too hard, and now my two months old V2 has sticky X button and pops out after a few seconds. Super annoying. It was a little promising when they said "we hear you." but then it turns out to be BS. Disappointing.

[@iamjimfromwithin]

Elite series 1 - bulletproof for 10 months till I upgraded to s2 Elite series 2 - 4 faulty units over 2 years, every time bumper issues Elite series 2 core - 2 weeks in, still ok…

[@bigkabuto]

@@iamjimfromwithin they were gonna make the black ones with the improvements too, weren't they? Last week I traded mine in for the sticky X button. How can I see if the one I have now is the 2022 one?

[@AeonsOfBlight]

Sounds like you may need to clean your controller or stop eating and gaming at the same time.

[@bigkabuto]

@@AeonsOfBlight I do the first and I don't do the second. Also keep in mind that this is happening to a brand new one. I've probably just been unlocky. I decided to stick with this one for now and the buttons stopped getting stuck. I honestly think the button gets stuck behind the socket, it's not sticky.

[@damnnigga.4831]

@@bigkabuto nah fam I had the same thing ur describing it is just cuz you eating while planning and not wipin ur damn hands on a napkin

[@DripSlushy]

Everytime my elite 2 has an issue, i just buy a new one and return it with the broken one inside….ive done this 5 times and twice for friends

[@cosmicsnowyt]

genius

[@almightysaber5426]

Is there anything else you do. All you just really put in back in the package and they don’t notice anything.

[@DripSlushy]

@@almightysaber5426 do it at target where the employee really doesn’t care to check the serial number

[@Trix209]

done that so many times🤣

[@ajc4327]

I’m sure there’s a lot of people that do that but to openly admit it on a public platform is still pretty stupid. Unlikely anything will come of it but still a possibility.

[@arkee52br]

Damn, one of the worst parts of those issues is that (maybe just for me) the controller appearance is outstanding! I'd like so much to buy it because it'd match my XSS perfectly, but since I'm looking for a controller to play fighting games, issues like the ones presented (and confirmed in the comments section) will definitively make the experience trash. The truly worst part (and it's for every third world person) is the price. It costs 130 dollars in Xbox's official American website, but here in Brazil it can cost almost 300 dollars (yeah).

[@jacobberry5083]

If you're looking for an xbox controller for fighting games the normal xbox series controller is really good for motion inputs but if you want something better than that you could get a hitbox or fightstick however I prefer pad

[@2greenify]

I prefer the default controllers any day combined with using your hands in a claw grip. This way you can play anywhere on anyone's controllers using buttons and sticks simultaneously.

[@arkee52br]

@@iaqh 🤓

[@gabrielcoelho1337]

@@iaqh Are you really that ignorant? Do you know what Brazil is? Have you ever been here? It seems like you don't know what you're talking about. Should have paid attention in school when they were teaching that different governments have ridiculously high taxes and that makes some products almost triple the price. Sometimes it comes to a point that is cheaper to travel to the USA, buy the product and travel back.

[@neilz183]

Great Review, I see rumours of the Elite Series 3 coming soon, this looks like a way for Microsoft to run down spare controller parts until then. I've just sent back my 2nd Elite 2 for replacement due to right thumb-stick grinding & tension broken issue.

[@doubble80]

I love my elite core 2. I got the elite series 1 the day it came out. It still works. I got my elite 2 the day it came out. I put 1000s of hours on it. It just started to drift. Well its not really drift. It just wont center all the way sometimes. Ive had it over 3 years. I got the core because its only $130 instead of $180. Plus i already have all the extras. So its nice that i can just buy the base controler for $50 cheaper.

[@lunarblackstar1]

I think a lot of gamers in particular are way way more rough on all their controllers then they will ever admit online. I'm sure there's been QC issues but I def think it's overblown by a loud minority

[@doubble80]

@@lunarblackstar1 exactly I don’t ever eat while im playing. I wash my hands. Clean my controller off from time to time. I was at game stop one day. This guy brings back a wolverine controlller complaining about a stuck button. The controller looked like he ate his dinner off of it every night. People dont take care of things then bitch on line when it messes up. When it comes to QC issues every product made has them. With most products people dont go online and bitch about it.

[@DistanTThunder2]

​@@doubble80 I'm a 32-year-old man who knows how to take care of his things and I've never eaten and touched the controller. I have alcohol wipes right next to my controller and I got stick drift on my elite series 2 and the replacement that they sent after it

[@doubble80]

@@DistanTThunder2 that sucks. Sometimes you just have bad luck with QC. It happens. Ps5 owners were getting bricked systems out of the box. Ive had QC issues on car parts. Collectible statues that cost wayyyy more the a series x. Id be annoyed to if i got drift twice in a short time. It sucks because alps sticks are rated for 450 hours. Its a carbon pad with metal gliding on it. Until hall effect sensors or something else becomes the norm. Stick drift will never go away. Out of all my controllers since sega saturn and ps1. Ive never had stick drift issues. Guess ive just been lucky. I still have all my old systems. 20 year old controllers that still work fine.

[@DistanTThunder2]

@@doubble80 yeah it was the back-to-back issue that actually broke the camels back

[@RonWillemsen]

I still use the original Elite 1's. I bought the first one with the release in 2015. Only as of last week I used another one I own. a White Special Edition of the Elite 1. Last year after looking at many reviews of the Elite 2, I wanted a 1 again, as a backup. It took me a while and it was virtually impossible to get a original and new Elite 1, due to it's release 7 years ago. Although I managed to get 2 new ones, for a little less then what I payed for mine, on the Dutch and German marketplace. I was lucky people got those controllers and didn't used them for whatever reason. So I have 3 Elite 1's and in my eyes the best controller ever made. :)

[@homeig-2234]

face button response is an issue for me on regular elite 2, seems like the most common flaw and I can't believe this has not been addressed still

[@MenTal9R]

I find the paddles on the Series 2 to feel much better than on the original Elite. One thing I found though is that mushy feeling is somewhat due to the paddles themselves. Swapping Series 2 paddles over to the OG Elite definitely feels better. The X/Y paddles though still don't feel as good as they do with the Elite Series 2 though. Nonetheless I did pick up an S2 paddle set (be careful, a lot of the advertised S2 paddles are clearly S1 versions) for my OG controller and it does make it feel a lot better. They clean up a lot of that sloppiness which I think comes down to the larger nubs on the S2 paddles, it tightens up the sloppy feeling. Not to mention I like that they're shorter too, it's fixed my issue with accidentally reloading or changing weapons. Those X/Y paddles are too long on the OG Elite, so well worth the $10 IMHO...

[@davidviadex]

Which ones did u buy

[@JasonSuave]

Thank you for getting the warning out asap over these controllers. I've run with at least 5 elite controllers over the past decade and agree with OP that my version 1 sits strong and has never had an issue. I went through 4 elite 2's, which developed precisely the issues that OP mentioned. Very sad to see that Microsoft is allowing a design flaw to slip through generations of controller releases... but then again they did sweep that ol red ring of death under the rug for almost 5 years. This is Microsoft for ya!

[@Sagitariuz]

You bought 4? Maybe switch to another brand, if they suck so much?

[@AlanPayne.]

@@Sagitariuz The thing is that it's an amazing controller, but the drift problem is what brings it down

[@JasonSuave]

@@Sagitariuz you can 2yr warranty these through Best Buy or Amazon and claim an exchange at will basically. I’m a survivor of the Xbox red ring of death so I guess you can say I’m conditioned to returning/exchanging gaming hardware.

[@MrAjking808]

Lol that’s you ruining them .. y’all don’t take care of it at all I never had an issue. I don’t play rough with it or throw it around I’m sure that’s the issue with you & every one else have.

[@JasonSuave]

@@MrAjking808 incorrect sir. I’m an adult and collect controllers and baby them just like you. I’m also a product manager who can spot a design flaw. Get outta here with your blind commentary.

[@Krantzstoner]

I'd be willing to pick up the new version of the Elite Series 2 if it doesn't have all the issues that I've had with my current one (my second one), but by all accounts the CORE has the same issues with stick drift, face buttons, bumpers. Since my warranty ran out on my replacement despite Microsoft's extension, I decided to pry open my controller to fix the damnable right bumper's random lack of response, and a little cleaning of the inside bumper switch with some alcohol did the trick (via KZbin videos), at the cost of only some minor cosmetic marring where I pried open the faceplate, and one of the inner clasps that locks the faceplate onto the body broke off (my carelessness). But I shouldn't have had to return my first Elite Series 2 controller or do minor surgery on my second, for something that cost more than half the cost of my Series X. :P That white and black colour scheme does look amazing (provided the white part doesn't get dirty). I do actually much prefer the Elite Series 2 controller to the original Xbox One controller or even the one that comes with the Series X (I can't speak to the original Elite controller since I never got one) but I definitely recommend getting an extended warranty.

[@szymek96k40]

Which controller is the most consistent and well build in your opinion?

[@peterwoodaman5936]

Just a heads up, my black elite 2 I’ve used literally an hour or 2 everyday since December 2021 and it’s still working like a charm! Sucks the QC isn’t better across the board. I just bought the white core just for the hell of it. Awesome color variation

[@meepcheep314]

consider yourself lucky, I take good care of my controller and I've also had it since December 2021. The left bumper sometimes completely doesn't register with medium-hard force, and now the adhesive for the faceplate grip is coming off... not to mention day 1 of owning the controller, I noticed that the D-pad isn't level. I hope I can get a good price on a new faceplate, I really hope that they fix the QC issues because it's literally insane

[@SS-ARYAN]

@@meepcheep314Had mine for two years about now, but the left bumper failed on me within the first year, works approximately 1/3rd of the time, seriously considering RMAing it just to see if they’ll take it at this point, since it seems to be a manufacturing flaw.

[@momoware]

@@SS-ARYAN If it's still working you can try opening it up and dripping some isopropyl alcohol over the bumper switch. My LB was not super reliable but I got it fixed this way.

[@SS-ARYAN]

@@momoware I ended up fixing it about 3 weeks ago actually, yes the isopropyl method worked immediately somehow, not sure how. I decided to blast both bumpers with WD-40 after as well, and hadn't had any issues since. I do have a few knife scuffs at the bottom of the controller from prying it open, but I really could not care less about it now.

[@willy2535]

I'm onto my 7th Elite Series 2, thank god for warranty replacements. Real shame after having 0 issues with the Elite Series 1. You'd think paying a premium means you get a premium product but not in this case apparently.

[@williamgoring7605]

I've had my elite series 2 now for 6 months. And I love it not one problem not at all. I love the dust covers They give you on your toggles, it's perfect. They did really good job with this remote.

[@U2B_Viewer]

Come back here and let us know in about 12-18 more months... I'm on my second 1 in less than 4 years. Both have the same issue in the long run and the bumpers only function 60-80% of the time.

[@the_don4671]

​@AR_FPV well if you non stop use a controller for 4 years your gonna run into those problems, I still use a 360 controller that u got in 2006.

[@U2B_Viewer]

@the_don4671 the cheaper the controller the longer they last 😪

[@L4MBZZ]

I bought a blue elite series 2 and it doesn’t have vibration in the triggers… like wtf did I just pay a premium amount for something that was supposed to be only without accessories?

[@Quasmin]

Thank you for calling them on their bullshit and put them on the spot

[@bigmac558]

I've gone through 5 elite series 2 this year. Something goes wrong rather quickly (luckily I have best buy total tech, so they replace it no questions asked). I just picked up a core, and so far so good.

[@billywashere6965]

I really wish there was an Elite controller with the GuliKit Kingkong 2 Pro features.

[@Fuatdino145]

Please keep us updated if you encounter issues, I have a series 2 and will return it if core series doesn't have issues

[@isaacpajas5322]

Keep us updated

[@dillon7292]

How is it after 10months?

[@bigmac558]

Still no issues with the White, Red, or Blue elite S2 controller. @@dillon7292

[@InsanexPunisher]

A consumer friendly price with a new color. That’s that, until we get a series 3.

[@christopher-yn8lk]

Gamer Heaven did a tear down of the core and the elite series 2. They are identical inside. Nothing changed.

[@christopher-yn8lk]

and you mentioned that right after I posted that.

[@matthewottosen7492]

Yeah he had stick drift straight out the box

[@dexcova7141]

If the Elite 2 had the triggers of a Scuff Instinct Pro, and the buttons and d-pad of a Razor Wolverine Chroma V2 then you would have an unbeatable controller. Those controller's buttons are like mouse clicks. Also, on my Elite 2 I use the Scuff Elite 2 paddles which are even better than the admittedly good Elite 2 originals.

[@jonasharp3]

This is the best take

[@AlzheimersCaretaker]

i had mine for about a year and a half before the rubberized grips started peeling off. 6 months later it was so bad that a lot of the internal structure of the handles began to crack and break. the only way i could play with it is to wrap both handles in a lot of electrical tape, but the plastic on the inside is so flimsy that it began to crack and crumble, and i dont grip the controller hard or squeeze it. so the elite series 2 lasted about 2 years before it was way too broken to play with, although i never developed any stick drift so thats a plus. so I bought a turtle beach recon controller to replace it. no rubberized grip that would eventually peel off and im very happy with it

[@lildud3games497]

I’ve had mine for 2 years now and all it has is some wear on the side grips and I play everyday for hours easily you need to chill out on your controller lmfao

[@TheVikingSailor]

For this price range they should come with the newer HAL sensor pots for the sticks to prevent stick drift. Spent almost $300 on my controller and it developed Stick Drift within 6 months

[@bjornkeizers]

This feels utterly insane. I'm currently still using an old first generation Xbox One controller on PC. The one from 2013. It's been put through the wringer and still works. It's the cockroach of controllers really. But, I'm also tempted by some of those Elite features like the extra paddles. Would be nice to have. Since I've had my old controller for ages, I don't mind spending a bit of money to replace it. And you'd think with my experience, that another Xbox controller would be a safe bet. But no, as much I want an Elite controller, the fact that pretty much everyone seems to have issues with them means I'm not going to buy one. Nor this one, sadly. How fucking hard can it be to just build a controller that doesn't suck or break if you so much as sneeze at it? They fucking built a good ine 2013. It's not rocket science for fuck's sake.

[@zheretxc]

you gotta have the worst stick drift of all time though now don’t lie, 9 year old controller

[@bjornkeizers]

@@zheretxc I actually don't; both sticks are still solid and precise. No drift. All buttons on it still work as well. I'm dreading the day it stops working, because replacement controllers seem to suck these days. I will admit to probably being exceptionally careful with equipment in general. Because I actually never had to replace a controller. I've still got the original controllers for my NES, SNES, PS2, 3, 4, original XBox and 360. All of those still work. And yes, I'm still using my original joycons on the Switch with no drift. Wild, I know.

[@jonasharp3]

Check out razors wolverine line of controllers. I’m a big fan honestly. They’re wired, but it’s worth it for features and reliability.

[@DenyTheZeitgeist]

My 360 controller has zero issues. One S controller has been great since launch. I’m not keen on the durability of these.

[@jimmytimber7074]

​@@jonasharp3 the Razer is nice but the back buttons are extremely awkward compared to elite 2. I have both and I always grab my elite 2. My elite 2 has been a pretty good controller. I have had it for almost 3 years and I'm just now having issues with my A face button which I rarely use anyways. No stick drift yet but I know a lot of people do have issues and you shouldn't for the price of them.

[@roumis.4]

Hello, I saw your video about the Xbox Elite 2 and GameSir G7 SE controllers. During the Circularity Test, there's a significant difference between the controllers. Is this noticeable when playing FPS games, or not that much? I'm unsure whether to buy a controller with better sticks or with more customization. Thank you in advance for your response

[@ac1dflare937]

Why the hell don't they use hal effect sticks is beyond me, the Dreamcast fixed stick drift in the 90s ffs

[@LillyAnarkitty]

If I have an Elite Series 2 already which is starting to wear out, will its accessories be compatible with the Core?

[@krisirizarry]

I’ve literally had 3 different elite series 2 controllers (black, halo and this core) plus the elite controller 1….my issues have been with left stick drift but ESPECIALLY the Rb and Lb buttons not reliably working(I remapped inputs to the back paddles and it’s fine but I shouldn’t have to do that)…I’m going to wait for series 3 and hope they fix the issues (tired of the warranty loop)

[@itzbemozz1425]

Yes the LB RB Is fixed on this controller for however long I’ve had it

[@Rooster_B18C]

The left bumper on my Elite Series 2 wasn’t always registering. Luckily it happened 2 weeks before my warranty expired. They didn’t send me a new one, just fixed it. It does work like it should now, but it came back with little pry marks on top everywhere, dirty, and the crease wasn’t complete flush on the left side of the controller anymore. I sent them a pristine controller, just to receive a properly working beat up one. Whatever…😪

[@RGInquisitor]

I managed to get a Series 2 on sale on Microsoft's website last year for $140. Over time I've gotten a bit worried about it due to all the quality issues people report. Fortunately, so far my controller works completely fine so far apart from some wear and tear from use. Hope I'm not jinxing myself! Other than that, I agree that it is by far my favorite Xbox controller ever.

[@iLawfGaming]

Really solid, but the price to replace or repair is high if something happens. $100. My control lasted long, so long it ran past it's extended warranty MS issued due to lots of reported defects. Unfortunately I accidentally dropped it and ruined the LB. At that point the RB and A was starting to feel less responsive, but I use those three buttons the most playing bumper jumper or using abilities for OW. Next time around, I'd probably map the bumpers to the paddles to preserve them. Hoping I can trade my black elite 2 in for the core one to get some money off because $100 to fix the bumpers is dumb.

[@RGInquisitor]

@@iLawfGaming It seems like it would be cheaper to simply buy replacement wear and tear parts and learn how to replace them yourself. I'm no novice to repairing electronics so as long as I'm able to find repair parts, I'm willing to do repairs myself if I'm out of warranty.

[@Drewster86]

My series 2 lasted only 6 months. RB is shit & stick drift

[@iLLmatic240]

Pretty sure I would mess the controller up within 2 months. I do a lot of heavy gaming in call of duty

[@chazzthaspazz4475]

just wait LOL im on my 2nd ONE!

[@pieter7033]

A big compliment for this first impression review. I finally feel heard in some way. The button presses and with that the registration are for me the biggest fail that Microsoft ever made. I still don't know how this is allowed to put a broken product on the market..

[@kiethpederson7558]

I have this control as well or the original one I should say, and I never liked the buttons just don’t feel good way to press them. No real feedback.

[@JasonTremblay]

I own Elite series 1 and 2, and the shoulder buttons on both of them seem to work properly about 60% of the time after only a few months of use. I tried to fix the series 1 with a third-party button kit, and when I opened the controller, it's easy to see why those buttons suck. The internal design sucks. Don't get me wrong; the Elite Xbox controller is the finest game controller ever made in most respects, but those shoulder buttons are trash. It's really frustrating when you're trying to cook a CoD grenade, or worse, activate a function that requires you to press both shoulder buttons simultaneously. Here's hoping for a true redesign that fixes the issue for Series 3.

[@jamesbaker4845]

I thought that was just me spamming dead silence iv brought 2 in the past year because of it

[@i-am-mercurial]

Spray some iso in there once a day

[@skinnydubz]

Do your a and y buttons not register sometimes or a lot of you don't press hard af... That's my only issue

[@ReverendFTW]

I love the way this controller feels so much…but I just returned my first due to an unresponsive A button and my second has the exact same issue of not even worse. I’m gonna have to call it quits on this controller and that kills me because I really love everything about it.

[@captaincrunch1707]

I know this sucks but for anybody else , maybe trying using a few drops of rubbing alcohol onto the stuck button. The impression is that it’s just some faceplate glue from the factory that affects a face button. For which a putting a drinking straw and a few drops of alcohol on might fix. A few drops of alcohol won’t hurt anything

[@jordannagel2683]

I've been mostly a ps4 gamer for a long time but when I got my pc setup I wanted to gets a new controller because the batteries had degraded on my ps4 controllers. I bought a series controller and have actually come to enjoy the feeling of it more than my ps4 controllers. The only problems I've had is that the plastic point that touches the button for the RB broke but I fixed that with a little contact glue and I don't think it because of cheap parts I realised that most of the games I've played this year have feature that button as a main button so it broke from overuse. The whole point of my story is that I've heard no problems from people who use the series, but when it comes to the elite 2 that a whole different bag of cats.

[@paulweston8184]

Are you saying that you had a series 1 controller and it was pretty well other than a broken plastic RB Teflon insert? Okay, he's going over the Series 2. Everybody here probably has had problems with the series 2 controller. I'm on my third or fourth series 2 controller. No, I have not shelled out money for a new one every time my RB and/or LB registers twice for one tap which can be a real pain in the ass. I just buy a new one and return the old one for my money back. I'm sorry what were you saying? Oh yeah, your series one is pretty good but the series 2 you've never had experience with... bag of cats. That's cool man.

[@jordannagel2683]

@@paulweston8184 mine is just the standard series controller not the elite

[@submachine524]

​@jordannagel2683 It's a shame the elites seem to be plagued with issues despite the fact that the standard xbox series x controller is one of the best controllers ever made imo. I really want a controller with paddles bht im not willing to sacrifice my daily driver and a ton of cash only to have something that will last a fraction of the time

[@jordannagel2683]

@@submachine524 I know scuf controllers exist. I've never really heard anything about them as importing stuff is hard here, but while not paddles they have buttons on the back

[@nickywilson2097]

I’ve had mine 5 years and it’s now finally starting to have issues I’ve found my experience with the elite 2 controller a dream and have just ordered the core as a replacement! Brilliant controller imo

[@TBRANN]

Love the honest review, very helpful! Thank you

[@timelyspirit]

When you warranty a controller, you don’t get a new one. You get a refurbished one. I got a series 2 early when they came out. Returned under warranty 3 times within the warranty period. First had A button not register consistently and left stick drift. Second had left bumper stop registering. Third had right bumper stop registering. After warranty they offer to sell you a controller replacement at reduced price (I think it was US 79). I did and that controller now has right bumper issues. I am just one example but my friend has had very similar experiences with his, going through 2-3 under warranty and then just buying a new one. The new one hasn’t had trouble so far (6 mo).

[@True77]

My Elite 2 was solid for about two years. Best feeling controller I've ever used. My issues with the controller are: top left back paddle button broke, hair trigger nub broke off and most recently the left trigger vibration is stuck at full vibration and is no longer adjustable (which doesn't sound bad but trust me it makes the controller extremely undesirable to use). After much troubleshooting, the only option is to go zero vibration for the entire controller. With all that said, I do take very great care of all my electronics and it still broke down under casual use. If they release an Elite 3, I will buy it because the Elite 2 was so great to use even with the unfortunate short lifespan but a bump in durability is a must.

[@nightlord40k76]

I’ve had one for about 8 months & no issues at all. My Elite series 1 had stick drift that I tried & failed to fix, so I bought this one & it’s great.

[@yawaydatruth6595]

Same

[@KuyaArbee]

yea love my series 2 OG controller! it's great for Forza Horizon 5! but I agree! The buttons don't register sometimes... I hope they make HUGE improvements to the SERIES 3!!! and they better offer it as a cheaper price! :) that PS5 pro controller looks amazing

[@Emloch]

I've purchased 3 Elite controllers. Initially, the Elite 1 which developed massive stick drift, an LB response problem and the grip peeled off. I then bought an Elite 2 for myself and an additional one for my son; thinking that perhaps they worked the issues out. Well, the grip is still intact on both controllers, no drift either, but they each developed a bumper response problems...and mine also developed a paddle response issue as well....also the "nibs" on the back switches (which adjusts the trigger levels) all fell off, leaving sharp points for switches. The bumper problem can be managed by mapping it to one of the paddles, though we shouldn't have to do this. They are great controllers, overall, but I could not endorse them based on their quality issues, as they seem almost disposable. At their price-point, they should far outlast a conventional controller, but they don't seem to

[@condorX2]

Thx for the honest review. I'll stick with the regular wireless Xbox controller. I got it used for 18 bucks. The A button is a bit mushy cos I brought it used. It seem we're both in the same boat with the A button not registering 😢

[@i_amChrisJxmes]

The scuf aftermarket paddles are really nice. I recommend them over the stock design. Worst part of the elite 2(besides not working correctly) is the input lag.

[@Reyeston007]

input lag?

[@i_amChrisJxmes]

@@Reyeston007 yeah there is 14ms of input lag in the elite series 2

[@MonkeyNoHands]

Plug it in and keep it hardwired if your worried about lag

[@Reyeston007]

@@i_amChrisJxmes that's cap. Is there a video showing this?

[@metpach]

I literally just bought mine at 2 days ago. And I love the thing. However, I know about the thumbsticks I'm not just Xbox controllers, but on a lot of controllers. I've had my issues with scuff controls back in the day. Believe me paying $250 bucks on a controller, to come with stick drift at the box is a spirit breaker. I recommend anybody who is buying a premium controller, to buy the extended warranty. It doesn't matter what control you're buying. If you're buying a scuff, if you're buying a series elite, if you're buying a power core 2, buy the warranty.

[@user-vy2ot8xg9s]

Thanks man, saved me there

[@markambrose1910]

I'm tired of buying, sending in for warranty repair, and repeated failure of the joysticks. I have six elite 2 controllers, including the Halo Elite 2. All have joysticks that lock up, even after warranty repair. Within a few weeks, every controller would be unusable again. I even sent in my Halo Elite 2 for warranty repair with a note stating that if they could not fix it, just send it back and not replace it with a non Halo version. They kinda repaired the joysticks, but they started locking up in a matter of days, now that controller is just a display piece. So tired of this!!

[@dblgonzo]

I guess I am a unicorn. I had a Series 1 I bought at launch and zero issues other than the rubber grips lifting off the panels. Bought some after market ones. Replaced it with a Series 2 right after launch. I then bought another Series 2 that came bundles with my Series X console. I have not had a single issue with any. I use the one that came bundled with my gaming PC and Laptop. I have tried several after market controllers and only the Microsoft was smart enough to put the paddles in an ergonomic and natural feeling location. I have dropped mine more than I wish I had and was worried that I might break the shoulder buttons that seem to be a weak spot. Maybe I need to start buying lottery tickets.

[@tekharthazenyatta2310]

It would have been useful if this review included recommended (and cheaper) Xbox controller alternatives, given that it's not worth shelling out between $130-200 for the faulty "elite" series. Any recommendations for more reliable wireless alternatives?

[@paulweston8184]

They have the regular xbox controller. Did you want him to recommend a color or something? Walmart has a cheap Xbox controller but it's not as good as the Microsoft brand. Not much else to recommend if you want cheaper.

[@MrThurlos]

I have had 2 original Elite Controllers, one had slight drift on the left stick after about 2,000 hours of use... I currently have 3 Elite Series 2, we use them a few nights a week. At least 1,000 hours on each of them more on one of them. Haven't had an issue, absolutely love them. Was VERY excited to hear rumors about the Elite Series heading to design lab, but plan to get a core version with the accessory pack as we may be gaining a member to our little gaming group soon.

[@KRYKiTx3]

I have 3 as well but issues with all of them. Including the core I just bought. The Bluetooth connectivity isn’t great. Works fine wired tho.

[@pflynn12]

I'd more interest to know if this controller has any drifting issues, I've had an original xbox controller for over a year and its started drifting recently

[@fgpt4828]

I had one for over a year and it worked perfectly. I dropped it and broke it. Then I purchased another one, and another one, and another one. 3 times I returned it. The left stick didnt register the click on L3 to run while the stick was forward or any direction at 45 º. It wouldnt allow to sprint in halo or COD. The original I had didnt have that issue and I loved it. Such a shame

[@unholyqu]

that’s the issue i’m having now, and i play a lot of apex so clicking to run or crouch/slide is crazy important. is there a fix for this?

[@qoirks]

Honestly, their warranty has been awesome for me. Anytime I’ve gotten stick drift, they’ve replaced and after the warranty ends, you can still get a replacement for $80.

[@DentBaron]

Same

[@keynosmith2208]

Exactly

[@ManbearpigX2]

If you get a replacement for $80, does the replacement then have another year warranty on it?

[@qoirks]

@@ManbearpigX2 no, though I suggest using the original warranty as much as possible and making issue you get a new one just before your warranty ends. Then a year later purchase a replacement for $80. You will be able to keep your old one then too.

[@ManbearpigX2]

@@qoirks Original warranty is long gone, bought back in 2020.

[@teeknowstech]

Thanks 9to5 toys for the update on controller I was wondering if it was the same and what keyboard is that your using in this video?

[@MrTehru]

In 2 1/2 years I went through six elite series twos. Fortunately each time I purchased the $60 warrantee from Best Buy. The sixth one lasted two weeks before the left bumper stopped working completely. I went back to Best Buy, I returned the controller and since it was less than 30 days I got my warranty back. I purchased two series X controllers, rechargeable battery packages for both, got the warranty on each of them and ended up with a $40 gift card.That means that in the future two years I can purchase two more, and get the warranty for each of them for free and get two more. So in the next two years I can technically get six new controllers at no cost to me. That is economically way better than continue buying the elite. I love the elite controller but six of them have been absolute junk for me unfortunately

[@MrTehru]

@Chandler Russell Those paddles are almost worth the heartache that I went through but not quite.

[@maxmiller262]

Not a single person asked, or cares

[@MrTehru]

@@maxmiller262 So this comment was made three months ago relative to the video and the discussion and you just showed up and I guess decided to troll everybody? OK Matt that’s kind of weird but I guess that’s what you do. By the way in response to your comment, nobody asked and nobody cares. I think I heard your mom calling, she said your hot pockets are ready and come up from the basement. Hurry before they get cold.

[@rmjoeyfly457]

@@MrTehru GOAT 😂😂😂

[@MrTehru]

@@rmjoeyfly457 are you laughing with me or at me?

[@Djsco-ex2dv]

The issues with the buttons is really a shame. I got a Elite 1 at home i really like that controller but i think that maybe soon the micro usb port will give up in the future. I don't hope that this will happen and i would like to have a custom Xbox Series Elite in green but when the buttons aren't working fine then i won't buy one. So yeah i hope microsoft will improve that. I will wait for your review. In half a year. But thanks for this review.

[@bananaman472dope5]

I have the old white elite controller and basically totaled all the grips came off the left stick doesn't work properly but I still have all the accessories will they work on the new core controller

[@killasweep]

How did you get the Xbox button to change colors? I just got the white one after my black one’s RB stopped working. The new one just lights up white.

[@fortis619]

Random question , would changing the front shell void my warranty ? On the core or elite series 2

[@hjs1249]

It's likely

[@infinitebrave6958]

I’m one of the lucky ones. I owned the OG Elite from day 1 and lasted me 5 years. I’ve also had the Elite 2 since release day and has worked flawlessly. I play often and competitively too

[@2SI_Official]

Mine showed white but was black and missing buttons and had a normal d pad? I was confused

[@schit4brainz]

On my second Series 2. The first I had for about 9 months and sent it in for stick drift on both sticks. It's been a year on the second controller and the left bumper only works when firmly pressing it. Every now and then I'll get a miss click on the paddles and face buttons but so far not a sign of stick drift. I guess it's a lottery if you can get both good working buttons and non-drifting sticks. Hopefully they'll make a Elite Series 3 soon and the best outcome is that they put hall-effect thumb sticks and fix the buttons. Sticks that don't wear out and buttons that work, sign me up because it would be perfect and it'll be the last controller I buy... and that is exactly why they won't do it.

[@aaronmiller4871]

It’s been a year, how’s it holding up? My elite 2 is having A button issues and I’m looking at the core since I have all the accessories

[@uusrikas]

I got my elite v2 two wheeks now i love it great controller wheels so premium compared to normal x/s and dualsense .is the corr same materjal body as normal v2 ?

[@frenchbeluga7055]

You gonna come back in a month or 2 complaining watch I’m calling it

[@netshark512]

Would the sticks and back paddles from the OG Elite 1 fit this? If so I wouldn’t need the kit right?

[@alexanderulv3886]

Soooo, if the series 1 is cheaper at my local store should I get it over the version 2 with extra components bundle?

[@Stewmiester86]

I had the elite series 1 for years and even with the grips coming off I’ve still used it, I love it so much. I still decided to get the elite series 2 despite my series 1 still functioning. Upon first using the series 2 I noticed my left palm was cramping which never happened on the series 1. The geometry of the controller changed some how and not for the better for my hands.

[@kbk22]

So I've played claw almost my whole life, would you say that getting a Pro Controller is worth it in that instance, or does it just help people get on par with playing claw/using a mouse?

[@Tyrant5RDFL]

I did purchase the Elite series 2 Core thinking it was improved over the previous elite 2, and so far its working solid. Now knowing its the same but cosmetically different is disappointing. Like you I agree this controller is amazing, but durability is the issue. I'm hoping for the best.

[@lastixen]

Does the accessory pack come with the controller?

[@qubes8728]

I’ve never had an issue with stick drift but with my first elit 2 one of the rear paddle buttons lost its click and didn’t respond as well as normal then with the second one the battery stopped charging. With the one year manufacturers warranty plus I got an extra in store 2yr warranty for $20 so I havnt had to pay for the second and now 3rd controller so I can’t complain. Straight swap, no repairs.

[@Itzdaydaybtw]

Where did u buy the controller from?

[@qubes8728]

@@Itzdaydaybtw jb hifi, Australia

[@halfnelson6115]

I've been looking into buying one. Are the button issues only on the core, or the series 2 also?

[@belphegor_dev]

Core is the same controller

[@JackRabbit72380]

great can we get the rest of the buttons to light up ms?

[@patiorio1538]

Does this controller have the same response acceleration as PS5 when your playing any racing games . Or is it better ?

[@faisalmemon285]

What do paddles do? And don’t they get in the way when holding the controller? I mean it seems you can accidentally press them. Is that so?

[@HCNBLAZZIN]

Do the old accessories on the other controller work on this could i just transfer paddles over?

[@BachBeethovenBerg]

If you already have the accessories for the Elite Series 2 accessories can you use the swappable thumb sticks? My elite series 2 is on the fritz-keeps disconnecting, freezing, etc. so I’m wondering if I could just get the core and use all the other accessories I already have with it

[@geistigerdurchfall4930]

Yes

[@michiganjack1337]

I just picked one up and what I've noticed (at least on PC) is that through the Accessories app, the controller will not save the brightness of the logo. Anyone else having/had this issue?

[@alexlelonek7923]

You need the warranty for this controller. I got best buy total tech because I replace mine every 3-6 months. If the bumpers don't crap out, the sticks get loose around that time. I just got a new one today and found out the bottom right paddle doesn't register unless FIRMLY pressed, had to replace it again the same day. I love this controller, hate the durability.

[@sunnyschramm9650]

4:45 yeah - this and the unprecise flipping back to center is sadly exact my exoerience with my limited xbox one "grey/green"-edition back then when I bought it 😞 I´ve lost the motivation playing with a controller right away. today I was so proud as my White Core arrived. Right now everything is working fine - but once I thought "hmm...did the a-button react?" - lets hope it has and will not happen to me again. But ok - this time I can send it back in 30 days when it appears to fail. What I really love is that you can shorten the trigger-way for LT/RT and instead of using the much to high LB/RB (worst ergonomics on many controller) now I can use the paddles on the back instead - love it 🥰👍 What I dont like is that it seems you can not take out or change the battery - at least not easily.

[@coldReactive]

Since I currently own an Xbox One Model 1697 Controller (from over 6 years ago), I was wondering if I should finally upgrade to the Series 2 Elite.

[@spacecrash]

I like the accessory pack because now you can get replacement parts and or just extra parts for the elite 2, I’m picking it up so I can have 2 tall sticks and also better customization with more paddle variation

[@denturedaddy3362]

Just buy tall sticks on ebay, what’s the point of overpaying for some thumb sticks?

[@Calibretto9]

That’s now multiple KZbin channels as well as regular users on social media posting out of the box issues. Seems like the quality went down, not up. Unfortunate to say the least.

[@imjusttrollingyou4014]

My elite 1 had text grip issues, my elite 2 had LB issues and R analog drift, sent it in under factory warranty and it came back fix with no problems since.

[@XGPLAYZ]

The paddles are great, but still no extra key binarys for Halo gadgets, yet?

[@ThatGuyWhoComments1]

Had a series 2 for about 2 years now. Issues I had were parts that degraded real quick because mcsft used cheap parts, which are common problems that happen to all series 2s. Shame its been this much longer and still the same issues. I had to fix these problems myself however it requires opening up the controller and soldering which are risky and are a bit advanced, and sadly that also brought up some problems as well. I still use it today because it's the only controller I have with back buttons and most of the problems were fixed but this shouldn't have been such issues in the first place. I do want to get a new pro controller elsewhere, the new dualsense edge has me interested. Mcsft is unfit to make their own pro controllers. This controller should be $90-$100 at most for still using the exact same parts.

[@Nerevarine420]

Just because you had a bad experience does not mean everyone did I love when people use their own experience to justify all user experiences lmao What if I told you I've has 4 ps4 controllers go out in the same time I've had my elite ? Doesn't mean anything because it was my personal experience

[@chazzthaspazz4475]

just picked up my 2nd fckn elite 2 lol got warrantu this time i however i fixed the paddle issue by gluing it but shortly after that few days ago my bumper stopped working lol

[@notorioussnipers8156]

I got two of the Core controllers and both had stick drift out of the box. I don’t recommend the elite series at all. I’ve gone through 6 elite series controllers in 3 months. Replacement after replacement only to be sent a controller that has the same issue over n over.

[@frenchbeluga7055]

👍

[@MiyagiKush]

Everyone keeps saying the core and regular are the same but the core doesnt come with extra options for the options, like the paddles you have to buy, you have to buy seperate dpads, and the carrying case isnt included so you need to soend $50 on the customization pack anyway to get the extra components that seperate them, you get all the same features but extra parts arent included with the core

[@alistairwatson7263]

Ive had four elite series 2 controllers within a year thanks to warranty ( one brand new and three refurbished from MS) , there is always an issue with a button or stick. They are not reliable whatsover. Will it be the same with the core? Should i gamble my money again just to use my warranty all year round to replace them? Disappointing and money down the drain

[@jlb4685]

The Core is a refill pack for your existing accessories for when your current Ev2 breaks…

[@galavantgambitgaming]

got a question for you. i have very long fingers so would the paddles do someone like me any favors? looking at the back of the controller it feels like id be pushing both buttons at once

[@juicebottle1336]

You can swap the sides and put two upside down to make them further apatt scandium

[@mojtaba_behnam]

Hello What is the difference between the Material of R1 L1 keys? It seams in Elite2 is metal and in elite core is plastic!

[@e36boy]

I used to have the Elite 1 and it lasted but the rubber grips came off after 2 years of use. As for the Elite 2 I bought 2 controllers and both are working fine without problems with at least a year of use. My location is the Philippines if that info helps for purchasing since some batches are bad or really good.

[@hamidrezasaberyoun7772]

A quick question. Does the paddles of the elite 1 fit in this? So I can buy the core and use the paddles of the elite 1?

[@kxenyy]

i tried to do that and it wears down the paddle button until it eventually starts getting stuck and the button won’t work anymore

[@itheeirishguy]

What people need to buy with this is the Kontrol Freaks Precision Rings. It minimises stick drift for the hardcore gamers and makes your aim so much better.

[@hermes.trismegistus616]

Did they unlock the polling rate so you can overclock to 1ms?

[@robus79]

Thank you for the review! I have two regular Xbox remotes that have horrible drift with minimal usage and an Xbox Elite 2 that has had drift since about 6 months after purchase....Looks like I'm going to keep waiting for a better controller or maybe switch back to PlayStation haha

[@Paul_Ward]

I have a razer wolverine ultimate (older gen) that works pwrfect to this day. Unless you really want wireless which is fair enough, might be worth looking into.

[@robus79]

@@Paul_Ward thank you! Think I’m already on the other side of the fence about getting a PS5. Will look into it for PC gaming tho

[@USMC-es4yy]

The reason I picked the thrustmaster over this one was the mechanical buttons...plus I've had this one before and also had drift problems within only two week's.. thrustmaster X still going strong..

[@crgirl3388]

Meh thrustmaster thumbsticks are sloppy in comparison.... much less precise in cod

[@FUTUR1ZT3X]

I've had my Elite 2 for like 2 yrs now and it still works good as new. Best controller I ever bought

[@FUTUR1ZT3X]

Ironically though, I hate the paddles. Never use them. Granted I really only use the controller for racing games and RPGs since I'm on keyboard and mouse on my pc