A tale of Three Controllers
I have three variants of the late generation Microsoft Controllers. Why did I spend a jaw dropping $120 for a Series 2 Elite?
Post Xbox360, Microsoft has largely standardized the controller form factor and the controls. Yes, the controls are the same as the older 360, but the radios, and the standards of talking to the console is the same (ish).
I have the original controller that came with the 2015 era Xbox-One I bought shortly after we moved in to our new home in San Jose. Circa 2020, I got into Apple Arcade, and since I hate the touch screen controls I bought a second generation Xbox controller in white. Later, I bought and built a PC to play games, and I wanted to use a controller for it. The second gen Xbox controller was getting a bit sticky in the triggers, so I went looking for a replacement.
I settled on a Microsoft Elite Series 2 controller. It was almost an impulse purchase, but the fact that my 2nd generation controller was already showing wear and tear, I wanted something a bit higher in quality. I bought the “core” version of the Elite Series 2 controller from Best Buy, it was available at my local BB, and I went and picked it up.
The new controller
Clearly, this is a theft target, as the box had some aggressive anti-theft devices wrapped around it. And sure, with a $129 price tag for something that can be unboxed and tossed into cargo shorts pockets before waltzing out the door, so I can see it. It was interesting watching the checkout person struggle to remove the anti-theft device.
I got it home and unpacked it. One thing I noticed is that Apple has infected the tech product packaging. It is cardboard, it is all recyclable, and it feels like someone put some thought into it. It is clean, it is professional, and unlike the old poly overpack, it is easy to get into.
In the box is the controller, some documentation, a USB-C cable (a nice fabric wrapped cable), a tool to change the spring tension on the joysticks, and some compliance documents.
Since I bought the “Core” version, I didn’t get the interchangeable joystick hats and the additional controls on the back. One nit to pick, Microsoft doesn’t make it obvious that those goodies aren’t in the box (boo). But, the full version with all the bits and bobs is a shocking $192 price point. That is a wee bit high for a charge cradle, and some different joystick hats. Fortunately, Amazon has a lot of 3rd party sellers that will provide that kit for ~ $20.
It comes with about 60% charge, which is pretty standard for electronics for shipping (lithium-ion batteries like neither being at 100% charge for storage, nor being drained to 0, so they ship with something in the middle) so, I was ready to play immediately.
I did need to plug it into my PC and update the firmware (I also had to do that with the gen 2 one I used for my Apple gaming) and I was away.
First impressions were wow, this is a solid controller. It feels very robust. The wings for gripping are tactile plastic/rubber. Easier to grab on to. Comfortable.
The joysticks are magnetically attached, and can be lifted off. That unveils an adjustment that can be used to stiffen the joystick action. Also, there are different profile “hats” that can be swapped in as per user preference. I personally ordered a set of Purple hardware, ‘cuz I like purple ;-).
It has a battery built into it. No swapping. The OG and the Gen II versions came with the expectation that you would use either two AA batteries, or a rechargeable battery pack1. Yay, no futzing with chargers, changing packs, and other hinky things.
There is an Xbox Accessories program that allows you to customize the controls, map functions to buttons, and it gives you three presets to define. You can even tweak the color of the large X button in the center. Nice touch.
So far, I have about 15 hours on it, and it is a joy to play with.
I do remain bummed that the Gen II was getting wonky so quickly. The sticky trigger, and the at times recalcitrant left joystick were enough to really make it unreliable.
But for the most part, I am tickled pink about the new controller. We shall see about its longevity, but it feels very well built.
Long ago, I bought a Microsoft pack for the OG (black) controller, but before that I did use batteries, and they lasted a good long time. Like 3-4 weeks of 2+ hours a day. The second generation with the two radios was a lot thirstier. By the 4th day, I was running out of juice on AA’s so I bought a rechargeable pack, but it remained a power guzzler. I do not know how the power reservoir of the new controller will compare, but I have to assume it is a bit larger than the 1100mAh of the battery packs. Fingers crossed