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The Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller is a premium Xbox Wireless Controller that was released on November 4, 2019. The Elite Series 2 was released on November 4, 2019. Just like its predecessor, the Elite Series 2 is compatible with Xbox One consoles, Windows PCs as well as the Xbox Series X and S.

The controller comes bundled with a charging-dock, carrying case, thumbstick adjustment tool as well as an alternative D-pad and additional thumbsticks and back paddles that can be switched out with the standard ones. The controller had a launch price of $179.99 US.

In September 2022, the Elite Series 2 Core was released as a more affordable alternative to the standard Elite Series 2, being available for $129.99[1]. The Elite Series 2 Core does not include any of the customizable components that the standard Elite Series 2 does, with these parts being included in the Complete Component Pack which is available separately for $59.99 US.[2]

Development[]

Announcement[]

During the 2019 Xbox E3 Briefing, Microsoft announced a successor to the Xbox One Elite controller, known as the Elite Series 2. During the event Microsoft revealed that the controller would be capable of Bluetooth connectivity like the new controllers released with the Xbox One S and use USB-C rather than micro USB.

The controller was given a release date of November 9, 2019 with a price of $179.99 US.

Features[]

Controller[]

Just like the Series 1 model, the Series 2 contains a range of additional features that are not present on standard Xbox Wireless Controllers. The Series 2 includes new adjustable-tension thumbsticks, shorter hair trigger locks and new rubberized grips allowing for a more comfortable and solid feel to the controller. 

The controller includes four additional sets of thumbsticks, all varying in height and shape that can be switched out with the standard ones included on the controller. An additional D-Pad and shorter back paddles are also included and can be easily switched out depending on the user's preference. Alternatively, even more thumbsticks, D-pads and back paddles can be purchased from third-party retailers allowing for even more customization on the controller.

Microsoft have also added the option to save up to three custom profiles and one default profile on the controller which can easily be switched between by pressing the profile button on the face of the controller.

The Elite Series 2 also supports button mapping like it's predecessor which can be configured on the Xbox Accessories app.

Battery life has been significantly improved, now supporting up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life.

Carrying Case[]

The Elite Series 2 comes with a carrying case that includes room to store additional parts for the controller as well as a charging dock for the controller.

Changing color of Xbox button[]

On September 10, 2021, Reddit user kevLinK posted a video to r/xboxone of themselves changing the color of the Xbox button on their controller through Steam's controller settings on their PC[3]. The post quickly gained popularity, earning over eight thousand upvotes, as users rushed to try this out for themselves. At the time of the feature's discovery, it was found that the customization option did not carry over to Xbox consoles and was not possible with any other Xbox Wireless controller models.

Almost exactly one year after the original video was uploaded, Xbox would release an update for the Xbox Accessories app and firmware update for the Elite Series 2 that finally allowed all users to customize the color of the Xbox button light directly from their console[4]. This update gave users the ability to choose from over 16 million different color hues to use on their Xbox button light[5].

Elite Series 2 Core[]

The Elite Series 2 Core is a more affordable variant of the Elite Series 2 that was released on September 21, 2022 for $129.99 US[6]. The Series 2 Core only includes the controller, thumbstick adjustment tool and USB-C cable. All other components such as the carrying case, charging dock and additional thumbstick components that come with the standard Elite Series 2 are included in the Complete Component Pack which is available separately for $59.99 US.[2]

The controller includes all of the same features as the standard Elite Series 2 with Microsoft claiming that the Core uses "Re-engineered components".[1] The controller was initially only available in white, with a red and blue variant being released on March 28, 2023[7].

Design Lab[]

The Elite Series 2 Core was also added as an option in Xbox Design Lab on October 18, 2022[8]. On April 11, 2023, more color options were made available for specific aspects of the controller[9].

Users have the option of customizing the following parts of the controller.

  • Body (Face of controller)
  • Back
  • Bumpers and triggers
  • D-Pad
  • Thumbsticks
    • Thumbstick base
    • Thumbstick topper
    • Thumbstick ring
  • A Button,B ButtonX ButtonY Button buttons
  • View ButtonMenu ButtonShare buttons
  • Custom engraving on face of controller

Users also have the option of customizing the components pack which can either be added on when ordering a controller or bought separately. The following parts can be customized through Design Lab.

  • Back paddles (Short and long legnth)
  • Thumbsticks and D-Pad (4 thumbsticks and concave D-Pad)
  • Carrying case and charging pack

Gallery[]

Videos[]

Reference list[]

Game controllers and remotes
Development Dakota PadDevelopment Controller SXbox 360 PrototypesXbox Alpha Controller
Xbox Controller S (variants) • Duke Green ScoreGrey Japanese Controller SKonami Xbox MicrophoneThe DukeXbox DVD Remote Control
Xbox 360 Xbox 360 controller (variants) • Xbox 360 Universal Media RemoteXbox 360 Media RemoteXbox Live VisionKinectXbox 360 Wireless Speed WheelMortal Kombat X Fight Pad
Xbox One Xbox One controller (variants) • Kinect 2.0Xbox One Media RemoteXbox One Elite ControllerXbox Elite Series 2 ControllerXbox Design LabXbox Adaptive ControllerMortal Kombat X Fight Pad
Xbox Gen 9 Xbox Wireless Controller (variants) • Xbox Series X Launch Team controller
Third-party Big Ben Body PadGamester FPS Master ControllerGamestop Controller SHyperkin Duke ControllerJoytech NEO SE Advanced Wired ControllerLogitech Wireless Xbox ControllerMad Catz Wireless ControllerSniper Scope Light Rifle & ShotgunSpectra Enhanced Wired ControllerStar Wars Sith and Jedi Controller SXbox 360 Versus ControllerXbox Lotus Pro RacerXbox Phoenix Gamepad Controller
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