If you’re in the market for a new controller, you’re in luck. Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller is on sale for $98 at Amazon and Target, down from $130. That means it’s about $3 off its lowest price yet – a great opportunity to upgrade to something a little nicer.
We’ve recommended the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller before, and that’s primarily based on its ability to give you the best of the $180 Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller for a more affordable price. This includes tweaks and finishes like a rubberized grip and sturdier, more durable versions of a traditional controller’s triggers, joysticks, and d-pad (it’s circular now). On top of that, it has up to 40 hours of battery life.
Microsoft
The Elite Series 2 Core also lets you adjust the tension of the joysticks and triggers to your liking, and remap the controller’s buttons in the Xbox Accessories app. This is useful if you prefer specific settings. Call of Duty: Warzone versus something more relaxing, like Long Live Piñata, or if you share your controller with someone else.
The main downside to the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller, aside from the limited color options you get when purchasing it anywhere other than Xbox Design Lab, is the lack of accessories. The price of a normal Xbox Elite Series 2 controller includes a variety of different joysticks, directional pads, and rear paddles that you can attach when you want to experiment with a new setup. These are not included with the Core controller at all. In fact, there are some awkward slots on the back of the controller, where the paddles are supposed to attach.
It’s a small annoyance in the grand scheme of things, and one that can be fixed by purchasing the accessories when you realize you’ll actually need them later. Even without paddles, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller should be noticeably nicer to use, and when you’re trying to make your way through an extra-long RPG, that’s what really matters anyway.
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