Xbox Elite Series 2 vs. Xbox one
Xbox Elite Series 2 controller: complete controller test with comparison to the Xbox one version to see if the investment is worth it!
Design and ergonomics
I start this comparison with the design, even the controller keeps the same size, there are a lot of differences to note:
| Category | Xbox One | Xbox Elite Series 2 |
|---|---|---|
| ABXY button | Colors green, blue, red, yellow | Black and white colors |
| Anti-slip grips | No | GD hands, LT RT trigger |
| Ind. loading profile | No | Yes |
| Pallets and locks | No | Yes |
| Weight (with battery) | 262 g | 342 g |
| Weight (without battery) | 228 g | N/A |
| Multidirectional cross | Black, cross with base | Gray, fused base |
| Joysticks, X logo, menu | Standard | Standard |
On the ergonomic side, we are entitled to a much firmer grip from the grips, but the paddles are quite annoying I find. You can however remove them, to keep only two for example (even if it's a bit of a shame to pay the price not to use them!). The weight also allows you to have a real grip, but after a few hours of gaming it still begins to weigh!
Function and buttons
I'm not going to go over the basics, but rather the new ones for the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller.
| Category | Xbox One | Xbox Elite Series 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Profile button | Not present | Allows you to change profiles |
| Profile indicator | Not present | Indicates the profile used |
| Joystick return | Not present | Vibration feedback when the stick comes back in place |
| Palettes | Not present | Additional buttons |
| Trigger stroke limiter | Not present | Limits the stroke of RT and LT triggers |
| Battery | Not included | About 40h |
The improvements and additional functions of the controller are very appreciable and allow a much more precise gameplay, especially for triggers when playing FPS. The profiles remain, in my opinion, a bit gimmicky, unless you play at a high level at different styles of play. The battery and the base are also at the top, with 40 hours of play. With a sub-brand for my Xbox One controller , I am between 8 and 10 hours of play!
Reactivity
Key element to start trying hard on the controller, good responsiveness on it! Here are the differences:
| Category | Xbox One | Xbox Elite Series 2 |
|---|---|---|
| ABXY buttons | Standard | Standard |
| Joystick | Standard | Rather soft and precise |
| LB RB triggers | Plastic effect | Very pleasant |
| LT RT triggers | Standard | Rather soft and precise, especially via the limiter |
Overall a good polish on the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller which removes the somewhat "cheap" effects in comparison with the Xbox One controller. A disappointment all the same on the ABXY buttons which could have had an improvement.
Accessories
Also important, the accessories supplied with the controller.
| Category | Xbox One | Xbox Elite Series 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery and charging dock | Not provided | provided |
| Pads, adjustment tool and interchangeable sticks | Not provided | provided |
| USB cable | provided | provided |
| Protection house | Not provided | Provided |
If you like accessories you will be served! Convenient to be able to change the sticks and the directional cross, as well as the house if you ever take the controller to a friend!
Price
Here's the million dollar question, is the price of the controller worth it compared to a regular controller? We all have different budgets and gaming experiences, so I'm going to bring you some stuff to help you answer that question. I will also, of course, give you my opinion at the end of the article. I will however take into account the accessories and estimate their price in order to give a real comparison (except the common USB cable).
| Category | Xbox One | Xbox Elite Series 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | 60 € | 180 € |
| Battery and charging dock | 23 € (not included) | 35 € |
| Paddles | Not provided | 15 € |
| Interchangeable elements | Not provided | 20 € |
| Protection house | Not provided | 25 € |
These are of course estimates, apart from the battery directly taken from the official site, namely:
- 83 € for the Xbox One controller with battery
- € 120 for the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller with battery
- 60 € in house accessory, interchangeable elements and paddles
Review of
To conclude, here is the balance sheet of the controller
| Most | The lessers |
|---|---|
| - An ultra neat design - Flawless quality - Good new features - A very good battery |
- Lots of dispensable accessories - Inability to buy the controller "alone" - Paddles that affect the grip - A fairly heavy controller |
The Xbox One Elite Series 2 controller controller on a green background
The Xbox One controller controller on a green background
This controller will therefore bring a lot but also too much! You will therefore have to go to the checkout to buy accessories that do not necessarily interest you. I really regret this choice of forcing you to buy everything, rather than offering a single controller in the region of 120 € (personally the accessories, house and too much paddle do not interest me at all). In any case, the quality is beautiful and very present, even if the weight is a little high for my taste. So I will recommend this controller to you if you have the associated budget and don't mind paying for things you won't be using.
I rated the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller 3,5 / 5
By Alchemists, July 2021
