Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review

The Elite Series 2 is the most complete pro controller for Xbox because Microsoft ships nearly everything in the box. You get adjustable-tension thumbsticks with 3 settings and a tool to change them, 4 paddles, shorter hair trigger locks, a wrap-around rubberized grip, a charging dock, a carrying case, 4 extra thumbsticks and an extra D-pad. The built-in battery is rated for up to 40 hours per charge, and the controller stores 3 custom profiles plus a default one that you switch with the Profile button. In the Xbox Accessories app you can remap buttons and change stick sensitivity curves. On November 13, 2026 the Microsoft Store listed it at $157.95, down from $199.99. The trade-offs are weight and cost: Microsoft lists 345g (+/- 15g) with paddles attached, and the sale price is still over three times the standard pad. The Core version drops the dock, case and extras for less.

Who it is for

competitive Xbox and PC players who want paddles and adjustable sticks

Price

$157.95 on sale at the Microsoft Store, list $199.99.

Original price was $199.99 and now price is $157.95
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Adjustable-tension thumbsticks with 3 tension settings
• 4 paddles, shorter hair trigger locks and a wrap-around rubberized grip
• Up to 3 custom profiles and 1 default profile on the controller
• Rechargeable battery with up to 40 hours per charge
• Box includes a charging dock, carrying case, extra thumbsticks and D-pad

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The most complete box here: dock, case, 4 paddles, 4 extra thumbsticks and an extra D-pad
• Strength: Up to 40 hours on its built-in rechargeable battery
• Strength: $42.04 off list at the Microsoft Store when we checked
• Weakness: Heaviest pad on this list at 345g (+/- 15g) with paddles attached
• Weakness: $157.95 sale price is more than three times the standard Xbox pad
• Weakness: Windows 7 and 8.1 need the USB cable and lose some functions

Key facts

• Price: $157.95 on sale, list $199.99
• Battery: Rechargeable, up to 40 hours
• Weight: 345g (+/- 15g)
• Paddles: 4
• Profiles: 3 custom, 1 default

Where it ranks

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is No. 4 in our Best Gaming Controllers verdict.