Xbox says new Elite controllers are "more reliable" and "built to last"

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The Xbox Elite Series 2 - Core controller has also been announced

Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
(Image credit: Xbox)

Xbox has revealed that its Elite controllers are now "more reliable" and "built to last", coinciding with the announcement of a secondary model. 

As unveiled on the Xbox website, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller - Core has been designed to "meet the core needs of today's competitive gamers" and focuses on exceptional performance, customization, and durability. However, at a slightly lower price point than the previously released Elite Series 2, coming in at $129.99/£114.99.

So what's the difference between the two main controllers? The immediate difference is that the Core version of the Elite Series 2 has a predominantly white body with black grips and is missing quite a few added extras that the other Elite Series 2 controller comes packaged with. For starters, there's no carry case, additional D-Pad, thumbsticks, paddles, or charging dock. But hey that's what you spend the extra $50 on, right? 

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What the slightly cheaper controller does have though is adjustable-tension thumbsticks, rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks. The Elite Series 2 - Core also features exclusive button mapping options via the Xbox Accessories app and up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life. As mentioned earlier, the new controller, along with any others Xbox now produces, is apparently "built to last" with refined components.

The good news, however, if you are still in the market for the extras mentioned above, is that you can also pick up the Complete Component Pack which actually has all of the extras for $59.99/£54.99. All of the new products listed in this story (the Elite Series 2 - Core controller and component pack) can be pre-ordered from today and will be released on September 21, 2022. 

Announced in the same post, Xbox will soon be introducing its Elite Series 2 controllers to Xbox Design Lab for the first time since the service was launched in 2016, allowing players to customize their Elite controllers however they see fit. 

Looking for a different controller? Take a look at our list of the best Xbox controller deals for this month. 

Hope Bellingham
Hope Bellingham
News Writer

After studying Film Studies and Creative Writing at university, I was lucky enough to land a job as an intern at Player Two PR where I helped to release a number of indie titles. I then got even luckier when I became a Trainee News Writer at GamesRadar+ before being promoted to a fully-fledged News Writer after a year and a half of training.  My expertise lies in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, cozy indies, and The Last of Us, but especially in the Kingdom Hearts series. I'm also known to write about the odd Korean drama for the Entertainment team every now and then.