Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review

Full review

The Elite Series 2 is Microsoft's premium controller, designed around adjustment. The full version comes with four metal paddles, which can sit under your fingers on the back of the pad, a faceted D-pad and different thumbsticks, so you can set up the shape to suit your hands.

Microsoft says the internal rechargeable battery lasts up to 40 hours per charge, depending on usage. A 9 ft USB-C cable is included for wired play. Wirelessly it connects to Xbox consoles using Xbox Wireless and to PCs, tablets and phones over Bluetooth, so it travels well between devices.

Button mapping is done in the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox consoles and Windows 10 and 11. You can store three custom profiles, plus a default, on the controller and switch between them with the Profile button. Thumbstick tension can be set to three levels with the included tool, and the hair trigger locks are shorter than before for quicker trigger pulls.

The weight is about 345 g with paddles and standard sticks attached, which is substantial. Microsoft's page does not state the stick sensor type or the size. A cheaper Core version keeps the adjustable sticks and app remapping but is sold as a simpler pad. This is the strongest Xbox option for people who want control over every input.