Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core

The Elite Series 2 without paddles, dock or case: hair-trigger locks, adjustable sticks and a 40-hour battery.

  • 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB
  • 40 h

PCPR score

7.7

Good

Best price we’ve seen

$150Nov 9

Checked recently. Confirm at the retailer.

R1

The short version

The Elite Series 2 Core is the pared-down version of Microsoft's pro controller, sold without the paddles, charging dock and carry case of the full kit but keeping adjustable-tension thumbsticks, shorter hair-trigger locks, three custom profiles and an internal battery rated for up to 40 hours. Windows Central praises its feel and configurability, but considers the removed paddles a penny-pinching decision and doubts durability has improved over earlier units.

Pros

  • Adjustable-tension thumbsticks and hair-trigger locks
  • Up to 40-hour rated rechargeable battery
  • Three custom profiles
  • Works with Xbox, Windows, iOS and Android

Cons

  • Paddles, charging dock and carry case are sold separately
  • Windows Central doubts long-term durability will be better than earlier units
  • No stick technology details from Microsoft

Best for

  • Xbox and PC players who want Elite tuning without the full kit
  • Buyers happy to add third-party paddles

J3

Full specifications

Core

Platforms
Xbox, PC, iOS, Android

Connectivity

Connection
2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB

Features

Back buttons
0
Trigger stops
Yes

Power

Battery life
40 h

Compatibility notes

  • Works on Xbox and Windows, with Bluetooth for PC and mobile; Windows requires Bluetooth, USB or an Xbox Wireless adapter.

P1

Where to buy

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. Prices move quickly, so confirm the final price at the retailer.

AV1

Video reviews

No verified video reviews yet

We only list videos we’ve confirmed are about this product. You can search YouTube for reviews in the meantime.

AV2

What reviewers and owners say

  • Windows Central · Jez Corden

    Mixed

    Praises the configurability, balance and 40-plus hour battery of the Core model, but objects to the removed paddles and questions whether long-term durability has improved.

    3.5/5 · 2022-10-04

    Read the source

Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.

R9

Common questions

Does the Core include the back paddles?

No. Windows Central notes the Core removes the paddles along with the charging dock and carry case, which are sold separately as a component pack, and aftermarket paddles are also available.

How long does the battery last?

Microsoft rates the internal rechargeable battery for up to 40 hours per charge, noting that battery life varies with usage.

J9Alternatives

Similar controllers

GameSir G7 Pro
Best value

GameSir

GameSir G7 Pro

2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB · TMR · 1,000 Hz

8.7
$79.99Nov 9
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

Razer

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

2.4 GHz, USB · Hall-effect · 1,000 Hz

8.5
$170Nov 9
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller

8BitDo

8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller

2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB · TMR · 1,000 Hz

8.3
$49.99Nov 9
Flydigi Vader 5S

Flydigi

Flydigi Vader 5S

USB · Hall-effect

8.3
$59.99Nov 9