Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Review (After 4 Years)
Four years later, it’s still the best controller I’ve ever used – despite showing a few signs of age.
Overview
I’ve been using the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 as my main controller for around four years, and it’s seen hundreds of hours of gaming across everything from Call of Duty and racing games to more casual titles.
When I first bought it, the price made me hesitate. It’s considerably more expensive than a standard Xbox controller, but after living with it for years, I can honestly say it’s one of the few gaming accessories that genuinely feels worth the investment.
Even after heavy use, it’s still the controller I automatically reach for.
First Impressions
The first thing you notice is the build quality.
Compared to a standard Xbox controller, the Elite Series 2 feels much more substantial. It’s slightly heavier, the rubber grips feel fantastic in your hands, and every button has a premium feel to it.
The included accessories are another big plus. Being able to swap thumbsticks, change the D-pad and fit the rear paddles means you can tailor it to suit the games you play rather than being stuck with a one-size-fits-all setup.
It immediately feels like a controller built for people who spend a lot of time gaming.
Everyday Performance
After four years, this is still one of the most comfortable controllers I’ve ever used.
The grips make a real difference during longer gaming sessions, and the overall shape just feels right in your hands. I’ve spent countless evenings gaming without ever feeling uncomfortable.
The rear paddles have become something I couldn’t live without. Once you get used to assigning actions like jumping, crouching or reloading to the back of the controller, it’s surprisingly difficult to go back to a standard pad.
The adjustable trigger stops are another feature I use regularly, especially in first-person shooters where every split second matters.
Customisation
One of the biggest strengths of the Elite Series 2 is how much you can customise it.
Using the Xbox Accessories app, I’ve created different profiles for different games, tweaking stick sensitivity, button layouts and paddle assignments depending on what I’m playing.
It sounds like a gimmick at first, but once you’ve spent time setting everything up, it genuinely improves the overall experience.
Battery Life
Battery life has been excellent overall.
When it was new, I could go days without thinking about charging it, and even after four years the battery is still holding up well. It doesn’t quite last as long as it once did, but it’s still easily good enough for several long gaming sessions before needing to go back on charge.
The included charging dock also makes keeping it topped up effortless.
Build Quality After Four Years
This controller has had plenty of use, and naturally it’s picked up some cosmetic wear over time.
The rubber grips have become smoother where my hands rest, and there are a few marks on the paddles and body from years of regular gaming. None of this affects how it performs, but it’s clear the controller has been well used.
More importantly, all the buttons, paddles and triggers still work exactly as they should.
Any Problems?
The only issue I’ve experienced is a slight amount of stick drift on the left analogue stick.
It’s fairly minor and only noticeable in certain games. Increasing the deadzone slightly has almost completely eliminated it, so it hasn’t been enough to make me replace the controller.
I’ve also noticed the trigger locks don’t feel quite as crisp as they did when the controller was brand new, but they’re still perfectly usable.
Considering how much use it’s had over the last four years, I think that’s fairly reasonable wear and tear.
Is It Worth the Money?
If you’re a casual gamer who only picks up a controller every now and then, probably not.
A standard Xbox controller is excellent and will do everything most people need.
However, if you spend several evenings a week gaming, especially in competitive shooters or other games where precision matters, the Elite Series 2 feels like a genuine upgrade. The extra comfort, rear paddles and customisation become difficult to give up once you’ve experienced them.
Overall
Four years on, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is still the best controller I’ve owned.
It’s comfortable, incredibly well built and offers a level of customisation that standard controllers simply can’t match. Yes, mine has picked up some cosmetic wear, the battery doesn’t last quite as long as it once did, and there’s a small amount of stick drift, but after years of heavy use those issues feel relatively minor.
The fact that I still choose it over newer standard controllers says everything.
If you’re a serious Xbox or PC gamer and don’t mind paying for a premium controller, it’s an investment that’s likely to reward you for years.
Pros
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Premium build quality and materials
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Extremely comfortable during long gaming sessions
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Rear paddles are genuinely useful
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Excellent customisation through the Xbox Accessories app
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Adjustable trigger stops and thumbsticks
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Strong battery life, even after years of use
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Still feels better than most standard controllers
Cons
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Considerably more expensive than a standard controller
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Rubber grips and finish show wear over time
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Slight stick drift can develop with heavy use
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Battery capacity naturally reduces after several years
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Casual gamers may not use enough features to justify the price
Rating: 4.6/5