420°
8.5

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Review | IGN

IGN:

"From the first moment I picked up the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, I was impressed. The pro-grade gamepad has a good heft to it and there’s metal and rubber everywhere, making it feel worth its $150 asking price. I’m also glad Microsoft went with a subdued and classy black, gray, and silver color scheme."

madmonkey013531d ago (Edited 3531d ago )

you would expect it to be good at the high price point. if this product does well, we might see other platforms doing it too.

3-4-53531d ago

Just watched some live gameplay with two people from IGN playing Arena using this new controller and both of them loved everything about it except the price at $150.

nowitzki20043531d ago

Cant ever see myself paying $150 for a controller, idc how good it is. I dont even spend $150 on K&M. Driving wheel I dont mind going up past $200 but a controller at $150 is insane.

fiveby93531d ago

$150 for a controller? I find that price to be excessive. Is Elite a synonym for sucker?

maybelovehate3531d ago

Similar build for a Scuf controller is 200, so I don't see why people complain about the price. If anything it is underpriced for the current market.

You would think people would be talking about how cheap it is compared to the market.

Kingthrash3603530d ago

Are you talking about a pc controller? Because if you are pc gamers are gamers that pay more for their platform and get better results....consoles are a different product aimed at the gamer who just wants to plug and play for a cheaper price than pc. So I understand the scuf controller being 200, it's for a higher priced market...and if scuf is a console controller no wonder I've never heard of it. 150 is too much for a controller....you can buy 2 controllers and a game for that on consoles....does it take batteries still too....even more over priced

UnHoly_One3530d ago (Edited 3530d ago )

Kingthrash, if you've never heard of scuf controllers then you're not the target market for a product like this.

https://scufgaming.com/

As for batteries, of course it takes batteries, regular interchangeable batteries are a HUGE plus for the controller over a built in rechargeable battery pack.

BlackTar1873530d ago

Unholy one i think i will get one of those controllers. I know they are expensive but they look more comfortable. Thanks for pointing this out i have no idea how i've never heard of them before.

frostypants3530d ago (Edited 3530d ago )

@UnHoly_One, those scuf controllers are the ultimate rip-off. They throw in a few nice features, but they're typically minor items that shouldn't add more than a few bucks to the cost. Beyond maybe the paddles they add, the main reason for owning one is cosmetic. These Elite controllers are a much bigger upgrade in terms of materials.

Sono4213530d ago (Edited 3530d ago )

This controller is $150?! That's a bit overkill if you ask me. Now watch Playstation VR will cost about $300 and the same people that buy these controllers will be calling Playstation VR overpriced.. even though it's simply the price of TWO of these... only difference being Playstation VR gives you a whole new experience.

Not to mention I think the Xbox One controller is flawed in the base design to begin with. I think it's absolutely horrid, the Xbox 360 controller was 10x better hands down, the only improvement was that the battery pack isn't bulging out anymore but hey why not go a step further and just get rid of it?! Then the guy on the right in the video starts making excuses for Microsoft by saying "The thing with internal batteries is once it dies the whole controller is just dead" Oh yeah because that's such a common problem? I've had my PS3 controllers almost since launch and the internal battery still isn't dead.. so stop making excuses for Microsoft and their idiotic decision to not put in an internal battery.

Because I know people are going to want to know why the Xbox One controller is so bad i'll explain.

1. The bumpers are flat out horrid, twords the center of the bumper the button can't be pressed. It simply doesn't go down and if you're like most normal people you begin to press a button with the tip of your finger and where the tip of your finger rests is where the button can't be pressed so you need to curl in your finger every time you want to press it, a design flaw plain and simple.

2. Dead zones on the joysticks, you can have the joystick cocked about halfway to the the side before it finally registers on screen that you are tilting the joystick sideways, this is obviously not a good thing and makes it harder to be precise while playing.

3. The triggers, they are very awkwardly placed. You either curl your fingers so that the tips are in the middle of the trigger (Where it is most comfortable) or you rest your fingers naturally and end up having them on the very bottom of the triggers where the point is (not comfortable)

Now alot of these may sound like my hands are just too big for the controller.. but that's the thing I have small hands! This controller is just VERY poorly designed. The Xbox 360 was near perfection but then they completely take away everything it did right and replace it with this garbage.

People like to give them credit for finally getting the D-pad right and getting rid of the bulging battery pack when in all honesty the bulging battery pack wasn't that big of an annoyance when it came to playing was simply more of an eye sore. Then with the D-pad it's like wow congrats you finally got something right that has already been perfected for generations. It baffles me that they spent so much money on the design of this controller when it is flat out poor design all around.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3530d ago
Volkama3531d ago

Or better yet, they might see that there are still gamers willing to pay for premium hardware and decide to release a top tier version of the console.

Unlikely, but a man can dream. I expect the next iteration of the Xbox will be supported in parallel to the current One anyway, I just want it to happen sooner rather than later :)

bf0007779663531d ago

I hope it will not break after a few drops.

Masterofwiiu3ds3531d ago

Microsoft at launch: We made 100s of changes to the Xbox One controller. You'll NEVER need anything else!

Microsoft now: You need something else. For those who bought 4 controllers, buy another one, suckers! This time, it's $150! [counts money all the way to bank]

turdburgler10803530d ago

These are generally for pro gamers looking for a edge. Scuff controllers run about $250 so this is actually not a bad deal.

Masterofwiiu3ds3530d ago

Nope - I'm just a fan of video games in general. I love all of the consoles. I just think it's okay to poke fun at companies (doesn't matter who) when they say they have made 100s of upgrades to a controller, and then release another one later on.

And yes, I'm one of the people who ran out and bought 4 Xbox One controllers around launch time.

It's just a joke, XgamerLive. :p

N4g_null3530d ago

I actually like this controller I just don't want an xbone. Good then there is win 10!

madmonkey013530d ago

do you know if this works wirelessly with windows without the adapter like the DS4 does?

N4g_null3530d ago

Not sure but that should be easy to find out. Most ms bt usb receivers are Universal.

nowitzki20043530d ago

I like it too, Just not for $150. It has amazing features and I love how you get a case and can customize it, but my standard controller works fine and I hate paying $60 for those.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3530d ago
TheGreatGamer3531d ago

Glad I pre-ordered when I did considering it's practically sold out most places. Best controller ever made.

Crashbandicoot773531d ago

It will be a great addition for my PC!!!

thrust3531d ago

And even better for my Xbox one!!!

Crashbandicoot773531d ago

If you wanna spend another $150.00 for an extra controller go for it. I don't think a lot of Xbox one owners are gonna spend that much since they already have a great controller.

Gazondaily3531d ago

Its already sold out in most places mate. Loads of xbox owners will buy this. Mark my falafel

blackout3531d ago

I doesn't matter what format you get it for. Microsoft has once again built a universal controller, but this one seems to be a MONSTER. Enjoy mine will come in Christmas.

LexHazard793531d ago

Another great Xbox controller to add to my collection. And MS will thank you for your purchase. Lol...

Crashbandicoot773531d ago (Edited 3531d ago )

@BakPAin Linux

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3531d ago
ASSASSYN3531d ago

I preordered also. This is 100% what I wanted from Microsoft for many years.

NatFanBoyRestricted3531d ago

I just stopped by today at Bestbuy and preordered mine, surprised it wasn't sold out

RomanPSX3531d ago

Lie macxb1 best buy its not taking pre orders for the controller, best buy is first come first serve on the elite controller. Gamestop takes pre orders. I pre order mine on gs and the ps4 star wars on best buy.

NatFanBoyRestricted3530d ago

Roman
The manager was right in front of me telling the guy from the gaming department that it's avaliable at midnight with Halo release. If what your saying is true then ima haul ass outta work to get in line, but then again why have it have a minimum payment preorder ahead of time and it not being a preorder and just first come first serve? Bestbuys in my area always hold stuff by name if it's preorder too. Guess I'll just find out

3-4-53531d ago

I'd like to get one, maybe when they are like $60-70 in 2 years.

Crazay3531d ago

Was just given some great news late last night that my review hardware is being sent out today.

Notellin3530d ago

Cant wait for my controller to arrive! I ordered mine on June 17th and I have been anticipating the release date.

I started my premium controller preference by buying a Razer Sabertooth which is one of the greatest controllers ever made. Then when I upgraded to Xbox One I bought a Scuf. I didn't have as great of an experience with my Scuf. I find the paddles difficult to reach and the sticks seem to be pretty low quality. Also my Astro A50's chat adapter won't fit in the Scuf because of the paddles.

From what I've seen this controller merges the best of those two controllers!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3530d ago
Detox0243531d ago

Once again ign bewilders me with the scorin system literally had nothing bad to say except high price and non rechargeable. I will give you the ladder but the former in comparison to other elite type of controllers is actually pretty cheap. Somehow though, things that's aren't actually the direct controller peripheral take a full point and a half off. If you read the review this guy came in his pants for this controller. Too much water I guess right ign.

captainexplosion3531d ago

Expensive and non-rechargeable are two huge flaws though.

etownone3531d ago

So the controller is the most comfortable and performs flawlessly... But let's base the score on price and no rechargeable batteries.

That's just stupid.

Kribwalker3531d ago

Or you buy a good rechargeable battery set (I bought a Panasonic one that came with 16 aa and 8 aaa which is perfect for my 4 controllers and 2 turtle beach x42 headsets for $29.99) and don't have to worry cause there is always fresh ready to go batteries.

BallsEye3531d ago

Rechargable kit is crap. I have a whole rechargable station with 2 kits and I never use it because once your controller dies you have to wait till it charges, or play wired.
Best thing is having 2 sets of 2 rechargable batteries. Keep one always charged. If you run out of juice, just swap batteries quick, and let empty ones charge.
I just don't understand why would anyone preffer rechargable kit. I'd appreciate someone telling me what's the actual benefit over cheap rechargable batteries.

Neonridr3530d ago

expensive is a relative term though.

beans3530d ago

I have a rechargeable kit as well rechargeable batteries. The batteries work much better for me and have been in use even before I got an X1 at launch.

BallsEye3530d ago

So many disagrees to my comment and not a single reply explaining benefits of rechargable kit over batteries. Typical on n4g.

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captainexplosion3531d ago

The reviewer also said the controller isn't worth the cost, so I would have thought the score should have been much, much lower than 8.5.

maybelovehate3530d ago

I would imagine anyone buying an Elite controller already has a charge kit, if they wanted one.

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iistuii3531d ago

They make a good point. For the price a play & charge kit included would have been nice. Sounds like a great controller, but I'm going to buy the new Halo 5 one as my second controller, but the elite does sound pretty good, maybe later....

DivineAssault 3531d ago (Edited 3531d ago )

wait, batteries??? Your kidding right? I dont care if a battery inside has a higher risk of killing the controller.. Theres always a way to take it apart and replace the battery.. Thats insane this uses batteries.. It almost had my attention with the bag and all but why ruin it with batteries??? $100 would be worth the investment imo but not $150 for premium item that lacks an internal battery in 2015

Wikkid6663531d ago

Pro players rarely use wireless controllers. That's why it comes with a nice braided usb cable.

DivineAssault 3531d ago

Maybe its good for shooter players or whatever like he said in the video but this isnt any good for someone like me.. All the games will work with the regular controllers and dont require this so i wouldnt buy it at $150.. Nice overall package but still, thats crazy..

Razayn3531d ago

If they expect us to use a cable it better not be micro USB, with one of those the cable outlasts the port it connects into.

Fatdrinkofwater3531d ago

Honestly id rather have a good set of rechargeable eneloop batteries that last for a really long time that i can swap out on the fly than be stuck with a small internal battery that has to be charged up every 5 or so hours.

Skate-AK3531d ago

You know all Xbone controllers take batteries right? Not just the pro controller

DivineAssault 3531d ago

Yes and thats my point.. Why would they make a PRO $150 controller that still uses batteries? $100 i can see but that extra $50 is a punch in the growing to me.. I wouldnt buy this but whoever likes it, go for broke.. No pun intended..

3531d ago
muzikjunkie803530d ago

DivineAssault

every wireless controller uses batteries only difference being that the ds4 battery is internal.. now that has its flaws also, like if the battery happens to leak, stops holding a charge etc then you have to either strip the controller to bits (good luck with that) or buy a brand new controller or just use the cable which lets be honest here is connected to my ds4 more often than not due to the poor performance of the "internal" battery sony might aswell have made the controller a wired one or should have gave the option to be able to swap out the battery for a new/better one.

hello123531d ago (Edited 3531d ago )

Two of my mates have a PS4 and they forever charging the damn controllers with a cable. Its so annoying getting a notification the battery is getting low on the TV screen.

The xbox one controller lasts about 40hours with batteries plug in the usb cable play as long as you want. Internal battery setup is not better.

Dinkis3531d ago

That's why I got the Xbox One Energizer Charger. Doesn't last as long regular rechargeable energizers batteries that you have to take out old ones and put charged ones in but I get about 10 hours. I prefer it this why cause I can replace these.
http://m.gamestop.com/produ...

muzikjunkie803530d ago

dunno why all the disagrees there as thats a fact. the ds4 battery is very poor at holding a decent charge and i know why.

ds4 is 5 volts at 800ma xbox one is 3 volts at 1400ma the ds4 should be atleast 2000ma to be able to hold a good charge for more than a puny 6 hours. also the charge cable for the ds4 is a joke its short as hell atleast the xbox one charge cable is 9 feet long so you can sit a good distance away from the tv/console.

BLKxSEPTEMBER3531d ago

I happen to prefer replaceable batteries over an internal battery. Ive already had to replace my ps4 controller due to it bo longer holding a charge. I have plenty of rechargeable batteries around the house so its bo problem for me.

freshslicepizza3531d ago

the beauty with battery packs is it still allows you the freedom to play wireless. the dualshock 4 apparently doesn't last that long so you end up having to go wired if it dies while you are playing.

however for this price it should have included the rechargeable pack.

Dewitt3531d ago

Rechargeables are much more desirable then a lithium internal battery. This is a pro, not a con.

xTheMercenary_3531d ago

If you don't like it, don't get it. Simple as that. Not sure how the battery placement is, but if you're willing to pay an extra 20-30$ for the rechargeable battery pack then that would solve your problem.

GHOSTxx4203531d ago

Thats what the play and charge kit is for sir. $20 investment will save you from buying tons of batteries. Cant wait for this controller never bought one this expensive but i like what i see and hear about it..

bananaboats3531d ago

you are going overboard with your complaint. Im sure you had no intention in buying this controller in the first place and just using the batteries as a reason to bitch about something. What the hell is so wrong with batteries anyway? explain that to me and dont give me no crap excuse saying that you have to continues wasting money on buying new batteries because if thats all you got then you have no room to cry about this controller.

Neonridr3530d ago

like the DS4 battery is anything to brag about. I would rather have a good set of rechargeable batteries than have to rely on some crappy internal battery.

I am constantly swapping between my two DS4's it's ridiculous.

DivineAssault 3530d ago

I dont usually play 8+ hours in one sitting so the DS4 works just fine for me.. The very few times i do, i just grab my second controller and put the dead one back on its charger.. It charges up in like 1hr too.. You can also just plug it in to play like everyone in here says to do.. Supposedly it has less lag..

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 3530d ago
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300°

The Xbox Elite Series 2 is the best controller around and is cheaper than ever.

With a $40 saving you can still pick up the Xbox Wireless Adapter with it and it'll still cost less than full price.

FlavorLav011311d ago

My right bumper broker on my Xbox elite controller after only a year. Also, dualsense controller says hello.

porkChop1311d ago

They're talking from a PC gaming perspective.

Rhythmattic1311d ago (Edited 1311d ago )

You mean MS Perspective? Doesn't Dulasense work say with Steam "PC' Games? Albeit , not every game supports its features, like the features this doesn't have either?

porkChop1311d ago (Edited 1311d ago )

No, not from MS' perspective. The Dualsense's unique features only work with 6 games on PC. One of those doesn't support the haptics. Even then, the controller only works with a beta driver from Steam. You can't configure the controller unless you're in Big Picture mode. It doesn't have proper support on PC because Sony doesn't offer any drivers.

It's not a bad controller at all. But on PC it's just a standard controller for 99.99% of games. But unlike other controllers it's just far too limited on PC for it to really be the "best" PC controller. I'm not saying the Elite is, either. But at least with the Elite you just connect it and it works. No fiddling with anything, just play the game.

Teflon021310d ago

Pork, you know the only reason Sony controls don't have better support is because MS doesn't want it to. PS4 controls had drivers from the jump, but MS wants to block DS use on MS titles even if they natively support it like cuphead and PSO2 which when using the steam version and turning off the steam control features and letting it run raw it picks up and runs proper.

That's pretty garbage. But even so over time more PC games will have the features.

porkChop1310d ago

Windows is an open platform. Sony can release proper XInput drivers any time they want. They choose not to. That has nothing to do with MS.

iplay1up21310d ago

Also, competitive gaming. Dualsense is to make games more Immersive which is awesome, The elite is more for competitive gaming.

Rhythmattic1310d ago (Edited 1310d ago )

" doesn't have proper support on PC because Sony doesn't offer any drivers. "
Just like MS Games don't properly support Linux? MS could do games without DX, you know, this open standards and platforms you speak of, but I guess, what you say is true....
Its all about taking the PC tag.

porkChop1310d ago

Linux and driver support aren't the same thing. And I said open platform, not open standard. Again, not the same thing. But sure, go off on how MS supporting an OS like 1% of gamers use is the same as a simple driver.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 1310d ago
Jin_Sakai1311d ago

My DualSense had stick drift. I’d say no controller is without issues.

ColtPSSX1311d ago

I don’t understand how you guys play games. I have never had a stick drift ever. PS2, Xbox, PS3, 360, PS4, xone, PS5, Xbox series, switch, wii.
Not once, and I go hard when I play also.

Jin_Sakai1311d ago

“I don’t understand how you guys play games. I have never had a stick drift ever.“

Honestly the DualSense is the first controller I’ve ever had stick drift on. I’ve even had multiple Switch consoles with no drift.

FlavorLav011311d ago

True, but also Dual sense isn’t an “elite” controller sold at near $200 either

ColtPSSX1311d ago

I have 2 dual sense and still pretty good. Must be bad luck.

Orbilator1311d ago (Edited 1311d ago )

Same here stick drift is a mystery to me.

Elite series 2 is a great co troller but it's a lot of cash, can't believe there isn't better joypads on PC that are better than the elite?. So many to chose I'm sure it's just preference over features

AuraAbjure1311d ago

@ Colt, I left my contorller upside down with a jacket on top for a couple days. Hello stick drift.

1310d ago
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1310d ago
SPEAKxTHExTRUTH1310d ago

Sorry but the Dualsense is nothing compared to the elite controller 2. My Dualsense dies every single day after a few hours of play.

iplay1up21310d ago

Dualsense isn't going to give you a competitive edge. The Elite is designed for competitive gaming, and not immersion.

SyntheticForm1310d ago

Two of my DualSense controllers have drifted and I've already bought a third.

Not shitting on the DualSense - I love it - but I'm kinda chaffed over the high potential for this controller to become drift-afflicted so quickly.

343_Guilty_Spark1309d ago

Dual sense is a great casual controller and adds a layer of immersion not seen in other controllers... . But for shooters and more competitive games tried and true is a little better.

FlavorLav011309d ago

Still subjective I think given the price comparison

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porkChop1311d ago

That's still about $175-$180 CAD. I'm sure it's a really great controller but I can't justify spending that much on it.

Jin_Sakai1311d ago (Edited 1311d ago )

Agreed. I just couldn’t justify spending that much on a controller no matter how great it is.

ABizzel11311d ago

They're $120 at a local store here, and 25% off that price making them $90 for the holiday here.

porkChop1311d ago

That's actually not a bad price.

alb18991311d ago (Edited 1311d ago )

I bought one and is worth it men. It is so customizeble. And you can evecharge it inside the box plus the battery last like forever. And how it feels....I mean, if play videogames is your thing you gave to invest in a good control and a nice monitor or tv....and headphones.

porkChop1310d ago

I believe it's great. But in Canada it retails for over $200. Even with a decent sale it's just too much money for me. It costs more than most high end mechanical keyboards, and I don't even buy those because of how expensive they are. I only have one of those keyboards because my brother switched to a different one and let me use it.

1310d ago
Amplitude1310d ago (Edited 1310d ago )

The fact that it's that price and DOESN'T have the most basic of features like gyro is what drives me absolutely insane. I'd love a good pro XBox style controller with gyro and a touch pad i can use as a mouse.
Still constantly looking. PS5 controller works but Bluetooth is wonky at times so i just use the XBox controller for everything and then switch to the PS5 controller for shooters so i can enable gyro to emulate a mouse when i hold L2 in Steam controller config. Would love the Elite in order to use the back paddles as separate buttons in PC games which to my knowledge even the SCUF PS4 controller cant do in Steam

Just add gyro to this bs microsoft its 2021 lol

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1310d ago
Nephesh1311d ago

My right bumper broke within a year

Show all comments (59)
70°
9.0

Fusion Pro Wired Controller Review | Culture of Gaming

Power A is offering a cheaper alternative to the Xbox Elite controllers. Does the Fusion Pro Wired Controller has what it takes to compete?

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90°

Budget Xbox Elite Controller

Article about a budget Elite Controller. Half the price of the competition with nearly all the features from PowerA.

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