Microsoft unveiled the new Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 at E3 2019, and we managed to get up close for a more intimate look.
The arrival of PlayStation's equivalent controller has got us thinking that it's about time we started to hear about an 'Xbox Elite 3 Controller' from Microsoft. While we certainly have a feature list that we'd love to see implemented, we primarily want Xbox to focus on two main improvements.
The first one is pretty obvious, an Elite 3 should (and would, you'd think) be built around the Xbox Series X|S pad. After a couple of years we're now fully adjusted to any subtle differences the new controller offers — like a slightly slimmer build and the prominent share button — so we're more than ready for a DualSense Edge competitor that's properly 'next-gen'.
However, the second key focus has to be around properly fixing all of the issues we saw with the Elite 1 and 2 controllers. Yes, these are more complex devices than normal gamepads, and yes the DualSense Edge is yet to stand up to the test of time, but the simple fact is these things should be very reliable given the prices we're being charged for them.
It's about time for Elite 3 anyway, but you've got to be thinking the praise DualSense Edge is getting will force their hand.
An elite 3 is definnatly coming at some point.
It seems the edge is an amazing controller with one shortfall of a very bad battery.
If Ms can find the middle ground and improve on the elite 2 while maintaining great battery life that will take it over the edge.
Neither is for me though, way to expensive for an uncompetitive gamer who mostly plays sp games anyway
the only praise worthy thing about the edge is the removable analog sticks. Other than that it is a DS5 with back buttons but with higher price and shorter battery life.
Lol c'mon darthv72, let's be a bit more honest here. If you actually read the reviews there are more differences than that - adjustable trigger tensioners for starters.
As for the battery life, if you're a competitive gamer and you're willing to shell out $200+ for a controller, you're not playing wirelessly. You're doing whatever you can to gain a competitive advantage - and that means minimising input lag, which in turn means you play wired. The same goes for any controller.
@darthv72 When you've got a dedicated Xbox website effectively praising the PlayStation DualSense Edge premium controller and yet you are downplaying its merits then perhaps it's time to ask 'am I being disproportionately critical?'
@sully, i am being honest. The replaceable analog sticks are a praise worthy feature. The back buttons and trigger sensitivity switches are all just PS take on the XB elite controller.
@venom, they can like it all they want, it doesnt change my view on the subject. Im not downplaying anything, just telling it like it is. Just as the elite is a higher priced XB controller with back buttons... so is this.
The Elite 3 would probably be close to the same price if they add the same features like the Dualsense Edge controller. It would also have a shorter battery life as well if they add similar features like the dualsense edge. Just saying
The edge is 4 hours. The elite series 2 is 40 hours. A touchpad and some fancy triggers does not equate to a 90% decrease in battery.
@above
Let’s not make a mountain out of a molehill. The dual sense edge should last around 12 hours.
No reviews have said it's 4 hours. I'm sure it's a great controller but don't fudge the figures, it's worse than the dualsense.
So in other words, you're saying that Xbox gamers will have to....
..... Wait for E3. 😎
Don't @ me, I don't live here.
Reliability is the most important thing to improve, but how do you market that without admitting you have a quality issue? Outside of that either swapable thumbsticks or that magnetic no-contact switch thumbstick design that ppl have been talking about would be good
Odd about the quality issues with the Elites, I'm using the red Gears of War controller and have done since it released way back when with no issues (well apart from me breaking the shoulder button rocker by dropping it, easily replaced though thank god).
Yeah the OG Xbox one controller was super reliable for me, Elite series 2 I've had replaced twice. It's the crappy shoulder buttons that always go for me, terrible design. Stick drift I've never had any issues with at all.
I've haven't had any issues with my elite 2 either. The controller is awesome and yes I prefer it over my ps5 controller.
I might just be me or it could be fanboys just don't want to admit it but the adaptive triggers on the ps5 controller are annoying more than anything and I don't find they add any depth to a game at all, after a while you don't even realise they are doing anything anyway.
HZD 2 when you use your staff to open the doors and the triggers get a little stiff and that's it!
I actually like the PS5 adaptive triggers depending on the implementation (mainly first party titles). I think overall the Edge will be the better controller but the reviews I've watched have put the battery life as worse than the dualsense at about 4 hours, the series 2 is 40 hours and I refuse to believe that adaptive triggers and rumble means 10x less battery. That really isn't good enough, but if it's more reliable than the elite series, then maybe the less battery life will be worth it to some people.
Costs way too much though, considering that the series 2 was £170 at launch (can be found at £140 new ATM) it's way overpriced at £210. Baring in mind the series 2 comes with more customisable hardware, the same if not more software features and something I really like but it's not essential, the magnetic wireless charger. But if the dualsense edge is more reliable which I assume it will be for the price, it might be worth once the price comes down.
without next-gen features, its going to look really silly next to the edge controller
your best bet is for sony to release a set of xbox drivers for the edge controller
From what I seen during the presentation and reading the article it seems like it has nice upgrades from previous version but I don’t see myself buying another elite controller unless the one I have breaks
I had it for over two years and no issues
It gets used just about every day
Glad that when I do use a controller, I play claw. Makes these elite/scuf controllers useless for me.
Is not about how many consoles you sell, but how many controls you make
Day one
Was thinking of buying the elite before E3 but glad I waited, will be waiting some more for series 2.