It’s been rumored for quite some time that Xbox was working on a white Xbox Elite Series controller, and today that rumor finally materialized in the form of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core. A much cheaper version of the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, priced at $129.99; it comes in white.
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core is currently available on preorder on Xbox’s store and will be available in other locations on or after September 21, 2022.
As for why this version is cheaper, this is due to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core lacking most of the accessories that come standard with the more expensive version. Gone are the additional paddles, swappable thumbstick, D-pad, carrying case, and charging dock. With those not being included, the price drops considerably.
What is included with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core is a braided USB-C cable and a thumbstick adjustment tool, and a one-year warranty. Which comes in handy if stick drift happens to rear its ugly head.
However, this is still very much a viable controller for anyone looking to snag one of the best Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, or PC controllers on the market. Of course, if you still want those missing accessories, you can still purchase them separately.
In my eyes, this is the perfect way to get the Elite controller into more hands, with a lower price tag and without many of the accessories that many may not need. It’s a great deal, and possibly a way to undercut PlayStation’s recently revealed DualSense Edge, which still doesn’t have a release date or price.
Of course, there is still the concern about the Xbox Series 1 and 2 controllers’ build quality. Speaking from experience, I’ve had to have my Xbox Elite Series 1 controller replaced twice and my Series 2 controller once. Hopefully, Xbox has improved the controller’s quality by now.
In addition to the new controller news, Xbox also revealed that its Xbox Elite Series 2 will be available to be customized in the Xbox Design Lab, this holiday season. Get ready to paint your Elite Controllers in just about any color scheme you can imagine.
Source: Press release
