For the past few months, I have been hearing that Microsoft was working on a second-generation Elite controller and now the details are starting to surface. I did my best to confirm this information before posting and I believe it is accurate; I was also able to dig up a few more details as well.
The information first appeared on Baidu and the basics are that it is rechargeable via USB-C, has Bluetooth support, 3 level trigger locks, 3 profile switches and longer key travel for the paddles. In addition, the device will come in a new case that will also act as the charger.
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The benefit of the updated case is that when you put the controller away, it will charge. It’s a simple addition that goes a long way towards making the experience feel premium.
There are a couple images as well but none of them show the new case or all of the aesthetics that have been refined from the first generation. As you can see on the picture to the right, the area under the thumbstick is now silver/glossy whereas the old style is matte.
Of course, the big question is when will it be available for purchase. While I don’t have an exact answer, this is the type of product that Microsoft likes to announce at E3 and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it show up there as it is modestly far-along in the development cycle.
Stooks
<p>I have the first one, not worth the money in any way. Paddles on the bottom are in the way of your natural grip and unless you change your grip (after all these years) you end up removing them. </p><p><br></p><p>This was going to be the biggest advantage to me, especially with shooters where you move your thumb off of a stick to do something like drop a med kit or whatever. With the paddles you can drop the kit and never get off the stick. The Scuff controller does this right and places the paddles in the right place.</p><p><br></p><p>The shorter trigger pull is nice for shooting single shot weapons fast, like a pistol. However it impacts things like driving, as you can't go full speed or some games you cant shoot certain weapons without a full trigger pull. You have to modify the pull with the software but doing so impacts other things….like driving is now full speed or nothing.</p>
Stooks
<blockquote><a href="#238232"><em>In reply to acts7seven:</em></a></blockquote><p>Really you can unlock the switch?? Is it the same switch I used to lock it??? Mind blown!!!!!</p><p><br></p><p>So while playing, say Ghost recon wildlands and I switch between my assault rifle to my sniper rifle I have to turn over the controller and manually switch the trigger back to normal pull. Sounds like fun, especially since in that game you back and forth all the time. Or when I get in and out of cars I need to do the same? Again this happens all the time in the game.</p><p><br></p><p>Yes you can also move the profile button over from 1 to 2 or 2 to 1. Small button, basically pause game, use my finger nail to push it over, un pause game and now I am back to default configuration so I can do some action, then reverse it when I am done?</p><p><br></p><p>Both methods would be amazing during a fast paced MP game.</p>