Microsoft Finally Announces Next-Gen Xbox Elite Controller

It’s finally here. We have been waiting for a new Xbox Elite wireless controller for a long, long while. And Microsoft just unveiled the new Xbox Elite controller at E3 today. It’s called the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.

Microsoft’s new Xbox Elite controller is not a simple refresh by any means. The company says it has completely rebuilt the controller from the ground-up, re-engineering the entire product. By re-engineering the product, Microsoft was able to rethink some core aspects of the hardware, which has allowed for improvements in some major areas.

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First things first, the new Xbox Elite controller comes with Bluetooth support, meaning you can finally use it wirelessly. Microsoft introduced Bluetooth with the new Xbox One controller years ago, and it’s nice to see the feature finally making it to Microsoft’s most premium controller.

Microsoft said the new Xbox Elite controller builds on performance, durability, and customization. There’s a total of 30 new features on the next-gen Elite controller, and it’s looking very promising. Here’s what’s new:

  • New adjustable-tension thumbsticks
  • Higher precision control
  • New trigger grip and redesigned bumpers
  • Shorter hair trigger locks
  • New wrap-around rubberized grip design
  • New thumbstick and paddle options
  • Three new profiles for different games you play
  • Bluetooth connectivity, USB-C
  • Internal rechargeable battery, with new detachable charging dock
  • 40 hours of battery life

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 will be available in 24 countries on November 4 for $179.99.

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Conversation 19 comments

  • martinusv2

    Premium Member
    09 June, 2019 - 5:24 pm

    <p>Holy, will buy one for sure.</p>

  • ReformedCtrlZ

    Premium Member
    09 June, 2019 - 5:54 pm

    <p>So I want one of these really bad… I'm just a little concerned about the timing in relation to Scarlett.. That being said, why would they release a major overhaul of such a core component of the game system this close to the release of a new console if it isn't compatible… I have a feeling this is the first unofficial confirmation that Scarlett will be running the same OS as the Xbox One family</p>

    • christianwilson

      Premium Member
      10 June, 2019 - 9:18 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#434187">In reply to ReformedCtrlZ:</a></em></blockquote><p>There was a comment made in the Scarlet announcement video about bringing your games and accessories forward with you. You'll almost certainly be able to connect this new Elite controller to a Scarlet console and it will work fine. I think you are right. Scarlet is going to share a lot in common with Xbox One.</p>

  • TheJoeFin

    Premium Member
    09 June, 2019 - 5:58 pm

    <p>This controller looks awesome! I'd love to have a high quality controller for laid back PC gaming and with iOS now supporting Xbox controllers over Bluetooth this might be a buy</p>

    • darrellprichard

      10 June, 2019 - 8:36 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#434188">In reply to TheJoeFin:</a></em></blockquote><p>I'm also looking forward to using the Elite with my iPad. I bleed MS and Xbox but I'm also interested to see what Apple does with Apple Arcade. </p>

  • phuor

    09 June, 2019 - 7:18 pm

    <p>How did they support their durability claim?</p><p><br></p><p>Longer warranty?</p>

  • anderb

    Premium Member
    09 June, 2019 - 7:35 pm

    <p>I hope that internal rechargeable battery isn't glued in.</p>

    • BeckoningEagle

      Premium Member
      10 June, 2019 - 7:37 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#434217">In reply to anderb:</a></em></blockquote><p>I hope so too. My kid leaves the controller all over the place and when I want to game, lo and behold, no battery. The method that works for me is having a 4 AA battery charger with 4 batteries always ready to go. That way when my kids changes the battery he always puts the used ones in the charger. Works 100% of the time. </p>

  • Stooks

    09 June, 2019 - 9:12 pm

    <p>Hmmm I use my current Elite without wires. </p>

    • BeckoningEagle

      Premium Member
      10 June, 2019 - 7:10 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#434228">In reply to Stooks:</a></em></blockquote><p>I think he meant support for Bluetooth protocol. The current Elite only works using the Xbox Wireless protocol which limits connectivity to an Xbox or a PC with the Xbox wireless dongle.</p>

      • Stooks

        10 June, 2019 - 11:08 am

        <blockquote><em><a href="#434308">In reply to BeckoningEagle:</a></em></blockquote><p>Yeah I knew the difference, I have the dongle for the PC, but his writing made it sound like the current Elite had to be wired.</p><p><br></p><p>Honestly for 99.9% of users that will use this new version, it will be on a Xbox and not a PC and they wont know the difference because they use the current version with no wires today.</p>

  • Pierre Masse

    09 June, 2019 - 9:29 pm

    <p>Yes, but what about XCloud?</p>

    • evox81

      Premium Member
      10 June, 2019 - 9:46 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#434229">In reply to Pierre Masse:</a></em></blockquote><p>Why would that be discussed as part of a controller article?</p>

  • BeckoningEagle

    Premium Member
    10 June, 2019 - 7:08 am

    <p>The current Elite controller can be used wireless, but it uses Xbox Wireless protocol. You should make that distinction in the article. The Bluetooth aspect of it means that it may be possible to connect it to other devices (handy for xCloud streaming or PC gaming) </p>

    • Skolvikings

      10 June, 2019 - 9:07 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#434306">In reply to BeckoningEagle:</a></em></blockquote><p>What xcloud streaming? Was that announced?</p>

      • BeckoningEagle

        Premium Member
        10 June, 2019 - 12:20 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#434329">In reply to Skolvikings:</a></em></blockquote><p>My point had to do with being able to connect Elite II to other platforms such as phones and tablets, without a dongle. This is what can't be done with the current Elite. I used xCloud as a generic term much like the way people say Xerox it or Google it. </p>

  • Patrick3D

    10 June, 2019 - 9:24 am

    <p>Nice for them to finally address the weak analog stick tension, $180 is a bit steep for a controller though.</p>

  • sethb

    10 June, 2019 - 9:33 am

    <p>I hope the bumper redesign fixes that weak point. My Gen 1 Elite had the bumpers break, I replaced them with a little DIY surgery, but three months later my left stick developed drift so bad I gave up on the controller and have been using a regular controller until a new Elite design was unveiled. Looks like this will be worth trying!</p>

  • Rug

    Premium Member
    10 June, 2019 - 1:08 pm

    <p>I really don’t get the internal battery thing. I’ll hold my opinion until I see more info. I’d rather just swap my own rechargeable AA when needed. I like the rest of the specs however. </p>

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