If you’re in the market for a new controller, you’re in luck. Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller is on sale for $98 at Amazon and Target, down from $130. That means it’s about $3 off its lowest price ever – a great opportunity to upgrade to something even better.
We’ve recommended the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller before, and that’s largely based on its ability to give you the best of the $180 Xbox Elite Series 2 controller at an affordable price. That includes fits and finishes like rubberized grips and tougher, more durable versions of the standard controller’s triggers, joysticks and directional pad (it’s now round). In addition, it has up to 40 hours of battery life.
Microsoft
The Elite Series 2 Core also lets you adjust the thickness of the joysticks and triggers to your liking, and remap the controller’s buttons in the Xbox Accessories app. That helps if there are specific settings you choose Call of Duty: Warzone as opposed to something relaxing, like Viva Piñata, or if you share your controller with someone else.
The biggest downside to the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller, aside from the limited color options you can buy anywhere outside of the Xbox Design Lab, is the lack of accessories. Included in the price of the standard Xbox Elite Series 2 controller are a variety of joysticks, directional pads and back pads that you can attach when you want to try out a new setup. Those are not included at all with the Core controller. In fact, there are awkward divots on the back of the controller where the paddles should be attached.
It’s a minor annoyance in the grand scheme of things, and one that can be fixed by buying accessories when you find you really need them down the road. Even without the paddles, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller should feel a lot of fun to use, and when you’re trying to make your way through a long RPG, that’s what matters most anyway.
Follow up @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and shopping advice.
