There is no doubt that the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is one of the best Xbox controllers ever, and one of the best controllers for home consoles in general. It offers extensive customization options, and lots of parts to trade in – but at a high $180 price tag.
Microsoft has just announced the more affordable Elite grip, the long-branded Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core. We’ll call it Elite Core for smoothness.
The $129.99 Elite Core grip is roughly similar to the so-called Elite Series 2, with noticeable differences being white, rubber mounts, and shorter trigger locks. The grip supports extended customization options via the Xbox Accessories app for both Windows PC and Xbox platform. In terms of features, it’s the same grip for $50 less.
Left: Elite Core. Right: Elite Series 2
The Core name for the Elite Core controller is related to its accessories, or the lack thereof. In addition to the grip itself, the Elite Series 2 includes four replaceable thumbsticks, four replaceable directional buttons, four replaceable rear buttons, a charging station, a navigation case containing all of the above, a push-button adjuster, and a USB cable- C. While Core only comes with the compression adjuster and cable alone.
The inability to replace the thrust buttons and levers in a cuff, and the failure to attach the rear buttons comes in a second cuff. The Elite Core grip however comes with four small circular slots that the additional buttons can operate through, but without those usual plastic pieces it is impossible to use the small buttons inside those circles.
Xbox Complete Controller Pack
Having this means that the Elite Core is convertible to a full Elite Series 2, and Microsoft will offer the option to purchase an accessory bundle to enable it if you like. The Complete Controller Pack provides all accessories for the Elite Series 2 grip that the Elite Core lacks for $59.99. That means you’ll pay $190 for a white Elite Series 2 instead of $180 for the base model, which is only available in black, but it’s still an option.
Microsoft also announced that the Elite Core will be added to the Xbox Design Lab, allowing gamers to customize the colors of the controllers beyond black or white. The ability to customize your Elite Fists will kick in during the upcoming festive season of the current year.