Microsoft announces Xbox elite wireless controller series 2 core – and it’s available to pre-order now

The new controller is aimed at gamers who want to level up their gamepads

Wednesday 07 September 2022 12:36 EDT

The new controller has adjustable thumbsticks and hairtrigger locks (iStock/The Independent)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Microsoft has announced a new controller to its Elite range that’s aimed at being more affordable for gamers than the pro counterpart.

The good news is that it boasts some of the same features as the Xbox elite series 2 wireless controller (£142.99, Xbox.com), but there’s also a few tweaks which make it more affordable for the average user.

The elite series 2 originally launched in 2019, and the advanced controller for enthusiast players offered pro-level features not seen on the regular pad that comes bundled with every Xbox series X console. There’s adjustable-tension thumbsticks, improved rubberised grips and precision-machined parts, making it one of our top picks for PC controllers.

While the series 2 core is significantly cheaper, it also means that there are a few extras missing in order to make it around £45 cheaper than the RRP.

If you want to find out what features are included, how much it costs and where you can pre-order it, then keep reading the rest of the article below.

Xbox elite wireless controller series 2 core: £114.99, Xbox.com

The elite series 2 core is similar to the more expensive flagship model (which topped our list for best gaming controllers) with a few minor differences.

The core model still features adjustable-tension thumbsticks, shorter hair trigger locks, wrap-around rubberised grips and engineered components but it does not come with the customisable extras that are thrown in with the more premium model.

This includes swappable thumbsticks, paddles and a portable carry case and while these extras may be missed, it’s a way to bring the overall cost down of the controller.

If you want to upgrade the series 2 core’s offering, you can opt to purchase a “complete component pack” (£54.99, Xbox.com) separately, which comes with the following extras:

1 interchangeable D-pad (standard)
4 interchangeable thumbsticks (2 classic, 1 tall, 1 dome)
4 paddles (2 medium, 2 mini)
1 carry case
1 charge dock
1 USB-C cable

Pre-orders for the elite series 2 core are available now and shipping is expected to begin from 21 September 2022.

Pre-order the Xbox elite series 2 core

Want your games to sound their very best? Check out our round-up of the best wireless headphones for music and gaming

Thank you for registering

Microsoft announces Xbox elite wireless controller series 2 core – and it’s available to pre-order now

The new controller is aimed at gamers who want to level up their gamepads

Your support helps us to tell the story

Xbox elite wireless controller series 2 core: £114.99, Xbox.com

Thank you for registering