Having a controller within reach for PC games is less a luxury and more of a safety net these days. Whether it’s easier camera control in Dark Souls, acceleration in racing games, or precise movement in fast-paced platformers, “real Yakuza use a gamepad,” as Sega says on its Yakuza 0 start-up screen. A rare few even outright demanded it at launch – I’m looking at you, Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1…
Xbox Elite Series 2 is one of the best controllers money can buy, with all the bells and whistles you could want, and it’s currently cheaper than ever with a 31% discount. On Amazon US, you can grab the gamepad for $124, while the same model is down to £135 in the UK and as low as €150 in some parts of Europe. Check out your local deals by clicking the buttons below.
Xbox Elite Series 2
Experience the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 featuring adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks.
Despite listing it as the Core model in the US, the product description, images, and original price all indicate it’s the full package. The only difference is that Core models don’t include the same range of accessories as the standard version to customise your d-pad, thumbsticks, and paddles alongside a neat carry case. Otherwise, the two controllers are identical, with four programmable back paddles, adjustable hair-lock triggers, and a premium build quality that puts most others to shame.
Discrepencies aside, I’ve owned Series 2 for years and short of the carry case, I’ve barely used any of the accessories aside from replacing missing paddles. With any luck, you might actually receive them anyway, and you can always buy the extra parts if you feel like you’re missing out. There are plenty of cheap add-ons dotted around.
One of my favourite aspects is that the carry case has a charging port. Not only does this keep the controller safe, but you can also pop it on display while juicing it up. It should last around 40 hours at full charge, although this will vary depending on whether you use Bluetooth or Xbox’s proprietary wireless protocol, and whether you have headphones wired into the 3.5mm port.
I tend to run it through the official Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10/11 for the lowest latency possible. That way, all inputs are instantaneous so you don’t lose a fight to lag.
Granted, this is a premium price to pay for a pad, but it packs a lot of value – especially with this landmark discount. Change your mind, and you can send it back for a full refund until January 31, giving you ample time to decide. In the meantime, you can follow us on Google News to keep tabs on the latest tech deals we find.
