The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is arguably one of the best video game accessories ever made, with high-quality materials, precision sticks and triggers, and unrivaled customizability. Sadly, the original black Xbox Elite Wireless Controller came with a variety of flaws. Many users reported failing bumpers, and perhaps more prominently, rubber grips falling off due to poor adhesives.
Has Microsoft improved the situation with the new Elite controller? Let's take a look.
$150Bottom line: If you have a white Xbox, this is the perfect controller to match. And even if not, it's stylish.
For
- Tons of accessories.
- Unparalleled customizability.
- Provides an edge in shooters.
Against
- No obvious design improvements to the rubber grips.
- Quite pricey.
What you'll love about the white Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
When it comes to features, this is exactly the same as the previous Elite controller. That means you get a sleek, high-quality hard carrying case, along with four additional paddles on the reverse of the controller for extra inputs. You get hair-trigger locks, allowing you to fully activate the trigger without pressing all the way down. You also get a choice of two different types of d-pad and three sets of joysticks, all connecting magnetically.
The paddles can be mapped to any button on your Xbox controller, and they allow you to access ABXY buttons without moving your finger from the movement stick. This can be great for shooters, allowing you to hit X to reload without having to take your thumb off the movement joystick. The trigger locks are a huge benefit, too, allowing you to fire pistols more rapidly with faster activations.
Advanced users can take advantage of the elongated joysticks. Since the top of the joystick is further away from the pivot, you can turn up the sensitivity for faster turning and still maintain extra precision over finer movements, which can be a boost for precise aiming as a sniper, for example.
The controller looks great, too, sporting a bone white shell that matches the white Xbox One S and white Xbox One X console, making it ideal for those who want all of their gaming stuff to match up.
Otherwise, the design is completely identical. Rubber grips feel ergonomic to hold, and the package comes with AA batteries to help you get started. (If you want rechargeable batteries, you'll have to buy those separately.)
What you'll dislike about the white Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
It's hard to tell whether the rubber grips on the new Elite suffer from the same issues as the previous one, falling off over time. Slipping a tooth pick under the grip certainly gives the impression of an improved construction process. Even when attempting to pry the rubber grip away from the controller's plastic, I found it quite difficult without being overly forceful.
Microsoft told us that its manufacturing processes are "always improving," when we asked about this problem. It's a less definitive answer, perhaps to avoid liability for the issue with the grips from before. Without testing the Elite controller for several months, it's simply hard to test a genuine, real-world failure rate for the adhesive. At least when comparing it to my old Elite, the situation seems to be improved.
Additionally, it still feels a little pricey. The standard Xbox One controller retails for around $60 but can often be found cheaper.
The features on the Elite do grant you an edge, but the carrying case and additional accessories will, in most cases, probably just sit around in a drawer once you've found your preferred configuration. The Elite is very much a premium accessory for enthusiasts. And that's OK.
Should you buy the white Xbox Elite Wireless Controller?
Whether or not the Elite controller is for you depends on your needs. The configurability can most definitely grant an edge in shooters and other types of competitive games, but I wouldn't exactly call it necessary. Plus, there's still a question of longevity. Microsoft will offer repairs in most territories for up to a year on wear and tear, but spending $150 for something that might not last longer than that feels like a hard sell. After a few months of use, we'll come back to report our experiences in that area.
As someone who spends a lot of time playing competitive shooters, I highly value the hair trigger locks for better pistol and rifle handling, and I value the extra buttons in games like Overwatch, where there are lots of action buttons that can otherwise draw your thumb away from the movement stick. It ultimately depends on how much you're willing to spend to gain that edge. If you fancy a premium experience, you won't be disappointed.
$150The white Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is a great accessory for enthusiasts, bringing a competitive edge in multiplayer titles with extra buttons and configurability.
