Like the original Elite, quality appears to be a mixed bag, as a mega-thread of disgruntled buyers hits the Xbox One subreddit, while some report flawless hassle-free experiences.
Xbox Elite Series 2 buyers have taken to the web to share their frustration, reporting out-of-box issues with Microsoft's latest design. Peeling grips and faulty bumper buttons were among common issues, which Microsoft appears to have fixed with Series 2. But that follows the original design, which was plagued with well-documented shortcomings and poor durability. Those ambitions are similar to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, first debuted in 2015, although now refreshed with adjustable thumbstick tension, wireless charging, and Bluetooth, among other enhancements. The premium $180 accessory sets out to deliver leading comfort and experience in its class, boasting customizable components and heavyweight design. Microsoft recently launched the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, the second-generation revision of its flagship gamepad, aimed at Xbox One and Windows PCs. We encourage any customers who experience issues with their hardware to contact Xbox Support. We are aware that a small number of users may be experiencing issues with the Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and are actively investigating with our engineering teams. However, like any hardware, there is the possibility that a small percentage of devices may experience issues. The platform holder has launched an investigation with aid from internal engineering teams, providing this statement to Windows Central on the matter:Īt Microsoft, we put all of our products through rigorous quality assurance testing.
Still, if you have one of those controllers, this new update rolls out to insiders starting today.Update November 14: Following a request for comment alongside our original report, Microsoft has acknowledged issues reported with the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2. It's worth noting that these features were previously only available for "next-gen" Xbox Series X/S controllers, and this update only applies to Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One controllers, Xbox Elite 2, and Xbox Adaptive controllers. "The firmware update is available to Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha users today, and will be available to additional flight rings in the weeks to come."
"We are excited to bring new software features to Xbox One controllers with Bluetooth support, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and Xbox Adaptive Controllers that were previously available only on next gen Xbox Series X/S controllers," continues the post. The new update also delivers Dynamic Latency, allowing controller inputs to travel to your Xbox Series X/S console more efficiently, effectively offering a more responsive experience. After installing the firmware update, these controllers will remember one Bluetooth host (e.g., smartphone) and one Xbox Wireless host (e.g., Xbox console), so you can quickly and seamlessly switch between previously connected devices with a simple double-tap of the pair button."
According to Microsoft's Blog post on the topic, "You will be able to play wirelessly on Windows 10 PCs, iOS 15+, and Android devices with Bluetooth Low Energy for remote play from your console or cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on the go. The update allows for better cross-device connectively by supporting Bluetooth Low Energy. Microsoft is currently testing a firmware update for Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One controllers, Xbox Elite 2, and Xbox Adaptive controllers that offers better cross-device connectivity and reduced latency. and those old controllers are about to get a little bit better. Microsoft has encouraged us to whip out our wallet and pony up for some hot new controllers based on Forza and Halo, but if you don't have the cash to spare, your old Xbox One controllers still work with the Xbox Series X/S.