Today at E3, Microsoft took the wraps off an updated version of their Elite controller for the Xbox, which addresses some of the issues of the original and adds even more features and adaptability.

The Xbox Elite controller was somewhat of a sleeper hit for the Xbox team, with sales far outstripping supply when it first launched. Years later, supply has caught up but so has the normal Xbox controller which now features options like Bluetooth connectivity to work with the PC that the original Xbox Elite controller lacked.

The new controller adds in Bluetooth and a whole lot more. There’s now an internal rechargeable battery pack with a detachable charging dock which provides up to 40 hours of gameplay per charge.

The thumbsticks now feature an adjustable pressure setting, as well as additional thumbstick options that can be swapped out, much like the original.

One of the flaws of the original Elite controller was that the rubber grips had a tendency to fall off over time, and the new Series 2 addresses that with new grips that wrap all the way around.

The adjustable trigger from the original Elite controller now offers more trigger settings with a third setting now added.

The original Elite controller was a fantastic addition to Xbox, despite its flaws. When it launched, the price was steep, and I think Microsoft was shocked to see how much demand there was despite the price. The new Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is available to pre-order now from Xbox.com

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  • austinsguitar - Sunday, June 9, 2019 - link

    I think i'm someone who would buy this if it was 2x the price of the xbox controller right now. so around 100~110 dollars nothing more. they will launch it more than that and almost nobody will be interested, except die hards, just like last time.
  • bubblyboo - Sunday, June 9, 2019 - link

    $180
    https://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/accessories/co...
  • shabby - Sunday, June 9, 2019 - link

    Come on that's as much as the console geez.
  • darkswordsman17 - Sunday, June 9, 2019 - link

    Ouch, yeah that's too much. I really don't see why its even more silly expensive. They really should've worked on getting the price down, and none of the additions seem to justify not only matching the original MSRP but being more expensive.

    Honestly, I'd have preferred them to keep the AA battery, since I have rechargeable AA batteries already for such things. It also means that you can store it for extended period of time without potentially ruining the battery like can happen with li-ion/li-polymer.

    I think the most shocking thing might be that they didn't add in RGB lighting.
  • shabby - Sunday, June 9, 2019 - link

    What's next? A $99 charging stand? These are apple'esque prices.
  • Beaver M. - Sunday, June 9, 2019 - link

    Well, they cant even produce the normal one properly. 3rd one I have right now that sometimes misses A and X buttons presses, when I press them too lightly.
  • Shaneroni - Sunday, June 9, 2019 - link

    Apple has a $999 monitor stand... Apple is still in a league of it's own as far a absurd pricing goes.
  • Alexvrb - Tuesday, June 11, 2019 - link

    I'm pretty sure the charging stand is included.
  • diehardmacfan - Monday, June 10, 2019 - link

    Just like last time? You mean the last time when it was tough to get for so long because it was sold out?
  • jordanclock - Monday, June 10, 2019 - link

    The first Elite controller was $150 at launch and sold out pretty much right away.

    And "nobody except diehards" is the demographic for this controller. People that want the very best with tons of customization. It's a small group, but sometimes that what companies go for.

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