What makes the Elite controller unique is its ability to be customized. The thumbsticks and D-pad are magnetic, and can be quickly swapped for different styles, depending on what game you want to play. Removable metal paddles on the back also give you four additional buttons to map specific actions to.
Xbox One Elite Controller Unboxing
In the box you’ll find three sets of interchangeable triggers, two swappable D-pads, two sets of paddles, and a lengthy braided micro USB cable. All of the Elite’s accessories feel durable and premium, especially the interchangeable thumbsticks, which are magnetic and snap into place with a satisfying click. You can hold the controller and all of its accessories in the included hard case.
One of my favorite customizations on the Elite are the Hair Trigger Locks, which let you shorten the travel of the triggers to help you fire faster in shooters. For racing games like Forza 6, you can extend them for additional control over the accelerator and brakes. The haptic motors under the triggers allowed me to feel when the brakes were locking up and when the rear of the car was kicking out. Race fans may still want to purchase a wheel and pedals for the ultimate driving simulation, but the Elite controller isn’t bad by any means.
The customizations continue with the profile slider on the center of the controller, which lets you quickly switch between two controller profiles. This is useful for switching in between game types or even weapon types in a first-person shooter. I played Call of Duty: Ghosts and the controller felt a little more precise than the normal Xbox One controller. Where it stands out is the ability to change trigger sensitivity and assign specific weapons to its paddles.
To remap the buttons and change button sensitivity, you’ll need to download the Xbox Accessories app on your Xbox One or in the Windows Store (available now on Xbox One but PC users have to wait until Oct. 27th). Beyond the standard button mapping, you can tweak the sensitivity of the thumbsticks and even the dead-zone of the triggers. You can even tweak the four haptic feedback motors located in the controller.
Biggest disappointment? The AA batteries.
It’s overwhelming at first and you’ll have to test out multiple button mappings and settings to see what you like. If you want to jump right into a game without customizing the button maps, you can download community-created configurations.
The biggest disappointment of the Xbox Elite Controller is the lack of rechargeable batteries. The controller uses two AA batteries, which are included in the box. But for $150, you would think that the Play and Charge Kit ($25) would be included.
The Xbox Elite Controller works with the Xbox One or a Windows PC running Windows 7, 8.1, or 10. Windows 10 users don’t have to worry about drivers as they’re included in the operating system but people Windows 7 or 8.1 will have to download drivers from xbox.com/xboxone/pc-controller. PC users looking to go wireless will be able to purchase a Wireless Adapter accessory (not included) for $25.
THE VERDICT
Throughout my time with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, all I could think was, “Wow. I really want this.” But at $150, I’m not willing to drop that much cash for a game controller. The Elite takes everything I like about the stock Xbox One controller and kicks it up a notch. For most people, the Elite controller is overkill. But for competitive players or those looking for the best game controller money can buy, its beautiful build and customization options make it worth every penny.
