Xbox Elite Series 2 vs Elite Series 2 Core: what's the difference and which should you buy?

Xbox Elite Series 2 controller
(Image credit: Future)

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core is here to offer a more affordable entry point to the world of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Microsoft൲'s pro-level controllers. While the name may be longer, this next addition to the lineup actually slims things down💝. Pitched as an affordable alternative to the all-singing, all-dancing Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless, the Core model comes in at $129.99 / £114.99 ($50 / £45 less than the $179.99 / £159.99 MSRP of the original). 

Put simply, the difference between the Elite Series 2 and the Elite Series 2 Core lies in the accessories. The original Series 2 offers ev𒁏erything you need to customize your buttons, thumbstick, and paddles straight out of the box as literal, physical items, alongside a neat case to keep everything contained. However, the Core drops these bits, and instead makes them additional extras and a separate bundle should you wish to customize in the future. That cuts a good chunk off the price tag, and you're still getting the tension-adjustable thumbsticks and luxury rubberized grips of the original g🅠amepad. 

We're breaking down the differences between the Xbox Elite Series 2 and the Elite Series 2 Core in finer detail just below, should you wish to explore more in this 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Xbox Series X controller standoff. If you already know the Core is right for you, 🐎though, you can pre-order straight away via in the💮 US and in the UK. 

TL;DR Xbox Elite Series 2 vs. Series 2 Core

Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller

  • $179.99 / £159.99 
  • Adjustable tension thumbsticks
  • 40 hour battery life 
  • 3 custom profiles
  • Custom button mapping
  • PC compatible
  • Additional thumbsticks / paddles / D-Pad included

Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller Core

  • $129.99 / £114.99
  • Adjustable tension thumbsticks
  • 40 hour battery life 
  • 3 custom profiles 
  • Custom button mapping 
  • PC compatible 

Xbox Elite Series 2 vs. Series 2 Core: what's the same?

The Xbox Eli♛te Series 2 and the Elite Series 2 Core both share the same fundamental design principles; an ergonomic gamepad with grippy rubberized legs and tension-adjustable thumbsticks. You'll still be able to assign and switch between custom profiles and assign your own button mapping configurations. Combine that with an identical 40-hour battery life and out-the-box compatibility with PC and you're all set.

Xbox Elite Series 2 vs Series 2 Core: what's different?

The only two differences between the two controllers lie in t💫he price and the additional accessories. There's a big caveat here, though. Losing those additional accessories also means dropping paddles altogether, and there are far cheaper controllers that still manage to pack these extra💎 buttons in. It's a considerable drop with just $50 off the price tag. 

Xbox Elite Series 2 vs Series 2 Core: which should you buy?

If you're after the feel of a professional gamepad without getting too close to $200, we'd recommend taking a look at 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Xbox controller deals on the original Elite Series 2. We'v🐻e seen this price fall to as little as $139.99 in the past (though discounts may not return to this level for a while considering the new C𒀰ore price point), and you're getting all the pro-level accessories built in.

We'd recommend buying the Core, ho🔯wever, if you're looking to replace your original model without re-buying all the extra kit, or if you're looking for th🧸e absolute lowest price on a premium controller right now. 

We're also rounding up all the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best PC controllers on the market right now, as well as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best mobile controllers if you're looking to take things on the road. After something cheaper? Check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best Xbox One controllers available today.