# Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core: specs and price

**Price (US):** $129.99 (Launch MSRP; does not include paddles, extra thumbsticks, or carrying case), as of 2026-06-26. Among the 9 gaming controllers we track it is #4 cheapest of 9; category median $179.99.
**Brand:** Microsoft
**Released:** 2022-09
**Deskmark:** Gold Deskmark — pay-blind category standing 58/100, #2 of 9 in class (independent, computed from sourced data, never for sale).
**Price tracked since:** June 2026

## Specifications

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Price (US) | $129.99 |
| Brand | Microsoft |
| Released | 2022-09 |
| Connection type | Xbox Wireless + Bluetooth + USB-C wired |
| Platform compatibility | Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows |
| Battery life hours | 40 |
| Weight grams | — |
| Rumble haptics | Yes |
| Adaptive triggers | No |
| Trigger stops | Yes |
| Back paddle buttons | 0 |
| Hall effect sticks | No |
| Audio jack35mm | Yes |
| Charging interface | USB-C |

## Where it stands

At $130, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core is #4 cheapest of the 9 gaming controllers we track, where the median is $179.99. On the spec sheet, its battery life hours of 40 is the highest of the 9, its back paddle buttons of 0 is the lowest of the 9, and its release year of 2022 is below the median of the 9.

## What reviewers say

Both whitelisted hands-on testers (PCWorld, Reviewed/USA Today) reviewed this exact Core model. Both call it a worthwhile step up from the standard Xbox pad — better grips, adjustable triggers and a built-in ~40-hour battery — but flag poor value, since the rear paddles and swappable parts require a separately sold $60 accessory kit. (Based on 2 reviews, 2 lab-tested, 2022-11-10–2024-03-21.)

Praised: Rubberized grips and a more rugged build feel a clear step up from the standard Xbox pad; Long-lasting built-in rechargeable battery (~40 hrs claimed) with USB-C charging; Extensive customization: three profiles, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, trigger locks and button remapping; Metal magnetic d-pad and reassuringly solid removable thumbsticks.
Flagged: Rear paddle slots and swappable parts are useless without the separately sold $60 accessory kit; Costs more than double the standard Xbox controller — questionable value; Rubber grips scratch/wear more easily than the standard controller; No Hall-effect sticks and the sticks aren't fully removable, so drift can't be cheaply fixed; Trigger-lock switches are fiddly to adjust on the fly.
Disagreement: Weight figures differ: PCWorld measured 300 grams (10.58 ounces) while Reviewed's spec table lists .75 pounds (345 grams). Tone also splits on value — PCWorld calls the $130 price 'steep but justifiable,' whereas Reviewed flags 'Poor value' outright in its cons.
Sources: PCWorld (2022-11-10, pcworld.com), Reviewed (USA Today) (2024-03-21, reviewed.com)

## Frequently asked questions

**What do reviewers say about the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core?**

Both whitelisted hands-on testers (PCWorld, Reviewed/USA Today) reviewed this exact Core model. Both call it a worthwhile step up from the standard Xbox pad — better grips, adjustable triggers and a built-in ~40-hour battery — but flag poor value, since the rear paddles and swappable parts require a separately sold $60 accessory kit. Praised: Rubberized grips and a more rugged build feel a clear step up from the standard Xbox pad; Long-lasting built-in rechargeable battery (~40 hrs claimed) with USB-C charging; Extensive customization: three profiles, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, trigger locks and button remapping; Metal magnetic d-pad and reassuringly solid removable thumbsticks. Flagged: Rear paddle slots and swappable parts are useless without the separately sold $60 accessory kit; Costs more than double the standard Xbox controller — questionable value; Rubber grips scratch/wear more easily than the standard controller; No Hall-effect sticks and the sticks aren't fully removable, so drift can't be cheaply fixed; Trigger-lock switches are fiddly to adjust on the fly. (From 2 tester reviews, 2 lab-tested.)

**How much does the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core cost?**

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core has a US price of $129.99 (Launch MSRP; does not include paddles, extra thumbsticks, or carrying case), as of 2026-06-26.

**How does the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core compare on price?**

At $130, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core is #4 cheapest of the 9 gaming controllers we track, where the median is $179.99.

**When was the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core released?**

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core was released 2022-09.

**What are the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core's key specs?**

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Microsoft): connectionType Xbox Wireless + Bluetooth + USB-C wired, platformCompatibility Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows, batteryLifeHours 40, rumbleHaptics Yes, adaptiveTriggers No. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-26.

Source: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-elite-wireless-controller-series-2-core (xbox.com, accessed 2026-06-26)
Corroboration: https://www.inverse.com/gaming/xbox-elite-controller-series-2-release-date-price-specs-trailer-features (accessed 2026-06-26)
Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/product/gaming-controllers/microsoft-xbox-elite-2-core/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core price of record was $129.99 as of 2026-06-26 — https://frontdeskreview.com/product/gaming-controllers/microsoft-xbox-elite-2-core/
License: CC BY 4.0. Price history: https://frontdeskreview.com/data/price-history.jsonl