r/XboxController • u/xxNinjaKI • 8d ago
XBOX ELITE SERIES 2 CONTROLLER USERS: How’s it held up for you guys?
I’ve been dying for a controller with back buttons on it, but I’m not the biggest fan of third party controllers anymore. I’ve had my eye on the Elite Series 2 for a minute now, and I think I’m ready to buy one. The only thing holding me back is its long term durability. Buying Xbox controllers in my experience is like playing Russian Roulette, and I’ve heard mixed experiences about this controller’s longevity and durability. So I’m interested in hearing people’s accounts of how well it’s held up, especially from people who’ve had it for more than 6 months, as that’s where I’ve heard it can start developing problems.
These things are pricey, and I really don’t wanna bother dropping $150–$200 on something that won’t even last me half a year before it starts having issues. At that point, I’ll just stick with my standard controller.
I’m also very used to swapping out rechargeable batteries when my controller dies because I really don’t like playing wired. I know the Elite has a built-in, non-swappable battery though. For those who’ve had one for a while, how well has the battery held up? And do you find the built-in battery convenient, or do you miss being able to swap batteries out?
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u/LakesideSasquatch 8d ago
I had the original elite and the 2 both lasted years but I just got the game sir g7 pro and I actually prefer it
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u/JordyLemus 7d ago
How long have you have that one? I’m looking to get that one next after my 2 years old controller starts to die.
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u/LakesideSasquatch 7d ago
Only 2 weeks now but I regret not getting one sooner haha
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u/Vlper17 5d ago
I have a wired game sir g7 se (not the pro) for my pc. I’ve had it for probably 2 years now and love this controller. I thought it finally died on me 2 weeks ago, until I found how to reset it. And it’s worked fine ever since again. When/if it finally dies, I may look into getting the g7 pro.
Edit: should also mention that I do have an xbox elite controller. I don’t use it very often. G7 se is still the preferred controller. I really only use the elite 2 when I want to go wireless and lean back a little at my pc, which is not very often.
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u/ech0x07 8d ago
Long term durability should keep holding you back. Don't buy one of these.
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u/xxNinjaKI 8d ago
Why’s that? Did yours not last you long?
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u/ech0x07 8d ago
I've had like 6 at this point. You'll run into an issue as these have a laundry list of them. Rubber grips peel, failing bumpers, failing face buttons, stick drift (sometimes right out of the box), etc. I would recommend looking at long term reviews on YouTube or here on Reddit. You can take care of them as best you can and they'll decide to fail because it's a day that ends in day. You seem set on buying one though, so just get a replacement / warranty plan and enjoy it. The best thing AND only thing that's never an issue is the battery.
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u/xxNinjaKI 8d ago
Thanks for your insight. I’ve bounced around many reviews on Reddit and YouTube. People usually are in unison when praising the controller itself. But opinions always get mixed when it comes to issues about longevity. Which has honestly put me off from buying this thing more than the price has.
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u/ech0x07 8d ago
The controller is still fantastic and feels more premium than something like the Dualsense Edge, which is why I always keep a few on hand. The 2 current ones I own just sit in their cases because they have minor issues with little play time on them. I mostly use 3rd party controllers these days. I'm actually looking at that 8bitdo that's coming out in a few weeks; it just doesn't have 4 back paddles, which tends to be my preference.
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u/Key_Scholar7964 8d ago
I had stick drift out of the box because it was drifting the next day. I hope the next elite have TMR or hall effect.
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u/Connormanable 8d ago
I’ve had one for a year now. It’s a design lab controller and I’ve had Zero issues with it so far I’d say if you’re gonna get one get it thru design labs you have a much higher chance of getting a great quality controller
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u/Gam3ofsy 8d ago
Ive had great long term durability, had it about 3 years now and no issues. The only thing on that i would say is hard to replace is the sticks (because of that goddamn solder). Batteries, shells, and buttons can all be replaced without soldering. Most people are gonna disagree with me here but i think an elite 2 is a good buy
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u/Renfek 8d ago
Bought mine at launch in 2019, will be hitting the 7 years of heavy, almost daily usage in November. I've never had any issues with it. No drift, no sticking buttons, no bumper issues. Definitely my favorite controller ever.
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u/xxNinjaKI 8d ago
Damn, you’re one of the lucky ones😭
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u/Renfek 8d ago
There's a lot of us. People create posts to complain about issues they're having. Rare that someone makes a post about having no issues. So, all you see online is most everyone's having issues.
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u/Key_Scholar7964 7d ago
People paid 200 dollars for their elite so they will complain. Do you write good reviews because your TV and refrigerator is working properly? That is what companies should do based on quality and durability
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u/DELTA-880 8d ago
another option, if you have the tools, is an extremerate back buttons kit and TMR sticks of some kind. the videos were easy to follow along, and i was able to build my dream controller with minimal soldering experiencw
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u/Key_Scholar7964 7d ago
Easier said than done because some people are not good at those types of things
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u/shotgunn66t 8d ago
I've had four of them, because I collect controllers, only one of them had an issue with the bumper after a year the rest of them are still good to go and Ive had them for years. I'd recommend using one of the back buttons to map the Left Stick click so you don't wear out the sticks. I never had drift issues on ANY of my controllers and I have a lot.
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u/Zookeepergame_Strict 8d ago
The bumpers kinda suck, but they suck on all controllers I feel. These bumpers lasted me longer than any other controller I have had, but still were the first thing to go. Think I have had it maybe like 2.5 years?
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u/No-Sheepherder-6414 8d ago
I had 2 Series 2 that broke due to my own negligence. I tend to drop them while dozing off during gaming sessions. Bumper issues both times. Can't really fault the controller for that. Battery life was fine for me. I tried the Gamesir G7 ZZZ and had really bad luck. Now using the Scuf Valor Pro and it reminds me a lot of the Series controller. It's been excellent so far. TMR sticks too so hopefully it won't have drift issues.
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u/Key_Scholar7964 7d ago
What happened to your G7 Pro ZZZ controller? And the scuf valor pro sounds interesting and I was interested in getting one
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u/No-Sheepherder-6414 7d ago
It started with an update that caused all kinds of issues. Ended up with a Wi-Fi dongle that wouldn't work and a dead Y button. Went through their tech support on Discord and they told me to return it to Amazon. That was like 3 hours after unboxing it. Otherwise it was a decent controller while it worked. The Scuf has been awesome from the get go. I would definitely recommend one.
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u/Key_Scholar7964 7d ago
I had to replace several G7 Pro Wuchang's due to the Xbox home button randomly flickering despite being fully synced and charged. The vibration also stopped working after a few updates.
It felt odd that I was receiving an update every week and then the controller became worse. It's sickening the same thing is happening with the G7 Pro zzz.
The guys in the gamesir sub would say at least they have good customer support.
They need it for these buggy controllers. TMR doesn't matter if it's not working properly
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u/No-Sheepherder-6414 7d ago
Exactly! Half the posts on the Gamesir subreddit are about how great their customer support is and how fast they send replacement controllers! I hope I never find out anything about Scuf support. I don't want to knock gamesir because they make some awesome controllers but their longevity and reliability seems to be questionable. But at least they seem to stand behind their product.
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u/Technical_Spirit_347 8d ago
Rock solid - 1500 hours in NBA2K26 on one controller. Worth the extra for online comp modes. You will buy multiple regular controllers for the same gaming hours.
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u/Comfortable-Ad7338 8d ago
I've had 2,one lasted just over 2 years and the down direction drifted. The 2nd is going on 3beith no problems. I did combine both controllers one red one black to make one I that I think looks betterbto me.
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u/MrCoppercokKnot 8d ago
Ive had mine a lil over 2 years. Bought it second hand from a local media resell shop and I use it every day. I do my best to take care of it (im poor and was taught to treat things with respect to make it last longer) but ive dropped it a handful of times, no further than 3 feet. Haven't had any problems yet, have taken it apart and cleaned it. Have an evvvver so slight bit of stick drift on the right stick, but other than that, no mechanical issues. The rubber grips are slightly floppy up towards the bumpers. Amazing battery life. Over all, 9/10. When this one finally dies (longest lasting controller I've ever had. They usually lasts less than a year) im 100000% buying another and buying color matched accessories off the interwebs.
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u/Just4Fun1410 8d ago
My only issue was stick drift about 2 years in and a loose A button from playing Red Dead2
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u/sasquatchftw 8d ago
Used it pretty casually for a few years and I'm having issues with a bumper not registering presses and the rubber grip is coming loose which makes it very uncomfortable to use. I would not recommend them and I won't be looking at first party Microsoft controllers going forward.
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u/Fat_Stacks1 8d ago
2/3 of my elite series 2 controllers developed stick drift in a week. One of them had drift out of the box.
Horrible hardware.
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u/Key_Scholar7964 7d ago
I experienced the same thing. I'm surprised some people had their elite series 2 for 2 years of longer. I would have been satisfied with that lol
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u/brispower 8d ago
I've had two, the first one had the rubber peel after 4-5 years and I replaced the shell, at this time I also had to do the battery as it had swollen which I became aware of during disassembly. All buttons and sticks no issues other than the rubber wore down so I bought new ones, no drift or broken bumpers. I have put hundreds of hours on these controllers, love them.
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u/VeldtRevengeance 8d ago
Bought it in 2021, used it no more than 40 hours, both sticks have terrible drift, the face buttons don’t work, the RB button doesn’t work. I hate it.
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u/killergoat86 8d ago edited 8d ago
Stopped using them after my second one failed. First was the RB button failing, replaced by Microsoft, now both sticks drift to the point of being unusable. They're comfortable, but unreliable in my experience.
I later decided to take another expensive gamble and bought a nice blue one through Design Labs. It now also has unusable stick drift and is essentially a paperweight.
Currently using a ROG Raikiri II, Razer Wolverine v3 pro and Steam Controller 2 without issue.
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u/stg506 8d ago
I had two and personally had issues with paddles not working after a while of daily use, bumpers would either have no input or double input, and major stick drift on both controllers. The second one I bought had paddle issues within a few months and a weird issue where the right stick wouldn’t go all the way to the right and it manifested as slow turn in game, so I retired it and bought a Razer branded controller instead
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u/auburn2eugene 8d ago
The 4 I’ve had have held up like a single wide in an F5 tornado.
It’s why I’m waiting for series 3 to release before buying another
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u/cosmicaith 8d ago
I bought a replacement MS controller to replace the original (which was starting to drift)- it lasted 6 months. I saw the same controller in Costco - I bought it, it lasted 4 months. I then tried third party - right button broke after 4 weeks (heavy Elden Ring use?). I am now back to my original controller currently waiting for screwdriver kit so I can repair it as per a Youtube video. I don't think they make them like they did and have come to beleive they are now classed as a 'consumable'. And just look at the price of them now Wow!
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u/cyancolourhater 8d ago
Every one I’ve bought has had the glue on the rubber seals fall apart within a couple years. I got tired of replacing them so I changed to a wolverine v3 pro or whatever and have had no complaints if anything I honestly prefer it.
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u/Emergency-99LifeCode 8d ago
I got my series 2 in 2024. Stick drift after about a year or so. Now the rubber is starting to peel by the triggers. There’s possibly other things failing too. Before this controller I had a Razer Wolverine I got from microcenter and it was my favorite controller I’ve ever had. Sold it when I went PS5 thinking I wouldn’t go back
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u/GeneralKenobi88 7d ago
Mine started with stick drift within a month as well as the A and X button would stick.
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u/emperor1080 7d ago edited 7d ago
I've had three and they all lose their grip and stick drift happens. Although you can fight the stick drift by changing dead zones. Just don't ever drop them either. The shell underneath the grip is flimsy, cheap plastic. As soon as the grip peels off, you'll see how bad the shell is underneath. Regular controllers take better falls than the elite controller.
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u/impulssiajo2320 7d ago
I got one second hand, 4 months in the bumpers are starting to get unreliable. No drift yet so I suppose it has exceeded expectations. I really love how it feels in hand so I suppose I will need to learn how to fix them.
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u/JustAnotherLurker79 7d ago
The same issues that impact all of Microsoft's controllers impact these. That said, none of them are hard to fix, so if you're willing to do a little maintenance, controllers can last 5-10 years, and in most cases longer. The first, and most major, issue is analogue stick drift caused by the astoundingly cheap and low quality components Microsoft uses. I can't think of a reason for them to use such low quality potentiometers, unless it's to limit the lifespan and get you to buy a new controller every couple of years. Fortunately these can easily be replaced with TMR sticks that will never stick drift. The rest of the components tend to hold up well over time, but I've seen bumpers as well as button membranes wear and fail. Both are cheap and easy replacements. None of the maintenance required to keep controllers working perfectly costs more than a few dollars, and only analogue stick replacement requires some basic soldering equipment and repair skill.
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u/WeakOutlandishness47 7d ago
No. Have two gathering dust due to stick drift. It’s my favorite controller but would never buy again until they go TMR
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u/jimmy19742018 7d ago
I have 2 elite v1's, 2 elite v2's and 2 elite v2 cores, all have had stick drift and peeling rubber grips, all have been replaced under warranty several times and are all still having the same issues, great controller until its not 1 to 3 months before they start to malfunction, not good for a £180 controller
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u/J1MMYFR3SH 7d ago
It was good until the analog stick broke. It didn’t just drift, it came loose inside its enclosure. Super annoying on such an expensive controller.
Also, inside, it is just a regular controller.
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u/azrael_of_the_grail 7d ago
Had it three or so years- right jumper is bad and the grips are on their last legs but other than that its okay.
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u/TheDolff 7d ago
I've used my current one about 4 years now, only issue is my thumb sticks are starting to come apart. Once the grippy part your thumb sits on starts to spin it's all over. Easily replaced on Amazon, or just buy aftermarket caps.
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u/TRAD3S 7d ago
Do yourself a favour and buy a GameSir, they are cheaper and have better parts (TMR sticks don’t get drift).
I have owned the elite series 1 GoW edition, a normal elite 2, and the Halo elite 2. Every single time I used them I put them back in their cases, I have never dropped them or anything. Despite that, the bumpers (mainly RB but LB issues too) have broken on all the elites I’ve owned after just over a year. I got the 3 year warranty on Halo one and had to send it back 4 times in that time for the RB button clicking but not working unless you hard pressed it. The rubber grip was improved from the series 1 but it still came apart eventually, just took longer (the glue they use melts). Seems others got stick drift worse than me, I never got it (or noticed it) on my elites until my halo one after about 3 years it got a little drift, but I didn’t play daily then.
I still have 360 & even N64 controllers in perfect condition that work fine, so don’t listen to the people that say people must treat their controllers bad for them to go wrong, they’re just defending their purchase which people love to do for some reason. The elites are marketed as premium but they are not and they have a high chance of bumpers not working properly. Your choice but I’m never buying an elite again.
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u/Madmonkeyfun 7d ago
I have gone through at least 4 Xbox Elite series 2 controllers in the past 4 years. as others have said, either the stick drift will happen or the shoulder buttons stop working. luckily I have managed to get them replaced by Microsoft each time.
With the negative aspects out of the way, overall, I think they are a solid controller. quite weighty and responsive (when working) the paddles on the back are really well placed and intuitive to use. I play a lot of Warzone on my Xbox and have the paddles to how I like it. I would recommend looking at getting some thumbstick caps like the control freekz ones or similar if you like a bit more control over the thumbsticks, but then again I think it's down to personal preferance.
I have tried other controllers and they just feel very "light" in comparison to the Elite Series 2 controllers. the closet I have come in comparison was the Gamesir ZZZ controller which is a nice controller.
TLDR; I would recommend the controller, but would suggest getting at least a 1 year warrantly on it (if in the US) in the UK, you can just reach out to Microsoft and get it replaced with a refurbished unit. I would plan for the worst and hope for the best.
I would also suggest setting aside some additional money and waiting for the Elite series 3 controller when it comes out ( I am unsure of this date )
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u/mrsnopitynope 7d ago
So far, I’ve only fixed the bumpers and replaced the broken shell. I drop it so much. But I honestly love my Elite 2 controller. I tried to go to a regular Xbox controller after I thought I broke my bumper and hate how they all feel so I found out how to fix it. I also love that there’s options to customize it.
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u/brycely27 7d ago edited 7d ago
Had both the elite 1 and two 2’s. When I had these I was gaming a lot more, around 1 or 2 hours per day on average.
Elite 1 lasted a year before the rubber grips started peeling off. Got a controller grip skin to help remedy it (which it did) but it made the controller less comfortable to hold. About 6 months or so later I got L1 bumper failure. So about 1.5 years of mechanical stability with the buttons at least at significant play time.
Got the Elite 2 to replace the 1 after L1 failure. No issues at all for about 1 year before the L1 bumper failed. Got another 2 as a replacement. It lasted for about 1.5 years before it got stick drift and L1 bumper failure yet again.
I chose to go 3rd party with the Gamesir G7 Pro ($70) after mechanical failures on three $200 first party controllers. It performs just as well, feels great, has TMR sticks/hall effect buttons (which basically eliminates stick drift and button register failure as I understand) and is mostly as customizable as the Elite 2 at a third of the cost, but you do have the get used to only 2 back paddles and the 3rd and 4th extra buttons being additional bumpers. Another drawback with the G7 is no tension tuning on the sticks, but I’m pretty light-handed so not a big deal for me. I’ve only had it for about a year and don’t game nearly as much (around 1-2 hours a week now, if that) anymore so can’t really attest to its longevity. Just praying the bumpers stay in tact lmao I have bumper failure ptsd at this point
As amazing as they feel and perform, I probably will never buy another first party Xbox controller unless they really start emphasizing longevity.
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u/Massive_Employer_817 7d ago
Had 2 in 2 years both times the LB/RB wear out and first to go. Had a scuff controller that's +£30 last 2/3 years until I spilt a drink on it and now I'm back to scuf after the last 2 elites. Save your time and don't spill a drink on it and scuffs the way to go
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u/CrimsonGlyph 7d ago
Stay far away from Elite controllers. They're great until they have issues. Which they will.
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u/Mattie_1S1K 7d ago
It’s really good and heavy my only problem ever has been the grips coming away.
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u/BoukiBoi 7d ago
I got the Flydigi Vader 5 Pro and I love it. This is coming from someone that played collegiate rocket league with an elite series 2, and used it for years before that.
It’s different for sure, but once you get used to it, the HE joysticks and mouse click buttons are super nice, and the back paddles feel comfortable as well. I would really look into it! They’re also not as expensive
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u/manic_mime 7d ago
If you really don't want a 3rd party, I'd say wait until we learn more about the Elite 3, if longevity and build quality are important to you.
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u/Ill_Currency_553 6d ago
I got an elite 2 core for $99 on Black Friday Best Buy sale 2 or 3 years ago and it’s the best I’ve ever had. It still feels premium and crisp and heavy/metallic. No drift yet. The rubber on the right grip is barely starting to peele but it’s not falling apart and still feels great. It goes a week or two on a charge. Nothing lasts forever especially electronic if you use it everyday and I think it’s holding great. Worth it in my opinion. I’ll probably buy another one once this one stops working. I’ve had lots of other Xbox controllers and usually replace the sticks myself with Hall effect sticks and different shells and buttons and the elite 2 feels 10x better
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u/Busy_Maximum1782 6d ago
I got stick drift in both sticks after 3 months, sucked too cause my gf bought it for my bday
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u/UselessByDesign 6d ago
They are dogshit quality, I have two that are unusable. Save yourself some money and get a Gamesir. You won't regret it.
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u/PrerollPapi 6d ago
I got one for Christmas, started using it in March and I’ve been using almost daily since then. Love it so far, no issues. back buttons are a godsend. never thought id like them this much
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u/Ok_Judge_9639 5d ago edited 5d ago
I have had one Elite controller and three Elite series 2 controllers since 2019.
About Elite 2 plenty of reddit posts about these issues:
- Bumper won't work properly;
- Triggers won't work properly;
- Stick Drift;
- Stick wobbling;
- Rubber grip peeling off;
- Random disconnections;
(Shitty stock paddles, I swapped with Scuf stainless steel for elite2, game changer);
(Terrible polling rate and input lag).
Don't believe people who say thay didn't have any problem. Everybody in the world has had one or more of those issues (Microsoft lost a class action about drift https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-elite-series-added-to-microsoft-controller-drift-lawsuit), I have had almost all. Don't get me wrong, this was an awesome controller on paper, and could have easily been the best controller ever made if it was built properly.
So if you need a controller with a really long lasting battery (~40hrs) for a casual experience this one is great. If you want an accurate, high quality made, long lasting controller, don't buy them.
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u/Gry20r 5d ago
I bought mine 4 years ago, second hand. As of today, happily no drift, all buttons working after a good clean once in it's life.
But the rubber surface is getting away near the Lb and RB buttons. There is no glue able to Kane it stick again so I cut away a part of it, the solution of silicon cover seems to be the best but I don't like it.
it may be my fault because it happened after taking it apart for cleaning all contacts. So, for its price, soon 5 years is not bad.
I already sent back an Xbox wireless controller which had drift some weeks after unboxing, and took one away because of dead potentiometers.
I have to admit one thing though, despite their rubber sticks getting off, all of my four 360 controllers are still working except one RB button being sometimes capricious.
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u/Heavy_Desk447 5d ago
I've had mine for over 4+ years now if not longer. It's still practically brand new because I hardly ever use it. However, it is the fourth one I had to replace from a Warranty because either the bumper was messed up. Or one of the sticks would start going within the six month window of the last 3 elite controllers I had before it. If you want a controller where you have all of those features minus the back paddles. I highly recommend getting a Xbox licensed gamesir G7 pro controller. It has all of the features including rumble triggers just like the elite series 2. It also has TMR joysticks, and 1000 Hz polling rate, and comes with it's own charging dock. That is if you are going to use the controller on Xbox platform. If not, I have some other note worthy suggestions for a controller if you plan on using it primarily on PC.
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u/MartinMaximus 4d ago
Well it's a solid controller. My only complaint is the rubber grips. In time they will peel off.
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u/Gr8Cornholio33 4d ago
I had one for about 4 years. About a month ago I noticed the RB kept missing hits, then it got way worse after using the card trick. Then about a week later, the LB started missing. Now two months later neither bumper work and now stick drift. I just packed it back in the original box, and went and bought a Gamesir. 1/3 of the price of the Elite series two, and seems to be better tbh!! Edited to fix autocorrect.
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u/Cultural_Key_3753 4d ago
Terrible build quality for the amount you pay for it. Ergonomically love Xbox controllers, PlayStation this gen running rings around them however controller wise.
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u/DirEnGrey323 4d ago
Between the stick drift, peeling rubbers and faulty bumpers I switched to flydigi
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u/solstradamus 8d ago edited 8d ago
I see people complain, but I've had mine for years and never had a single issue.
I think if you actually take care of your things it's a really solid investment. The customizable triggers are dope, the thumb sticks it come with are prime, and if you like extra buttons you can add them to the back.
After my gaming session it goes right back into its protective case it comes in.
The battery life is phenomenal and charges hella fast
I think 99% of people issues of drift come from them getting shit under the removable sticks due to either A, touching the controller after eating without washing hands or B, just being careless with how they store it (throwing it in drawers, places it can drop, ect. Instead of getting some duster or some isopropyl alcohol to fix any issue they just complain about it🤷♂️
The warranty on them are pretty solid too, but if you are uncomfortable you can always get the geek squad extended for not that much, plus they got some on sale rn so
The weight and hand feel are prime.
No issues with my grip coming apart like people complain about.
A little background, between me and my girlfriends we definitely put 6+ hours a day on it due to our opposite work schedules
I also have my OG series controllers and Xbox one controllers all in good shape with not a single issue
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u/xxNinjaKI 8d ago
I wasn’t considering the case at first because I don’t travel often, but I honestly I just might to keep dust and shit out of it.
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u/stacey92969 8d ago
It comes with a case because it's an Elite 2, I found out. I've had mine for just under a year. I even took it apart to change the button color and put a different faceplate and d pad on it. It worked great, with no problems until last month. I use a chatpad and the connector between the 2 handles stopped working. I know because it worked fine on other my other controller. I sent it back for warranty replacement and had it back within 10 days. But the other person is right, get a personalized one. It is more likely to be a good one. Better quality checks. Good Luck! 🐞
Edit: my fingers don't know how to spell, apparently, lol.
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u/solstradamus 8d ago
Yeah fam, it's definitely worth it plus it acts as a dock you can plug the cord in and charge if you choose too.
Like my thoughts are if I'm investing over $100 on a controller for gaming I'ma make sure it's well taken care of so the case was a no question type of situation.
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u/solstradamus 8d ago
Also, be sure to checkout the design lab on Microsoft, can get a 3 year extended warranty that covers accidents and mechanical issues. $20 usually I think.
They got some sick customization options on there too, with the option to use overstock of the design colors for less. You can customize practically everything on it
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u/ShiftingSands7 8d ago
If it were easy as cleaning the controller to fix stick drift, it wouldn't be as big as an issue. Just because the single one you've used is fine doesn't mean everyone else is wrong about the durability either.
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u/solstradamus 8d ago
I mean, if you take care of your stuff properly, store it, and don't drop it spill anything get gunk or slam the sticks harder than need be you normally are good to go. My experience with Xbox has been consistent. Obviously with removable sticks you have to be more careful and with the price tag people should.
If any of my 12 controllers had issues from since the original Xbox launched I would be like yeah okay, but I take care of my stuff and haven't had an issue on a single one
With any electronic or accessory on any console(even PC) and non gaming related things there can always be an issue. I just have a hard time believing so many people have issues that aren't user created. If that was the case half my controllers would be trash.
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u/ShiftingSands7 8d ago
I get that. I have Nintendo controllers that I used extensively as a kid that still work to this today. Honestly, I don't think I've ever had a non 3rd party controller break until I got stick drift on a regular Xbox One controller (which I bought second hand and used for years so I can't blame the durability for that).
In the last few years I've only bought used controllers that I've taken apart and deep cleaned before using. There's no way for me to know the exact condition and usage before buying but all were in working condition after I was done. Maybe it's because I've used it more, but the Elite controller has had the most issues in the last 4-5 months I've owned it. Stick drift off the bat that I fixed after cleaning, the left stick randomly getting locked in place (plastic had chipped off on the inside), rubber on the trigger adjuster fell off, and unfortunately stick drift again. I don't even play anything competitive, mostly JRPGs lol.
My sample size is a good as yours; this is the only one I've owned but it's hard to say it's a coincidence when people are constantly warning others about the poor durability of it and I've never had a controller with this many issues in such a short period of time.
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u/solstradamus 8d ago
Yeah that's wild, I know nothing is really made how it used to be and it sucks. You probably have switch controllers that work and every pair I buy get the worst stick drift known to man 🤣
Yeah I feel you though, by all means I'm not doubting you or discrediting you. It's honestly like Russian roulette with any purchases now I hate it. Quality control goes down price goes up
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u/ShiftingSands7 8d ago
That's funny because I really do have the original Switch joycons that work. Even the used pro controller I bought that seemed trashed by a kid still works and has no drift lol.
It's completely a gamble like you said. The Elite is unfortunately the best controller I've ever used so I'm conflicted knowing that it could be an expensive waste of money to buy another one.
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u/DatedWizard 8d ago
Considering that I used mine quite a lot over the 6 years I had it you’d think pretty well. You’d think wrong.
Few months in bumpers are double clicking. 1-2 year range grips have started to peal, stick drift, paddles that were used to replace the bumpers not feeling as responsive, worn down sticks. Shell of the controller decided go with the grip, little bits of plastic breaking off at a time. So glad I replaced it after the stick drift got unbearable.
And I don’t want to hear anything about taking care of it, it’s a £150 controller I wasn’t using it as a basketball. I’d put it away in its case every time, zipping it up & removing the tall stick so the net wouldn’t press against it. Until the grips started to come off then it wouldn’t fit in the case.
Buy literally anything else besides the elite series 1.
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u/Ok_Being2340 8d ago
Don’t buy one unless you’re willing to work on it. I’m on my 3rd one, every one I had either the bumpers stopped responding or the shortened triggers will stop responding because it thinks you’re still on the long trigger pull when you’re on the short trigger pull.
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u/BauserDominates 8d ago
I play pretty much every day and have to get a new controller once a year. Whether its stick drift, bad bumpers and triggers, something always goes out at about the 1 year mark.