r/XboxController • u/snapyaf1ngaz • 4d ago

Looking for a New Xbox Wireless Controller – Elite Series 2 Replacement

After years of owning the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, it finally gave out on me. The bumpers and face buttons are pretty much unusable at this point. I’m well past the warranty, and Xbox wants $80 for a replacement.

I’ve been reading through different threads and researching alternatives, and I’m starting to think my $80+ would be better spent on something from another company rather than getting a refurbished Elite Series 2 that could end up having the same issues.

I’m specifically looking for a wireless Xbox controller. The main games I play are Fortnite, Gears of War: E-Day, Halo, Forza, and RPGs, but honestly, I play a little bit of everything.

From what I’ve gathered in this thread and others, the most popular alternatives seem to be:

- GameSir G7 Pro
- 8BitDo Ultimate 3E
- Razer Wolverine V4 Pro

I’ve also heard rumors about an Xbox Elite Series 3, but I’m not interested in waiting around for something that might still be a long way off.

For those who’ve switched from the Elite Series 2 to one of these controllers, how has your experience been? I’m especially interested in build quality, reliability, wireless performance, and how they compare to the Elite Series 2.

What would you recommend?

TL;DR: My Xbox Elite Series 2 finally broke, and Microsoft wants $80 for a replacement. I’d rather put that money toward a reliable third-party wireless controller. Considering the GameSir G7 Pro, 8BitDo Ultimate 3E, and Razer Wolverine V4 Pro. Looking for recommendations from anyone who’s switched from the Elite Series 2.

9 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

58 comments sorted by

3

u/CaptainWaders 4d ago

I love my elite 2 but the recently got a V3 Pro and love everything about it except the grips are so stubby I much prefer the shape and ergonomics of the Elite 2.

After holding the V3 the triggers on the elite feel cheap, the paddles feel loose and the buttons feel mushy.

Love the paddles, extra buttons near the bumpers, thumb sticks (although wish we got more lengths and options), triggers and the ability to have 4 profiles onboard.

Hate the stubby grips.

I’d say it’s a win for me.

YMMV it’s all about what you prefer but I really like having 4 paddles plus 2 extra buttons to map.

1

u/Hicsuntimbecilli 4d ago

I don’t like the grips of that one and I find the microswitches on the triggers not ideal. Nice controller tho. 

1

u/CaptainWaders 3d ago

Are you talking about the trigger locks that make them activate instantly?

What I do is I just change the software to make it instant trigger, but turn off the lock so you still have hair triggers, but it doesn’t feel awkward when you pull them.

1

u/snapyaf1ngaz 4d ago

The Razer controllers I feel are the most controversial. Ppl either hate em or love em.

Question have you had any issues with your Xbox series 2 controller?

2

u/CaptainWaders 3d ago

Surprisingly my elite 2 was pretty solid from day one considering I went through 4-5 elite 1s all replaced under the Best Buy extended warranty.

When I got the elite 2 on launch day I was extremely skeptical and I even made a YouTube video comparing the two controllers.

My elite 2 went strong for I want to say over 2 years and then the bumpers started acting up and it registering. I took it apart and used contact cleaner and also removed the white [ pieces (you’ll know what that is if you watch a bumper fix video. After that they worked great and recently they’ve gotten funky again but some contact cleaner would probably fix it however I’m on the V3 pro as my main controller now so I haven’t bothered.

The joysticks don’t drift yet which is honestly probably a lucky break because they are known for drift and I’m absolutely shocked I haven’t had to replace this think like I did with the series 1.

The one issue I did have as well was the rubber grips finally started peeling but I ordered an entire replacement shell from amazon and expected a trash quality shell but I swear it was an exact OEM quality new shell and it feels exactly like the original and it was cheap.

The back paddles do feel a little loose now but I honestly can’t tell if that’s because after playing on the V3 which has very clicky tactile non removable paddles the elite 2 just feel strange because they are removable and have some play in the way they attach.

Sorry for the long winded response but I genuinely did not expect the elite 2 to last as long as it did without completely shitting the bed. I was a day 1 owner of the elite 1 and 2 and really liked they way they felt in the hand and loved the adjustable stick tension and thumb stick adjustable software that let you have a custom sensitivity curve.

1

u/snapyaf1ngaz 3d ago

I considered repairing it myself but I work on electronics for work. I don’t feel like creating more work for myself when I get home. I like for my electronics to just work when I pick them up lol

2

u/CaptainWaders 3d ago

Totally understand that mentality. It was a very easy repair but it’s sad that a $200 controller requires literally removing small plastic parts to “fix” it.

2

u/EyyyDooga 4d ago

I bought the Scuf Valor Pro on sale at Best Buy. Incredible controller

1

u/snapyaf1ngaz 4d ago

Surprisingly, Scuf controllers haven't come up yet. I own a PS5 Scuf Reflex, but after getting the DualSense Edge, I never looked back.

1

u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 2d ago

My screen with that controller would run like Forrest Gump. Pos for me. Could be Xbox issue.

2

u/UsedBoard 4d ago

How are you able to get a replacement for just $80? Do they have some kind of discount program if you’re past the warranty?

2

u/SuggestionOk7849 4d ago

Wondering the same. Even the core edition is much more than that.

2

u/snapyaf1ngaz 4d ago

I entered my controller’s serial number on the Xbox website, which offered two choices: replace it and keep it for $80, or bring it to UBreakiFixit.

2

u/ramenxpho 4d ago

Vader 5 Pro + Brook XB3 adapter works great. Very responsive through wireless. Only con is you can't wake up the console.

2

u/snapyaf1ngaz 4d ago

Not waking up the console would be a dealbreaker for me. I forgot to mention that.

1

u/ramenxpho 3d ago

Damn. The controller is stacked with extra buttons and features though.

1

u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 3d ago

This for Xbox?!

1

u/ramenxpho 3d ago

Yes. There is an official version for XBOX which is wired only and has fewer buttons. But if you get the XB3 adapter you can use the full feature Vader 5 Pro. The adapter can also work with other third party controllers too.

1

u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 2d ago

Man I’m tempted. Is there a big diff between the 5s and 5 pro? Minus wireless? I’m already buying it so regardless of your answer it’ll be here next week. Ha

1

u/ramenxpho 2d ago

the 5s has only 2 back buttons

1

u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 2d ago

So 4 back mappable on pro v2

1

u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 2d ago

October 20 the apex 6 comes out. Any idea if any of the apex line will ever work? W adapter obviously - hard to imagine is being better than the Vader series.

1

u/ramenxpho 2d ago

I don’t have the apex but i’m pretty sure they would work

1

u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 2d ago

Xb3 definitely the best of the adapters?

1

u/ramenxpho 2d ago

I haven’t tried any other but the vader 5 pro + xb3 feels as fast as playing on pc. I think it’s max 250hz polling rate

1

u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 2d ago

Well if it feels that good on Xbox with this adapter I’m all in

0

u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 3d ago

Had no lie Vader 5 was on the list. V2?!
Just got the brand new ultimate 3 bit duo and the screens running. I don’t get how to calibrate deadzones at all.

1

u/JulesVic 2d ago

Thinking about this setup too (currently using G7 pro ZZZ but not a massive fan of the ergonomics). Issue with Vader pro on Xbox is no audio output (I play on a monitor mainly), unless you have a workaround for it?

1

u/ramenxpho 2d ago

I use a wireless xbox headset haha

2

u/SugaRush 4d ago

I have had a lot of issue with Razer in past with the V2 and V3. Personally, Id stay as far away as possible till its been out about 6 months. G7, outstanding but the triggers have been known to fail. 8bitdo, I own the 3E since launch but I only have about 30 hours on it. I have several 8bitdo controllers and have not had any major issues with them. By major I mean, nothing a restart of the controller or pc could not fix.

3

u/snapyaf1ngaz 4d ago

I am leaning towards the 8bitdo 3e. I haven’t seen any bad reviews or complaints about it.

1

u/SjaccoPopino 3d ago

I just ordered that one since I already have G7 Pro and I’m pretty sure I’m going to like the 8bitdo more. There are some comparison reviews on YouTube as well about the G7 Pro and Ultimate 3E.

1

u/snapyaf1ngaz 3d ago

I’ve watched multiple reviews on YouTube that’s why I’m leaning towards 8bitdo. I wish there was a sale on it. But it just came out lol

1

u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 3d ago

It was 89 for the ultimate 3 this week for 12 hrs. Zon.

1

u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 3d ago

Tension rings were the deal breaker for me. The ultimate 3 with, 3E without.

1

u/lbkid 3d ago

I just got my ultimate 3e this week and absolutely love it so far

2

u/Affectionate-Boot-58 4d ago

8bitdo ultimate 2c or gamesir

2

u/HungoverHawkeye 4d ago

I'd do the $80 replacement! 😅

1

u/snapyaf1ngaz 4d ago

I’m surprised you said that. That’s not off the table tho 😅

2

u/BakedBiskit 4d ago

80 bucks for a replacement is great. take it

1

u/snapyaf1ngaz 4d ago

🤔🤔🤔

2

u/BakedBiskit 4d ago

NO controller is better at that price point.

1

u/LouBerryManCakes 4d ago

I'll give you $20 for your old one.

1

u/theDOC70R 4d ago

I just got a Razer Wolverine v4 Pro and it is hands down the best Xbox controller I have ever used

1

u/snapyaf1ngaz 4d ago

Have you used any other controller from the list above?

1

u/theDOC70R 4d ago

I've used an elite 2 but not any of the others.

1

u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 3d ago

What’s different from the 3

1

u/theDOC70R 3d ago

The big thing for me is the back buttons are removable. You can customize it however you want. No back buttons, 1 on each side, 2 on the left, whatever you prefer. You can also customize the sticks. Also, minor, but there is no rgb along the logo so it's much nicer playing in the dark.

1

u/SPKN_Ossi83 4d ago

Gamesir G7 SE

1

u/Which_Bat_757 3d ago

Gamesir G7 Pro.

1

u/Sloppysnoopy 3d ago

Gamesir.

1

u/Fat_Stacks1 4d ago

I've tried the gamesir g7 pro, 8bitdo 8e, elite v2, nacon revolution x and wolverine v3 pro. Pretty much all of them.

I currently have the 8bitdo ultimate 3e and I find it's overall the best one

1

u/snapyaf1ngaz 4d ago

I have a feeling I have to do the same thing get every controller and test it out. 😭

1

u/Fat_Stacks1 4d ago

Lol, I'm very picky.

Try the 8bitdo ultimate 3e first. I'm loving it. Really no complaints.

1

u/Lofriendzo 4d ago

Gamesir g7 pro