Microsoft acknowledges Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 hardware issues

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Source: Windows Central

What yous need to know

Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 buyers are reporting out-of-box issues with Microsoft's latest flagship gamepad.
A sizeable number of users report issues affecting buttons, wireless connectivity, thumbsticks, and more than.
Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and is investigating.

Update November xiv: Following a asking for annotate alongside our original study, Microsoft has acknowledged issues reported with the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2. The platform holder has launched an investigation with help from internal engineering teams, providing this statement to Windows Central on the matter:

At Microsoft, we put all of our products through rigorous quality balls testing. Withal, like whatsoever hardware, at that place is the possibility that a pocket-size percentage of devices may experience issues. We are aware that a small number of users may be experiencing issues with the Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and are actively investigating with our technology teams. We encourage any customers who feel bug with their hardware to contact Xbox Support.

The original story follows:

Microsoft recently launched the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, the second-generation revision of its flagship gamepad, aimed at Xbox One and Windows PCs. The premium $180 accompaniment sets out to deliver leading comfort and feel in its class, boasting customizable components and heavyweight design.

Those ambitions are similar to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, offset debuted in 2022, although now refreshed with adjustable thumbstick tension, wireless charging, and Bluetooth, among other enhancements. But that follows the original design, which was plagued with well-documented shortcomings and poor immovability. Peeling grips and faulty bumper buttons were amid common issues, which Microsoft appears to take fixed with Serial 2.

We received the Xbox Elite Controller Serial 2 ahead of launch and walked away impressed throughout the weeks. While long-term durability is difficult to guess, the improved gamepad exhibited articulate refinements and matching build quality with the toll tag. But with Serial two shipping to the public from November 4, it'southward been a calendar week of issues for some customers.

Xbox Elite Series 2 Source: Windows Key

Xbox Elite Series two buyers take taken to the web to share their frustration, reporting out-of-box issues with Microsoft'due south latest design. Like the original Aristocracy, quality appears to be a mixed bag, as a mega-thread of disgruntled buyers hits the Xbox One subreddit, while some report flawless hassle-free experiences. Hiccups are natural for any new product launch, although they're only further emphasized by a diversity of issues confronting that premium $180 cost tag.

One Windows Key staff fellow member had ii faulty controllers — with a tertiary on the way.

The most prominent event appears to stem from the Xbox Elite Series ii'due south confront buttons – primarily the A, B, X, and Y ensemble. Many study sticky or unresponsive buttons, essentially rendering the controller unfeasible for everyday gaming. One Windows Central staff member experienced the same result with two Series 2 controllers purchased from Best Buy, with his 3rd device currently in transit as a replacement.

We've as well heard of numerous instances of inconsistent connectivity, both over the Xbox I'south proprietary wireless connection and the newly-integrated Bluetooth. Stick issues include failing to center afterwards being pushed or "drifting," where thumbsticks annals inputs when not physically moved. Some report reactions to the new rubberized grip, with one Reddit user challenge the cloth causes their "hands to itch and sweat." The Xbox Elite Serial 2 mega-thread compiles many of these problems on the Xbox I subreddit, matching our experience alongside farther faults.

Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 Source: Windows Central

The full calibration of Xbox Elite Series 2 controller bug is unclear, though highlights apparent troubles surrounding the product, even with Microsoft's 2d crack at the flagship. The starting time-generation Xbox Elite was infamous for its shortcomings, claiming fixes in 2022, although information technology appears to accept sprouted new problems for Microsoft. It's possible with any product launch but shows a steadily-developing poor reputation for the Aristocracy line amidst consumer concerns. Information technology's a shame really — as we said the Series 2 could be the all-time controller ever made.

We'd dearest to hear your experience with the Xbox Elite Series ii in the meantime, via the comments or Windows Cardinal Gaming on Twitter.

For those experiencing issues with the Xbox Elite Series 2, we recommend contacting your retailer for further steps on a replacement. For those unaffected, bank check all inputs via the Xbox accessories app, and look out for potential defects.

Premium Gaming

Xbox Elite Controller Series 2

The Xbox Elite controller returns for 2022.

At long last, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller has been updated. Series 2 brings big improvements to the table, such as Bluetooth connectivity, a charging dock, adjustable tension for the thumbsticks, and much more.

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