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The headline is an opinion, not a ranking. It reflects a first-person review by MakeUseOf writer Suman Biswas, who tried DualShock, Xbox, GameSir and 8BitDo controllers on PC and ended up preferring the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Nothing in that review establishes that the controller is objectively the best of its generation. The “completely forgot about it” part is also rhetorical. The author is surprised at how little Microsoft talks about the product, but there is no measurement of Microsoft’s promotion behind that claim. This article explains what the reviewer actually argues, what is and is not verified, and how to decide whether the Series 2 suits your own setup.
What the reviewer argues
The case rests on four points: ergonomics, a built-in rechargeable battery, deep customization, and a connection option that uses Xbox Wireless rather than standard Bluetooth alone. The reviewer prefers the Series 2 over the other controllers they tested for PC play, and those preferences are personal judgments. They are not the output of controlled side-by-side testing.
Does it work on a PC?
According to the review, the controller connects over Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless and can be used with Windows 10 and Windows 11. The reviewer uses an Xbox Wireless Adapter on their PC and prefers it to Bluetooth. A secondary comparison also describes USB-C connectivity. Confirm these options against current Microsoft documentation before buying, because they are reported claims rather than checked specifications.
- Bluetooth: the simplest route if your PC already has Bluetooth.
- Xbox Wireless: the connection the reviewer prefers, which requires an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.
- USB-C: a wired option reported by a secondary comparison.
Customization happens in the Xbox Accessories app. The reviewer says it lets you remap buttons, assign paddles and switch between saved profiles, which matters most if you play different genres with different layouts.
#1 Best Overall
- XBOX ELITE WIRELESS CONTROLLER SERIES 2: Play like a pro with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks..Audio : 3.5mm stereo headset jack. Also compatible with the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter and all other Xbox controller accessories made by Microsoft.
- CORE ESSENTIALS: Includes just the components you need to unleash your best game. Additional components sold separately for even more customization with the Complete Component Pack.
- LIMITLESS CUSTOMIZATION: Exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app—even pick which color the Xbox button lights up with.*
- CUSTOM PROFILES: Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly.*
- EXTENDED GAMEPLAY: Stay in the game with up to 40 hours of battery life and refined components that are built to last.*
Battery life
The reviewer reports roughly 35 to 36 hours per charge after a year of regular use. That is one person’s experience with one unit, not a lab test, and it should not be read as a guarantee. A secondary comparison attributes an “up to 40 hours” figure to Microsoft. Treat that as a manufacturer’s claim. It is not an independently verified measurement, and you should check Microsoft’s current product page for the wording and conditions behind it.
Full kit or Core: what changes
The most practical buying question is what is in the box. The review describes a full Series 2 package with a carrying case, a charging dock, swappable thumbsticks and D-pad, back paddles, and a braided USB-C cable. A secondary comparison says the Core version includes fewer components. The table below shows only what the sources state.
Rank #2
- XBOX ELITE WIRELESS CONTROLLER SERIES 2: Play like a pro with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks.
- CORE ESSENTIALS: Includes just the components you need to unleash your best game. Additional components sold separately for even more customization with the Complete Component Pack.
- LIMITLESS CUSTOMIZATION: Exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app—even pick which color the Xbox button lights up with.*
- CUSTOM PROFILES: Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly.*
- EXTENDED GAMEPLAY: Stay in the game with up to 40 hours of battery life and refined components that are built to last.*
| Item | Full Series 2 kit | Series 2 Core |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying case | Included (per the review) | Not stated |
| Charging dock | Included (per the review) | Not stated |
| Swappable thumbsticks | Multiple sets included (per a secondary comparison) | Fewer components; specific items not stated |
| Swappable D-pad | Alternate D-pad included (per a secondary comparison) | Not stated |
| Back paddles | Included (per the review and a secondary comparison) | Not stated |
| Braided USB-C cable | Included (per the review) | Not stated |
| Current price | Not verified for this article | Not verified for this article |
Prices and stock change quickly, and the reported figures available to this article may already be out of date. Check the current listing for each version and compare the included accessories against the price before deciding. If you do not need the case, dock or extra components, the Core may be the better value, but that depends entirely on the current price gap.
How it compares with the DualSense Edge
The reviewer also bought a DualSense Edge, and their experience with it was less favorable. They found it heavier than the standard DualSense and shorter-lived between charges. Within a year, the right stick began to drift. They also had trouble finding a replacement module locally and ended up importing one.
Rank #3
- Play like a pro with the Xbox elite wireless controller series 2
- Experience limitless customization and exclusive configuration options with the Xbox Accessories app
- Stay in the game for longer with upto 40 hours of rechargeable battery life. Use Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, or the included USB C cable to play across your Xbox One and Windows 10 devices
- Compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Windows 10
These are the reviewer’s individual experiences. They do not show a general defect rate or a shortage of parts worldwide. The reviewer still regards the DualSense Edge as a strong choice for people who play only on PS5, so the comparison is about PC use and personal preference, not about which controller is better overall.
Replacing the sticks
The reviewer says the Elite Series 2 uses conventional potentiometer thumbsticks and describes swapping in aftermarket Hall-effect or TMR sticks as a do-it-yourself modification. The review does not verify a specific replacement part, its compatibility, whether the repair is safe to attempt, or how it affects warranty coverage or Microsoft support. Do not buy a part on the strength of this article alone. Check compatibility with the exact model, read the warranty terms, and consider whether you are comfortable opening the controller.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A checklist for comparing controllers
If you are weighing the Series 2 against other PC controllers, compare them on the same six points the review implicitly uses. No source in this article provides controlled measurements across all six, so you will need to check each against the manufacturer’s current information.
- Box contents and total price: compare the full kit or Core with any separately purchased parts.
- PC connection method: Bluetooth, Xbox Wireless, or USB-C, and whether you need an adapter.
- Paddles and profiles: whether paddles are included and how profiles are saved and switched in your software.
- Battery and charging: the manufacturer’s stated runtime and the charging method.
- Ergonomics and weight: hand size and how long you play in one session matter more than any single reviewer’s preference.
- Stick repair or replacement: whether sticks are user-replaceable and how easy parts are to source in your region.
Where the “forgot about it” claim stands
The headline’s second half is the weakest part of the story. The review is surprised that Microsoft promotes the Series 2 so little, but the sources behind this article do not measure Microsoft’s marketing or show how the product is positioned today. Whether the controller is under-promoted is a question for Microsoft’s own marketing record, not for a single reviewer’s impression.
Source limits
The argument comes from the MakeUseOf review by Suman Biswas, which this article summarizes and attributes throughout. Microsoft’s and Sony’s official product pages were not checked for the specifications and prices discussed here, so verify those before purchasing. The reviewer’s battery and drift experiences are individual reports, not controlled results.
The Bottom Line
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is a defensible pick for PC players who want paddles, profile-based customization and a built-in battery. Calling it the best controller of its generation is one reviewer’s conclusion, and the evidence here does not support a broader ranking. Check the current box contents, price and connection options before you buy.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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