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Xbox and PC gamers can score excellent deals on Microsoft's Elite Series 2 and Elite Series 2 Core Controllers at Amazon, Walmart, and Target. The standard Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller is on sale for $135 (was $200), which is five bucks lower than its Black Friday/Cyber Monday price. The Elite Series 2 Core is up for grabs for only $110--$15 less than its price during last month's sales event. You can also get Scuf's Elite Series 2 Paddles for only $13 (was $20).
The standard Elite Series 2 has numerous customizable features and swappable magnetic components not found on the standard Xbox Wireless Controller. Here's a quick look at the controller's key extra features and accessories:
- Four removable back paddles
- Metal analog sticks with adjustable tension
- Six swappable stick caps
- standard (x2), classic (x2), wide dome, tall
- Two D-pads: Circular 8-way & standard 4-way
- Built-in trigger locks with three stopping points
- Three custom control profiles
- Charging dock
- Braided USB-C cable
- Hardshell case with accessory slots
Keep in mind the Elite Series 2 Core does not come with the swappable components. You can take a closer look at both models below.
Standard and Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controllers are also on sale are still on sale for great prices, including the Carbon Black edition for only $38 and Electric Volt for $40. We included a full list of Xbox Wireless Controller deals at the bottom of this story.
Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
$135 (was $200)
The four back paddles are located where your fingers are likely to rest naturally. Some players use all four at the same time, while others only connect one on each side. Since they are removable, you have that choice. You can also buy replacement paddles and different styles. We'd highly recommend Scuf's officially licensed paddles, which are on sale for $13 (was $20) at Amazon.
The paddles are the main draw for a lot of players, but the Elite Series 2 also has customizable sticks and directional pads. It comes with six swappable stick caps for the higher-quality metal analog sticks. You can adjust the tension on both sticks with the included tool. It's worth noting these are not Hall Effect sticks, so just like with the Xbox Wireless Controller, stick drift is a possibility. I've never had any issues with my Elite Series 2, but it can happen.
The Elite Series 2 has a unique, circular 8-way D-pad designed for quick movements. It can take some time to get used to it, but you can swap it out for a conventional 4-way D-pad. In addition to the swappable components, the Elite Series 2 has switches on the back to lock the triggers (RT and LT) to three different stopping points.
You can create three different control profiles using the Xbox Accessories App. Control layouts save to the controller and can be cycled through on the fly. Along with remapping the paddles and other controls, you can adjust stick sensitivity, vibration intensity, and more.
Unlike the Xbox Wireless Controller, the Elite Series 2 has a rechargeable battery and can run for up to 40 hours. You can charge it via USB-C or by placing it on the magnetic charging dock. The braided USB-C cable is roughly nine-feet long and can be stored in the carrying case's mesh compartment.
The Elite Series 2 released in 2019, but it's still the best premium controller for Xbox and PC. I've tested dozens of these types of controllers for all major platforms, and I have yet to find one that matches the Elite Series 2 in the ergonomics and overall feel departments. It's one of the rare controllers where the difference is immediately noticeable due to excellent weight distribution, textured grips, and sturdier shell.
Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller
$110 (was $150)
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller is on sale for $110 at Amazon, Walmart, and Target. It's the same controller in terms of build and internal components, but it doesn't come with any of swappable components: paddles, stick caps, extra D-pad, charging dock, carrying case. You can buy all the accessories separately, but you'd wind up spending more than the $25 difference between the two models right now. At MSRP, these controllers are separated by $50, and that's when it's more of a decision.
That said, there are some off-brand component packs for super cheap. If the standard Elite Series 2 deal sells out, you could pick up the Core and this popular accessory pack for only $17. It comes with four paddles, four metal joysticks, a standard D-pad, and a travel case. Just keep in mind that the travel case doesn't have dedicated slots for accessories, and you won't get the charging dock.
If you're mainly interested in the back paddles, the aforementioned Scuf Elite Series 2 Paddle 4-Pack for $13 is the ideal choice.
Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless ControllerThe Elite Series 2 previously retailed for $180, but it received a $20 bump in May when Microsoft raised the price of Xbox hardware and first-party accessories in response to the US tariff situation. Standard and Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controllers received $5 price increases at the same time.
Xbox Wireless Controller Deals (December 2025)
Seven standard edition Xbox Wireless Controllers are available for up to $30 off at Amazon and Walmart.
- Carbon Black -- $38 ($65)
- Electric Volt -- $40 ($70)
- Velocity Green -- $42 ($70)
- Shock Blue -- $42 ($70)
- Robot White -- $45 ($65)
- Deep Pink -- $49 ($70)
- Pulse Red -- $50 ($70)
Xbox Special Edition Wireless Controller Deals (December 2025)
Seven Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controllers are still on sale and in stock at Amazon and/or Walmart, including the Ice Breaker Special Edition for $50 at Amazon.
- Ice Breaker Special Edition -- $50 ($80)
- Storm Breaker Special Edition -- $49 ($80)
- Heart Breaker Special Edition -- $49 ($80)
- Daystrike Camo Special Edition -- $54 ($80)
- Arctic Camo Special Edition -- $54 ($80)
- Mineral Camo Special Edition -- $54 ($80)
- Pulse Cipher Special Edition -- $65 ($80)
If you also own a PS5, check out the official holiday deals on PlayStation's DualSense Controllers before they expire December 19. You can save up to $21 on regular DualSense Controllers and $31 on PlayStation's DualSense Edge Controller.
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