Xbox Elite Series 2 Core - Customizable Wireless Controller

Our analysis

An Xbox console is the line: Microsoft lists this pad for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC, while the GameSir G7 Pro 8K lists Windows PC, Android and Switch, with no Xbox. The GameSir answers with two back buttons and TMR sticks in the box; the Core edition leaves its paddles out.

What stands out

• Adjustable stick tension. The included key lets you make the sticks stiffer or looser, so you can tune how they feel for aiming instead of living with one factory setting.
• Three-step hair-trigger locks. Microsoft lets you shorten the trigger travel in three steps, so the trigger registers earlier in the pull; switch them off when a game needs the full pull.
• Up to 40 hours from an internal battery. That is Microsoft's rating, and it means no AA cells to keep buying.
• Three connections and a wrap-around rubber grip. Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth and USB-C, plus a wrap-around rubberized grip.

Where it falls short

• No back paddles in the box. The Core also skips the carrying case and the spare sticks. Buy the paddles separately and most of the savings disappear.
• Classic potentiometer sticks. Not the TMR sticks of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, the technology our stick drift guide explains.

Look elsewhere if

You play mainly on PC and worry about drift: the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has TMR sticks, two back paddles and a charging dock, though it has no official Xbox or PlayStation console support. If your main console is a PS5, the DualSense Edge brings swappable stick modules, back paddles and adjustable trigger travel.

Why the type of stick matters is covered in our stick drift guide, and the full ranking is in the 5 best gaming controllers of 2026.