With the Elite Series 2 and the Core Edition, Microsoft has two very similar controllers on offer. But which one should you buy?
With the Xbox Elite Series 2, Microsoft has had a pro controller on the market for years and is considered a recommended controller by many gamers. Since the end of 2022, another version of the Elite 2 has been available on the market, the Elite 2 Core Edition. But what are the differences?
Xbox Elite Series 2 or Core Edition, which one should I buy? MeinMMO explains the differences and helps you make your purchase decision.
Xbox Elite Series 2 vs Elite 2 Core – Price
How much do the controllers cost? Price is the most obvious difference between the Xbox Elite Series 2 and the Core Edition:
In direct comparison, you save 50 euros if you choose the core model.
Xbox Elite Series 2 vs Elite 2 Core – Design
There are some differences in design between the two models. The core controller has a large white area in the middle, the Elite Series 2 is uniformly one color.
However, with the Elite Series 2 you get more choice when it comes to choosing colors: in the Xbox Design Lab you can individually design and adapt your controller. The Core Edition does not offer this option.
If you don’t care about the colors and only care about the functions, then you can safely ignore this point.
Xbox Elite Series 2 vs Elite 2 Core – Features
Both models offer you the following functions:
Both controllers also offer you the option of creating profiles for specific buttons. This can be done on the PC using the Xbox accessories app. In theory, you can reassign every button on your controller.
The controllers hardly differ from each other in terms of functionality, but the differences become clearer when it comes to accessories.
Xbox Elite Series 2 vs Elite 2 Core – Accessories
The biggest difference between the two controller options that Xbox offers is what the two controllers come with. Because it turns out very differently:
Basically, with the core model you have the option of buying the accessories later. The so-called “Component Pack” costs around 50 euros and offers you the same accessories that are already included in the Elite Series 2.
With the “Component Pack” the core model is also the Elite Series 2 – but without the color selection:
The Elite Series 2 offers you the ultimate complete package of accessories and personalization options. However, you also pay around 150 euros for this. This is especially worthwhile if you buy a Pro controller because of paddles and want to adjust the buttons more finely.
The Elite 2 Core is the entry-level package, but you have to do without color personalization and a lot of accessories such as the paddles. Basically you can buy the things again. With the “Component Pack” for around 60 euros, the core model is also the Elite Series 2 – but without the color selection.
But if you’re thinking about it anyway or already know that you’re going to buy the “Component Pack”, then it’s better to go straight for the Elite Series 2, because it’s cheaper than buying it individually.
Is there a third option? If you don’t need any accessories or additional features, you can also use the normal Xbox controller. It only costs 60 euros, but it doesn’t offer any of the additional functions and you can only retrofit the standard controller to a limited extent.
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