Xbox One Elite Controller Review: Is it worth it?

Two years ago, Microsoft released the Xbox One, and with it, the new Xbox gamepad for a new generation of consoles. It had a lot to live up to, considering the Xbox 360 version was arguably the best controller of its time, and generally was met with positive reviews. It has its problems, and Microsoft publicly stated that they spent 100 million developing its new device. The Elite feels like the gamepad they wanted to ship, but ended up having to scale back on because of its hefty price, at $149.99. Although we had to wait two years, its been worth every moment, because this new gamepad is a delight. 

The Elite is not for everyone. With that price tag, you could simply buy two very serviceable Xbox One controllers, or a few games. You're even already about halfway to an Xbox One bundle this holiday season. Its niche status doesn't stop at the price tag. It has features most gamers will never use, and mapping inputs for a specific game can be overwhelming, not to mention extremely hard to get used to. It's built to cater to a very specific kind of hardcore player. Look at it as a piece of equipment to enance your job performance; that is, if your job is shooting the faces off of aliens or blowing by the competition in a racing game. 

The controller itself is one of the most comfortable input devices I have ever held, and it feels luxurious in your hands. The sticks move with a buttery smoothness that is almost startling, and the buttons all have a very pleasing tactile response. The backs of the handles have a rubbery grip that feels great and keeps you locked in. The paddles on the back have a metallic finish and require just a slight nudge to actuate, and for someone looking for an edge on the competion, that kind of response is neccesary. The D-pad feels great and responds well, and the alternate that looks like a steel drum makes false diagonal button presses a thing of the past. Even the controller material feels great, The front and back parts that are not rubberized have a matte finish that is also slightly more grippy than the standard Xbox controller. 

On top of the standard configuration, the Elite allows for an absurd level of customization. Included are three sets of sticks: the standard version, a similar version with an increased height, and dome shaped sticks with an increased height. Check out the unboxing here. There is also the standard D-pad, and the octagonal one mentioned above. Then come the paddles, two sets of two that can be easily removed from the back if you arent into that sort of thing. That brings up another of my favorite things about this controller. Everything is swapable without the use of tools, or breaking it down. All of the swapable inputs are magnetically attatched, so you just grab and pull to go to the next configuration. It also throws in a hard carrying case and a braided micro-USB cord for connecting to your Xbox or PC.

Once you get it hooked up, load up the app to remap anything on the controller besides the menu and option buttons. Big Nintendo fan? Swap out B and A so you feel right at home. I personally mapped one of the back paddles to sprint while playing shooters so I didnt have to press in the stick over and over which felt like a chore. It took a ton of getting used to, but my left thumb will thank me later, i'm sure. The app also allows you to change stick sensitivities and although you can only store two presets on the device, you can access all of your presets as long as you have an internet connection. Microsoft is also promising developer made presets to make optimal use of the controllers assets, but so far there are only a handful. Halo 5, Gears Of War and Forza 6 all have them, and more are said to be coming in the future.

As with all matters of price, whether the Xbox One Elite controller is worth your wallet depends on your own needs and how seriously you take gaming. If you already feel like you are at the peak of your game and are trying to squeeze more out, then absolutely invest in this one. If you're more of a casual player and happy with the standard Xbox One controller, the steep learning curve and overwhelming options might be a bit much for you. The Elite controller is easily the best controller Microsoft has ever made, so if you want a premeire experience, whether for high-level gaming, or just pure comfort, you won't be dissapointed.