The Xbox Elite controller next to my grimey standard Xbox One controller. The Xbox logo (the “Nexus” button) and the Start/Select equivalent buttons are all in the same place, as well. For the latter, a quick-mapping option lets you just hit the button you want to change, then hit the button you want to replace it. Users can also control the intensity of vibration and how quickly each stick responds to your touch through the app. These paddles can be mapped to function like any other button on the controller, including pressing the digital pad, clicking the analog sticks, and pulling the pressure-sensitive triggers (but not pulling the analog stick in any given direction).
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Taking off the thumb sticks and other swappable parts is quite easy, the magnets hold the pieces confidently in place and the paddles on the back use a notched mechanism to secure them to the controller. The controller is covered in a soft plastic material that does not scratch easily and the back is a rubber material that makes it easy to grip the controller. Besides its 3.5 mm headset port in the front and and a new sliding controller under it, there are not many differences between this high-end device and the conventional one. Although not entirely cheap, a single adaptor does at least have the ability to connect up to eight controllers and up to four chat headsets, so if you do buy one you’re unlikely to ever need another. Microsoft is also promising developer made presets to make optimal use of the controllers assets, but so far there are only a handful.
Although all parts are interchangeable, they will never fall out. Where your fingers usually wrap around the back of the controller “handles”, with the paddles attached your finders sit just on top of them, so when concentrating you may not notice yourself slightly griping the controller more, resulting in accidently activating paddles. A nice rubberized texture on the grips brings it all together and makes the gamepad feel just right in the hand. The controller comes in a hard case that has a mesh like material on it and a zipper that splits the case in half that allows you to open it up like a clam. I’m still using an ancient 360 controller as my PC gamepad.
Tech InsiderPlease excuse the dust and fingerprints – the DualShock 4 pictured sees regular use. Both the shoulder buttons and the triggers below feature a matte silver finish versus the standard’s slippery black gloss, and the latter’s throw is about 3/16 of an inch shorter. Even though I’m not a professional gamer, I do think I’ll take advantage of the many features the Xbox One Elite Controller has to offer. The build quality is pretty high, and I was impressed with how formidable it felt in my hands.
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The Xbox One Elite Controller can be programmed with the Xbox Accessories app, available on Windows 10 and Xbox One.
