TheXboxElite Series 2 controller is a top-of-the-linecontrollerfor gaming enthusiasts. In ourreviewat release in 2019, we said it’s “a product that I absolutely cannot recommend enough, as long as you have the money to spend on it.” Today, the controller retails for just under $200.
However, it’s losing its appeal six years later, and some gamers no longer believe it’s worth the money.
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First spotted byWindows Central’s Jez Corden, Amazon now labels the Bluetooth Elite Series 2 controller as a “frequently returned item.” This specifically is for the listing titled “Microsoft Bluetooth Elite Series 2 Controller - Starter Bundle for Xbox One.”
While the product has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars onAmazon, recent reviews highlight some of the issues gamers have. “I have owned 2elite series controllers. Both lasted maybe a year. And both had the same problem. If click the right thumb stick the control will shut off if u buy one get a warranty,” one review said.
Another reviewer complains, “Got this controller for myself for Xmas 2024; I just opened it on Feb 2025 because my old one finally died. It was broke out of the box. Same problem with every elite. A button double pressing on a single press B button not responsive. And the left stick was already drifting.” Several additional reviews bring up the issue surrounding buttons being unresponsive.
It’s possible that we should have seen these issues coming with theXboxElite Series 2 controller. An Amazon review from 2022 says that once their controller left its warranty window, it started breaking down and having issues. One person says they were suffering from stick drift, and their B button was starting to feel crunchy. Even Jez states that he’s on his third Elite Series 2 controller, with his first two having issues.
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It feels eerily similar to the infamous Red Ring of Death that plaguedXbox 360units. Despite issues regarding the Elite Series 2’s quality being known for several years (my wife was shopping for a new controller and purposely avoided it based on negative feedback), it feels like retailers are now letting people know to beware of potential problems before they buy.
