The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core has previously dropped to $98, but that price should not be treated as a confirmed live deal today. Engadget reported the $98 price at Amazon and Target on January 10, 2025, down from the retailer’s then-listed $130 price. Microsoft’s captured listing later showed the white Core at $139.99, reduced from $149.99, while Xbox lists the Core as starting at $129.99 ERP.
At a genuine $98 before tax, the Core is a compelling way to get Elite Series 2 controller hardware. The catch is the package: it does not include the rear paddles, charging dock, carrying case, extra thumbsticks, or additional D-pad included with the full Elite Series 2.
Was the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core really $98?
Yes—but the strongest evidence is historical, not confirmation of a current promotion. Engadget reported on January 10, 2025 that Amazon and Target were selling the controller for $98, reduced from $130.
That price may have applied only to particular colors, inventory, regions, or new units sold directly by the retailer. A price shown in a search result or an older deal article is not enough to establish that the offer is still available. Before buying, check the retailer’s live page and confirm the final price, color, seller, condition, delivery options, and return policy.
#1 Best Overall
- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 features over 30 ways to play like a pro. Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, it puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
- INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS — Swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Includes 6 thumbsticks, 4 paddles, 2 D-pads, carrying case, and charging dock.
- SAVE AND SWITCH PROFILES — Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly with the dedicated Profile button. Even pick which color the XBOX button lights up as.
A Best Buy listing has also shown a Core model around $98.99, but that listing was captured before the relevant publication cutoff and is not proof of a universally available $98 deal. Microsoft’s own page showed a higher price in its captured state. In other words, treat $98 as a price worth waiting for—or verifying—not as a guaranteed current offer.
Reference prices also vary. Xbox’s accessories page lists the Core as starting at $129.99 ERP, while Microsoft’s white model showed $149.99 originally and $139.99 in the captured listing. Colors, retailers, and pricing periods can explain the difference, so savings should be calculated from the exact listing you are viewing.
Read the original Engadget deal report · Check Microsoft’s Core listing · See Xbox’s Elite controller overview
Rank #2
- Elite Performance: Experience professional-level gaming with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks for enhanced control and precision
- Includes Core Controller and USB to C-USB Charging Cable.
- This listing does not include: Carrying Case, Charging Dock, Paddles, Additional Thumbsticks, or Dpad.
- Custom Controls: Map buttons to your preference, create and store up to 3 custom profiles, and switch between them seamlessly during gameplay
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Seamlessly connect and play on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC with USB-C connectivity and Bluetooth wireless technology
What the Core model includes
“Core” does not mean the controller has weaker primary hardware. It is chiefly a less complete package. The Core includes:
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
- Interchangeable D-pad
- Two interchangeable thumbsticks
- Thumbstick-adjustment tool
- USB-C cable
The Core box does not include the full model’s four rear paddles, extra thumbsticks, charging dock, carrying case, or additional D-pad. Those omissions matter more than the name suggests, particularly if you play competitive games that benefit from rear inputs.
Core versus full Elite Series 2
| Feature | Elite Series 2 Core | Full Elite Series 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Elite controller hardware | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable thumbstick tension | Yes | Yes |
| Hair-trigger locks | Yes | Yes |
| Rear paddles | No | Four included |
| Extra thumbsticks | No | Yes |
| Charging dock | No | Yes |
| Carrying case | No | Yes |
| Additional D-pad | No | Yes |
The full Elite Series 2 product page lists the complete bundle. You can also buy a Complete Component Pack for missing parts, but calculate the combined cost first. A discounted Core plus the accessory pack can approach—or exceed—the price of the complete controller bundle.
Rank #3
- Play like a pro with the Xbox elite wireless controller series 2
- Experience limitless customization and exclusive configuration options with the Xbox Accessories app
- Stay in the game for longer with upto 40 hours of rechargeable battery life. Use Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, or the included USB C cable to play across your Xbox One and Windows 10 devices
- Compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Windows 10
What the controller does well
The Elite Series 2 Core is aimed at players who want more control than a standard Xbox Wireless Controller provides. Its main features include:
- Adjustable thumbstick tension: lets you change the resistance of the sticks with the included tool.
- Hair-trigger locks: shorten trigger travel for games where faster inputs matter.
- Rubberized wraparound grip: gives the controller a more substantial, premium feel.
- Button remapping: the Xbox Accessories app allows custom layouts and up to three saved profiles.
- Rechargeable battery: Microsoft rates it for up to 40 hours per charge. That is a manufacturer estimate, not a guarantee; vibration, headset use, connection type, and other factors affect runtime.
- Multiple connections: Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C are supported.
- Headset and feedback support: it has a 3.5mm headset jack, rumble, and impulse-trigger feedback.
It works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PCs, and compatible Bluetooth-enabled iOS and Android devices. On Windows, you can use Bluetooth, USB-C, or a separately sold Xbox Wireless Adapter. Mobile compatibility and available features depend on the device, operating system, and connection method.
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Is $98 a good price?
Yes, if you specifically want Elite controls and do not need the missing accessories. A $98 price is roughly $32 below a $129.99 reference price and roughly $52 below a $149.99 reference price. It makes the Core much easier to justify than a price near $140–$150.
The deal is especially attractive for:
- Competitive Xbox or PC players who want adjustable sticks and hair-trigger locks.
- Players who already have a USB-C charging setup.
- Buyers who do not use rear paddles and do not need a case or charging dock.
- Anyone wanting Elite ergonomics and remapping at the lowest practical entry price.
It is less attractive for casual players. A standard Xbox Wireless Controller is cheaper, lighter, and sufficient if you do not need adjustable thumbsticks, trigger locks, saved profiles, or Elite-specific remapping. Xbox’s accessories page lists standard controllers from approximately $64.99 to $69.99 depending on the color or edition.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should buy the full Elite Series 2?
Choose the full model instead if rear paddles are central to how you play, or if you want the charging dock, carrying case, extra thumbsticks, and additional D-pad immediately. The full bundle can be better value than buying a Core and adding the missing components later.
Also consider the full model if the Core is no longer close to $98. At prices near Microsoft’s captured $139.99 listing, the savings are smaller and the accessory gap becomes harder to ignore.
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- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core delivers pro-level precision, durability, and control with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, shorter hair trigger locks, and a wrap-around rubberized grip.
- DESIGNED WITH XBOX DESIGN LAB — This XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core in Soft Melon was designed with XBOX Design Lab, the only official platform for custom XBOX controllers. Featuring a distinctive color combination across the top case, bumpers, triggers, and ABXY buttons.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
- CORE ESSENTIALS — Includes just the components you need to unleash your best game. Add even more customization with the Complete Component Pack, sold separately, for extra paddles, thumbsticks, a D-pad, carrying case, and charging dock.
Risks and buying checklist
Elite controllers have received user complaints involving issues such as stick drift, bumpers, and other input components. Those reports should not be treated as a measured defect rate or proof that every unit will fail, but they make the retailer’s return and warranty terms important. Microsoft’s North American warranty documentation lists one year for Elite Series 2 controllers; regional terms and authorized-retailer requirements may differ.
Before placing an order, verify:
- The exact color and model number.
- The price before tax at checkout.
- That the item is new, not refurbished, open-box, used, or a marketplace listing.
- Whether the seller is Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Microsoft, or a third-party merchant.
- Whether a membership, coupon, app offer, credit-card promotion, or cashback is required.
- Shipping, pickup availability, stock, and delivery estimates.
- The return window and warranty eligibility.
- The accessories actually listed in the box contents.
Do not assume every color has the same regular price or discount, and do not assume Bluetooth provides every Xbox Accessories feature on every mobile or PC device.
Verdict
Buy the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core at around $98 if you want premium Elite hardware and can live without rear paddles, a dock, a case, and the extra components. Skip it for a standard controller if you only need basic Xbox controls, or choose the full Elite Series 2 if you would otherwise buy the missing accessories separately. At $140–$150, compare the complete bundle and competing premium controllers before purchasing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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