Starscream's Rant on Xbox Elite 2 Controller Build Quality

[STARSCREAM🔰]

The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller,

hailed by Microsoft as their "elite" device for the discerning gamer. A marvel of design... or so we were led to believe. And yet, here I am, grappling with not only one but two controllers with quality issues that defy the very concept of "elite."

The sad tale began with my original Elite Series 1, where my RB button shattered in the throes of furious parries during God of War 2018. I thought, “Surely, the Series 2 will address this!” So, I upgraded, shelling out for the supposed pinnacle of controller craftsmanship, only to have history repeat itself in Ragnarok. The same button failed—though, thankfully, this time it wasn’t physically cracked. It was just dirt wedged between the contacts, an easy fix for someone with a bit of know-how.

But what about everyone else who’s forced to fork over $150 at EB Games NZ for a simple "reboot"? It’s almost comical—charging the uninitiated for what is nothing more than a quick clean-up job that any tech-savvy mind could handle in 20 minutes.

I fixed it myself, but that wasn’t the end of my saga. Shortly after, I noticed that the A button was sluggish, not "bouncing" back to life quickly enough for quick succession presses. So I did what any frustrated techie would do: I ordered a new membrane pad from AliExpress, which, admittedly, restored the button’s responsiveness. But the real surprise? After taking apart the controller three times, the structural integrity is now compromised. Half the screw points snapped, clips failed—the controller’s internals clearly not meant to be revisited by mortal hands.

So, here I stand, betrayed by a $300 NZD controller that was supposed to be my ultimate tool in digital warfare. Now I’m left with a choice: spend even more to buy a new shell, or toss this thing and shell out yet another $300 for a new one. Unacceptable! The design not only failed to meet the promised "elite" standard but actively punishes those who attempt to repair it themselves.

[Komarimaru]

This sounds like user abuse instead of product problems.

I've thousands of hours on my Xbox Elite controller, with zero issues other than a bit of dirft now after 8 years.

If it falls apart with taking it apart a few times, this is from forcing things together improperly or stripping out the screw posts.

[AmaiAmai]

I paid 29 USD for a regular Xbox controller and haven't had any issues. And I do abuse it in fighting games. I've used it since 2016 (?)

Only issue is that I have to hold it together with some metal tape, but it'll do. Can't wait to show up to a tournament with the controller again.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

These kinds of issues are always hit/miss and many shipping companies are simply not caring in how you packages are handled and by the time you get to open it up and play with it, it's probably going through a premature failure due to the fact that it was probably abused during shipping

[Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.]

Why does this guy talk about himself in 3rd person?

Seems to be your daily, unfounded rant.

[_I_]

if the controller is new rma it before trying to fix it yourself

if a button sticks, you didnt assemble it correctly or didnt clean it when assembling
and voided its warranty, thats all on you not ms or the controller

[Electric Cupcake]

Starscream uses xbox control.

No wonder he got exploded by Rainbow Dash.

[STARSCREAM🔰]

_I_ の投稿を引用：

if the controller is new rma it before trying to fix it yourself

if a button sticks, you didnt assemble it correctly or didn't clean it when assembling
and voided its warranty, that's all on you not ms or the controller

no it wasn't new enough. The button dosen't stick. its the membrane which is worn and lost its bounce back.

[STARSCREAM🔰]

For the price I shelled out for this "Elite" controller, I expect more than plastic screw mounts and flimsy internals. At this cost, aluminum mounts should be standard, giving it the backbone it deserves.

And to the "user abuse" crowd: let's get technical. Abuse is launching it across the room, not high-speed parrying in God of War. Force equals mass times acceleration—yes, I know my physics, thanks. Fast-paced gameplay requires rapid button inputs, and if the controller can't handle that without losing responsiveness, that’s on the design, not the player.

It feels amazing to use, yes, and the precision’s unmatched...but the lifespan is a joke. Build it tougher or at least make it repair-friendly. This is supposed to be the ELITE, after all, not just a glorified standard controller!