Up till this final month, I actually thought the Xbox Elite Controller was overrated. I assumed it was a foolish little novelty that, in the end, was for individuals who wished to splash some money and have one thing posh. How mistaken I used to be.
I didn’t even find yourself retaining my ‘collection 1’ Xbox Elite Controller. I used it for some time, however in the end discovered that I wasn’t utilizing the additions and tweaks that made the peripheral particular. I gave it away after not utilizing it for months. The paddles have been cool, however used to fall off the again of the controller too simply. The upgraded triggers have been good, however nothing to jot down residence about, not less than within the video games I used to be actively taking part in at the moment.
Whereas I by no means clicked with the Elite Controller, I’m additionally a mug with lots of nostalgia for the golden age of the Halo collection, significantly the fever-pitch hype round Halo 3. So when Xbox revealed a restricted version Halo Infinite themed Elite controller… I ordered it. Whilst I punched in my bank card particulars, I felt like an fool – I’d already had one among these controllers and removed it, so why was I shopping for one other? Now I’ve been taking part in with it, although – boy am I glad I did./p>
Maybe it’s as a consequence of Halo Infinite itself. Maybe it’s as a result of enhancements made to the Elite controller’s ‘collection 2’ variation, which has supposedly been improved in each means over the unique. In fact, I really feel it’s a mixture of the 2. The top outcome is identical, although: this controller now works for me and has change into my major controller on each Xbox and PC.
The paddles on the again not fall off in case your fingers brush them within the mistaken means. It comes with extra equipment to swap out to customise your expertise. It’s now obtained a 40-hour inside battery somewhat than utilizing pesky previous double-As. It even has all-new options like thumbstick pressure management and an additional stage on the set off locks. So, sure, the Sequence 2 is best in each means.
But in addition: if any sport feels designed for this controller – or somewhat, if this controller feels designed for any sport – it’s Halo. Once I had the final Elite controller I used to be in one thing of an ‘off’ interval with Halo, however now I’m neck-deep in an Infinite obsession, I can really see the worth of a controller like this, significantly within the configurable rear paddle buttons, the place now you can leap or reload with out taking a thumb of the sticks.
I used to be into different aggressive shooters on the time that I had my first Elite, however none of them felt pretty much as good with it as Infinite does with one. Utilizing the paddles has change into such a reflex that after I sat down with a distinct controller to play some multiplayer the opposite day, I used to be instantly measurably worse. The Elite has change into my new default.
So, right here I’m, placing my mea culpa into writing. I badmouthed the Elite Controller up to now, calling it a waste of cash primarily based on my sometimes-frustrating, never-transformative expertise with its first iteration. However in its second type, I get it. I’m on board, regardless of the expense. Has it truly made me any higher at Halo? I’m not so certain. But it surely undoubtedly feels higher within the palms.
