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New Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core is Cheaper, Prettier

The white version of the Xbox pro controller goes for $130 and offers less hardware customization, but now the Elite models can be personalized in the Xbox Design Lab.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
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Lori Grunin
The xbox elite wireless controller series 2 core on a blue background
Microsoft

Microsoft just launched a cheaper, more stylizable white sibling for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core starts at $130 -- compared to $180 for the black model -- but comes without all the swappable paddles, thumbsticks, D-pad and case. But you can quickly turn it into the non-Core version by snapping up the Component Pack for another $60 (see what they did there?). 

Preorder Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core $130 at Xbox

And you'll be able to take it and the standard Elite Series 2 a step further by running them through the extra-cost Xbox Design Lab, which lets you choose custom colors and patterns.

The Core controller will become available on Sept. 21, but you can preorder starting today from the link above. If you want to get a Design Lab version of it or its sibling, you'll probably have to wait, since the Design Lab doesn't seem to be set up to choose the Elite models yet.

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