The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller reaches a historic price of $124.
You can also purchase the standard Xbox controller for just $35.
With the holiday season in full swing, an influx of new players in multiplayer gaming halls is to be expected. For those using Xbox or PC who want to maintain the pressure during the rigorous initiation rituals, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Gaming Controller is an excellent choice to maximize effectiveness in gameplay. Generally, this controller is priced high at $179.99, but currently, the complete package— which includes additional back buttons, joystick tops, D-pads, and a wireless charging dock— can be obtained for just $124, representing a $56 discount and a new low price recorded on Amazon and Walmart.
To make a comparison, the Elite Series 2 Core does not include those extras, except for the tool that allows you to adjust the joystick tension. Because of this, its price is more accessible, starting at around $94.99, with a $45 discount at Best Buy, Target, and Amazon. While it is possible to purchase the components separately for $59.99, combining them turns out to be more expensive than buying the complete Elite Series 2 package. However, this option is valid for those who wish to enjoy the full experience with the exclusive colors available for the Core: red, blue, and white.
The Elite Series 2, compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows, offers the highest personalization of any first-party pro controller and continues to be one of the most configurable options from any brand. Besides its interchangeable D-pads and four removable back buttons, it allows for changing the joystick tops and adjusting their tension. The triggers feature three different stop levels. It also provides the option to extensively reprogram buttons through Xbox and Windows, although direct changes cannot be made on the controller itself. It is important to note that this controller does not use removable batteries, so it cannot be replaced with new ones if its charge diminishes over time. Nevertheless, Microsoft assures that the battery lasts up to 40 hours before requiring a recharge, and it can be conveniently charged via a USB-C cable or the included dock.
If the price of the Xbox Elite Series 2 is too steep for your budget, the standard Xbox Series X/S wireless controller is also on sale at Best Buy and Target for $34.99, representing a $25 savings and a historical low price. Although it lacks customization options beyond the remappable buttons that can be configured on Xbox and Windows, it still offers the ergonomic quality characteristic of Microsoft and the convenience of replaceable batteries.
On the other hand, if you prefer the simplicity of Roku, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K presents an interesting alternative to the Apple TV 4K or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, with a sale price of $29.99, which means a savings of $20. This 4K model provides faster app navigation compared to the Streaming Stick Plus and is now compatible with Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus. Although it does not feature Wi-Fi 6 or Dolby Atmos like the more expensive Roku Ultra, it does support basic surround sound codecs and comes with an excellent voice remote that includes a headphone jack and shortcuts to popular streaming apps.
Finally, the game Astro Bot for PlayStation 5, which recently won Game of the Year at the Video Game Awards, can be found in its physical version with a discount to its minimum price of $49.97, about $10 less at Walmart, Best Buy, and GameStop. This platforming and puzzle game has proven worthy of recognition, thanks to its charismatic protagonist, imaginative gameplay, and a sense of magic and joy that many gamers remember from the early days of this hobby.
