Xbox Elite Series 2 Core
Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Input lag comparison
| # | Connection | Mode | LatencyAverage (ms) | Polling RateMedian (Hz) | Jitter | OSBuild ver. | FWTester ver. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latency P82 | ||||||||
1 | Cable | XInput | 8.52 9.23 | 125 | 2.15 2.11 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 5.23.6.0 5.1.0.0 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 5.63 ms 9.23 ms 12.89 ms 2.11 ms 125 Hz (see 📊) Polling Rate 7.75 ms 8.01 ms 11.89 ms 0.16 ms 125 Hz 124.44 Hz Note: This test are based on polling rate and do not represent actual input-lag. | ||||||||
2 | Dongle | XInput | 14.8 11.1 | 62.5 | 2.32 2.13 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 5.23.6.0 5.1.0.0 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 7.39 ms 11.05 ms 14.78 ms 2.13 ms 62.5 Hz (see 📊) Polling Rate 7.93 ms 15.86 ms 16.72 ms 1.02 ms 62.5 Hz 63.65 Hz Note: This test are based on polling rate and do not represent actual input-lag. | ||||||||
3 | Bluetooth | XInput | 11.1 15.0 | 131.41 | 2.95 4.45 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 5.23.6.0 5.1.0.0 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 8.26 ms 14.98 ms 24.9 ms 4.45 ms 131.41 Hz (see 📊) Polling Rate 7.2 ms 10.72 ms 22.64 ms 3.86 ms 131.41 Hz 93.34 Hz Note: This test are based on polling rate and do not represent actual input-lag. |
Latency
Our visualization focuses on Average Latency, presented as vertical bars to make comparing performance across different connection modes (Wired, Bluetooth, Dongle) instant and intuitive.
The chart differentiates between:
- Button Latency: How quickly the game registers a physical button press.
- Stick Latency: The delay in registering joystick movement (tested at 99% deflection).
Visualizing Stability (Jitter)
You may notice that the top portion of some bars is semi-transparent or "faded". This represents Jitter (instability):
- Solid Bar: Represents the stable, consistent average latency.
- Faded Top: Indicates the variance. A larger transparent area means higher jitter, implying the controller's response time fluctuates. A solid bar with little to no fading indicates a highly stable connection.
Deep Dive: Click the arrow to reveal Probability Distribution Charts. These show the exact breakdown of every input tested, displaying Probability (%) on the Y-axis and Latency (ms) on the X-axis.
Polling Rate vs. Latency
It is crucial to understand that Polling Rate and Latency are measured using two entirely different methodologies on our site:
- Latency (ms) is measured by the Prometheus 82 hardware. It captures the physical movement of the stick or button via hardware interrupts with microsecond precision. This is the "real-world" delay.
- Polling Rate (Hz) is measured via a Software Tool. It shows how often the OS receives reports from the USB stack.
Common Myth: A higher polling rate (like 8000 Hz) does not automatically guarantee lower latency if the controller's internal processing is slow. Conversely, a high polling rate on a chart might show fluctuations (e.g., 7800Hz instead of 8000Hz) due to OS jitter or CPU scheduling, which does not necessarily impact the hardware latency measured by the P82.
To test your own gamepad's polling rate, you can use our tool: Download Polling Rate Tester.
Testing Methods
Gamepadla ensures data integrity by combining three distinct testing methodologies:
-
Prometheus 82 (P82): Our gold standard. A custom-built hardware device that physically actuates buttons and sticks. It uses high-speed hardware interrupts to capture events, making it independent of the controller's polling rate. It provides an error margin of only ±1ms for buttons and sticks. View on GitHub.
-
GPDL Tester: An electrical monitoring tool for highly accurate button latency. While P82 simulates human-like mechanical movement, GPDL focuses on the electrical signal speed. View on GitHub.
-
Software Polling Test: A pure software diagnostic to check communication frequency. We use this to verify if a controller actually reaches its advertised specs (e.g., 1000Hz or 8000Hz) at the OS level. Download Software.
Note: By comparing hardware-level latency (P82) with software-level reports (Polling Test), we can identify if a controller has "fake" high polling rates or poorly optimized firmware.
Stick test of Xbox Elite Series 2 Core
Stick test results for Xbox Elite Series 2 Core gamepad • Cable connection • XInput mode • FW 5.23.6.0, by John Punch
- Inner D.ZoneNone
- Outer D.Zone0.4 mm
- Asymmetry8.3 / 11.5%
- Circle Error7.2 / 7.0%
- Stick Bitness9.8 bit
- Stick Centering10.1 / 8.3%
- Polling RateN/A
Inner Dead Zone
The Inner Dead Zone is the area around the center of the stick where small movements are not registered. This helps prevent stick drift or accidental inputs, but if the dead zone is too large, it can make aiming less precise, especially in games requiring fine control. We evaluate the Inner Dead Zone based on how much you need to move the stick before it responds—the less movement required, the better.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core has no Inner Dead Zone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
For comparison, many budget gamepads often have a moderate to large Inner Dead Zone, while premium controllers typically aim for a slight or no dead zone for better precision.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Inner Dead Zone works.
Outer Dead Zone
The Outer Dead Zone is the area near the edge of the stick’s range where further movement isn’t registered. This can make the stick feel less responsive at full tilt, affecting actions like quick turns or maximum speed in games. We evaluate the Outer Dead Zone based on how much 'lost' range there is—the smaller the dead zone, the better, as it allows full use of the stick’s range for more precise control.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core has a slight Outer Dead Zone (0.4 mm). There’s a small portion of the stick’s range that isn’t registered, but it’s minimal and unlikely to affect gameplay noticeably.
Per-stick breakdown for the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core: the left stick measures 0.4 mm, which corresponds to a slight outer dead zone, while the right stick measures 0.4 mm, which corresponds to a slight outer dead zone. This helps show whether the controller loses range evenly on both sticks or if one stick is noticeably weaker near full tilt.
Both sticks show the same measured Outer Dead Zone, which suggests consistent edge behavior between movement and camera inputs.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have moderate to large Outer Dead Zones, while premium controllers strive for minimal or no dead zone to maximize control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Outer Dead Zone works.
Stick Asymmetry
Stick Asymmetry measures the consistency of the joystick's response across different directions. Ideally, if you physically deflect the stick by 80% from the center, the software should report an 80% deflection regardless of the direction. A high asymmetry score indicates a problem where for the same physical movement, the reported coordinates are inconsistent—for example, 60% in one direction and 90% in another. This creates an uneven, often 'egg-shaped,' response zone, which negatively impacts aiming and control predictability.
For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the Stick Asymmetry is 8.3% for the left stick and 11.5% for the right stick. Higher values can lead to noticeable inconsistencies, potentially impacting aiming or movement in games.
Testing Methodology: It's crucial to note that this test is performed at partial stick deflection (~80%), using special physical limiters (clips). Testing at 100% deflection often hides asymmetries because the controller's output is clamped at the maximum value, artificially 'smoothing' the resulting shape. Our method reveals the true performance of the stick in the ranges most critical for gameplay. This precise approach was also utilized by Linus Tech Tips in their controller review.
For comparison, many budget gamepads show asymmetry levels above 30%, while high-end controllers typically stay below 10% for better uniformity.
Learn more about how different gamepads perform in the Stick Asymmetry test and how to conduct such a test in this article. You can learn how to test joystick asymmetry yourself from this video.
Circle Error
Circle Error evaluates how closely the stick’s movement follows a perfect circle. A high Circle Error means the path is more square-like, which can cause inconsistent speeds when moving diagonally—your character might move faster or slower than expected. The lower the percentage, the better, as it ensures smooth, uniform movement in all directions.
For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the Circle Error is 7.2% for the left stick and 7.0% for the right stick. This is a good result, providing smooth diagonal movement similar to premium controllers.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have Circle Errors above 12%, resulting in 'square' feeling sticks, while high-quality ones aim for under 8% for better smoothness.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Circle Error impacts performance.
Stick Bitness
Stick Bitness measures the precision of the joystick’s analog input, similar to bit depth in audio. Higher bitness means more distinct positions the stick can register, leading to smoother and more accurate control. Lower bitness can result in 'stepping' or less fluid movement, especially noticeable in slow, precise actions like aiming.
Unlike declared digital resolution, our True Bitness metric is derived from actual physical stick movement, reflecting the usable positions the stick can produce in practice. For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the movement-based True Bitness is 9.8 bits on both sticks. This is excellent precision, comparable to high-end controllers, ensuring smooth inputs in demanding games.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00224 on both sticks, with about 446 SFC (Steps From Center) on each side, meaning roughly 446 distinct positions from the center to one edge.
For comparison, many budget gamepads have around 8 bits, while premium ones often exceed 10 bits for superior accuracy.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Bitness affects control. It is important to note that the video specifies the resolution of the stick, not the bit depth; the higher the bit depth, the higher the resolution.
Stick Centering
Stick Centering measures how accurately the joystick returns to its neutral (center) position after you release it. A good Stick Centering value prevents stick drift—a common issue where your character or camera moves slightly in a game, even when you're not touching the stick. The lower the percentage, the better the centering, and the less likely you are to experience drift.
For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the Stick Centering is 10.1% for the left joystick and 8.3% for the right stick. Values above 2% may lead to noticeable drift in some scenarios, which can affect precision in games.
This test methodology intentionally employs a more rigorous approach by implementing small-angle deflection and release, which produces the most challenging conditions for stick re-centering. This technique differs from the conventional maximum-deflection method where the stick is pulled to its full range and released, as small-angle deflection better simulates the micro-adjustments typically executed during actual gameplay scenarios, providing more representative data on potential stick drift occurrence during normal use.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Centering works.
Axis Magnet
Axis Magnet is a form of stick processing where movement tends to 'snap' or cling to the X or Y axis when the stick passes close to it within a certain part of its travel. This can make pure horizontal or vertical movement feel cleaner, but it also alters the real stick path and can distort diagonal or subtle player input.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core shows no Axis Magnet. That means the stick does not artificially cling to the horizontal or vertical axes, so your real movement path is preserved more accurately. This is the preferable behavior for consistent aiming and natural analog control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Axis Magnet affects stick behavior.
Polling Rate
Polling Rate describes how often the controller sends stick data to the system, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher values mean the controller reports its position more frequently, which can reduce the time between updates and make input feel more responsive.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core does not have a saved polling-rate value for this test entry, so the field is shown as N/A. This usually means the measurement was not captured together with the stick data, not necessarily that the controller performs poorly.
Polling Rate is measured separately from latency, so it is best used as supporting information rather than a standalone quality verdict. In addition, this reading is approximate: Stick Tracer is not a specialized tool for precise polling-rate measurement, so some margin of error is expected.
Center Skip
Center Skip, also known as Stick Skipping, is a rare behavior where the joystick does not begin moving smoothly from its neutral position. Instead of a gradual response, it suddenly jumps to a noticeable deflection as soon as movement starts, which makes fine control much harder.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core shows no Center Skip. That means the stick begins moving gradually from neutral, which is the expected and desirable behavior for precise aiming, camera control, and micro-adjustments.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Skipping affects performance.
Disclaimer
We tested the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core gamepad using a single unit, so keep in mind that other units of this model might perform slightly better or worse. In most cases, these differences are minor and shouldn’t affect your experience significantly. The results were obtained with the Stick Tracer program, and some values might vary if you use different software or testing methods.
Testing conditions, such as the gamepad’s firmware version (FW: 5.23.6.0) or connection type, can also influence the results. If you have this gamepad, we’d love for you to share your own test results! This will help us build a more comprehensive picture of the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick test results for Xbox Elite Series 2 Core gamepad • Dongle connection • XInput mode • FW 5.23.6.0, by John Punch
- Inner D.ZoneNone
- Outer D.Zone0.4 mm
- Asymmetry6.9 / 13.0%
- Circle Error6.7 / 6.4%
- Stick Bitness9.3 bit
- Stick Centering9.1 / 7.6%
- Polling RateN/A
Inner Dead Zone
The Inner Dead Zone is the area around the center of the stick where small movements are not registered. This helps prevent stick drift or accidental inputs, but if the dead zone is too large, it can make aiming less precise, especially in games requiring fine control. We evaluate the Inner Dead Zone based on how much you need to move the stick before it responds—the less movement required, the better.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core has no Inner Dead Zone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
For comparison, many budget gamepads often have a moderate to large Inner Dead Zone, while premium controllers typically aim for a slight or no dead zone for better precision.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Inner Dead Zone works.
Outer Dead Zone
The Outer Dead Zone is the area near the edge of the stick’s range where further movement isn’t registered. This can make the stick feel less responsive at full tilt, affecting actions like quick turns or maximum speed in games. We evaluate the Outer Dead Zone based on how much 'lost' range there is—the smaller the dead zone, the better, as it allows full use of the stick’s range for more precise control.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core has a slight Outer Dead Zone (0.4 mm). There’s a small portion of the stick’s range that isn’t registered, but it’s minimal and unlikely to affect gameplay noticeably.
Per-stick breakdown for the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core: the left stick measures 0.4 mm, which corresponds to a slight outer dead zone, while the right stick measures 0.4 mm, which corresponds to a slight outer dead zone. This helps show whether the controller loses range evenly on both sticks or if one stick is noticeably weaker near full tilt.
Both sticks show the same measured Outer Dead Zone, which suggests consistent edge behavior between movement and camera inputs.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have moderate to large Outer Dead Zones, while premium controllers strive for minimal or no dead zone to maximize control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Outer Dead Zone works.
Stick Asymmetry
Stick Asymmetry measures the consistency of the joystick's response across different directions. Ideally, if you physically deflect the stick by 80% from the center, the software should report an 80% deflection regardless of the direction. A high asymmetry score indicates a problem where for the same physical movement, the reported coordinates are inconsistent—for example, 60% in one direction and 90% in another. This creates an uneven, often 'egg-shaped,' response zone, which negatively impacts aiming and control predictability.
For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the Stick Asymmetry is 6.9% for the left stick and 13.0% for the right stick. Higher values can lead to noticeable inconsistencies, potentially impacting aiming or movement in games.
Testing Methodology: It's crucial to note that this test is performed at partial stick deflection (~80%), using special physical limiters (clips). Testing at 100% deflection often hides asymmetries because the controller's output is clamped at the maximum value, artificially 'smoothing' the resulting shape. Our method reveals the true performance of the stick in the ranges most critical for gameplay. This precise approach was also utilized by Linus Tech Tips in their controller review.
For comparison, many budget gamepads show asymmetry levels above 30%, while high-end controllers typically stay below 10% for better uniformity.
Learn more about how different gamepads perform in the Stick Asymmetry test and how to conduct such a test in this article. You can learn how to test joystick asymmetry yourself from this video.
Circle Error
Circle Error evaluates how closely the stick’s movement follows a perfect circle. A high Circle Error means the path is more square-like, which can cause inconsistent speeds when moving diagonally—your character might move faster or slower than expected. The lower the percentage, the better, as it ensures smooth, uniform movement in all directions.
For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the Circle Error is 6.7% for the left stick and 6.4% for the right stick. This is a good result, providing smooth diagonal movement similar to premium controllers.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have Circle Errors above 12%, resulting in 'square' feeling sticks, while high-quality ones aim for under 8% for better smoothness.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Circle Error impacts performance.
Stick Bitness
Stick Bitness measures the precision of the joystick’s analog input, similar to bit depth in audio. Higher bitness means more distinct positions the stick can register, leading to smoother and more accurate control. Lower bitness can result in 'stepping' or less fluid movement, especially noticeable in slow, precise actions like aiming.
Unlike declared digital resolution, our True Bitness metric is derived from actual physical stick movement, reflecting the usable positions the stick can produce in practice. For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the movement-based True Bitness is 9.3 bits on both sticks. This is excellent precision, comparable to high-end controllers, ensuring smooth inputs in demanding games.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00317 on both sticks, with about 315 SFC (Steps From Center) on each side, meaning roughly 315 distinct positions from the center to one edge.
For comparison, many budget gamepads have around 8 bits, while premium ones often exceed 10 bits for superior accuracy.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Bitness affects control. It is important to note that the video specifies the resolution of the stick, not the bit depth; the higher the bit depth, the higher the resolution.
Stick Centering
Stick Centering measures how accurately the joystick returns to its neutral (center) position after you release it. A good Stick Centering value prevents stick drift—a common issue where your character or camera moves slightly in a game, even when you're not touching the stick. The lower the percentage, the better the centering, and the less likely you are to experience drift.
For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the Stick Centering is 9.1% for the left joystick and 7.6% for the right stick. Values above 2% may lead to noticeable drift in some scenarios, which can affect precision in games.
This test methodology intentionally employs a more rigorous approach by implementing small-angle deflection and release, which produces the most challenging conditions for stick re-centering. This technique differs from the conventional maximum-deflection method where the stick is pulled to its full range and released, as small-angle deflection better simulates the micro-adjustments typically executed during actual gameplay scenarios, providing more representative data on potential stick drift occurrence during normal use.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Centering works.
Axis Magnet
Axis Magnet is a form of stick processing where movement tends to 'snap' or cling to the X or Y axis when the stick passes close to it within a certain part of its travel. This can make pure horizontal or vertical movement feel cleaner, but it also alters the real stick path and can distort diagonal or subtle player input.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core shows no Axis Magnet. That means the stick does not artificially cling to the horizontal or vertical axes, so your real movement path is preserved more accurately. This is the preferable behavior for consistent aiming and natural analog control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Axis Magnet affects stick behavior.
Polling Rate
Polling Rate describes how often the controller sends stick data to the system, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher values mean the controller reports its position more frequently, which can reduce the time between updates and make input feel more responsive.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core does not have a saved polling-rate value for this test entry, so the field is shown as N/A. This usually means the measurement was not captured together with the stick data, not necessarily that the controller performs poorly.
Polling Rate is measured separately from latency, so it is best used as supporting information rather than a standalone quality verdict. In addition, this reading is approximate: Stick Tracer is not a specialized tool for precise polling-rate measurement, so some margin of error is expected.
Center Skip
Center Skip, also known as Stick Skipping, is a rare behavior where the joystick does not begin moving smoothly from its neutral position. Instead of a gradual response, it suddenly jumps to a noticeable deflection as soon as movement starts, which makes fine control much harder.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core shows no Center Skip. That means the stick begins moving gradually from neutral, which is the expected and desirable behavior for precise aiming, camera control, and micro-adjustments.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Skipping affects performance.
Disclaimer
We tested the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core gamepad using a single unit, so keep in mind that other units of this model might perform slightly better or worse. In most cases, these differences are minor and shouldn’t affect your experience significantly. The results were obtained with the Stick Tracer program, and some values might vary if you use different software or testing methods.
Testing conditions, such as the gamepad’s firmware version (FW: 5.23.6.0) or connection type, can also influence the results. If you have this gamepad, we’d love for you to share your own test results! This will help us build a more comprehensive picture of the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick test results for Xbox Elite Series 2 Core gamepad • Bluetooth connection • XInput mode • FW 5.23.6.0, by John Punch
- Inner D.ZoneNone
- Outer D.Zone0.4 mm
- Asymmetry8.0 / 10.5%
- Circle Error6.9 / 7.0%
- Stick Bitness9.5 bit
- Stick Centering8.9 / 7.8%
- Polling RateN/A
Inner Dead Zone
The Inner Dead Zone is the area around the center of the stick where small movements are not registered. This helps prevent stick drift or accidental inputs, but if the dead zone is too large, it can make aiming less precise, especially in games requiring fine control. We evaluate the Inner Dead Zone based on how much you need to move the stick before it responds—the less movement required, the better.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core has no Inner Dead Zone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
For comparison, many budget gamepads often have a moderate to large Inner Dead Zone, while premium controllers typically aim for a slight or no dead zone for better precision.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Inner Dead Zone works.
Outer Dead Zone
The Outer Dead Zone is the area near the edge of the stick’s range where further movement isn’t registered. This can make the stick feel less responsive at full tilt, affecting actions like quick turns or maximum speed in games. We evaluate the Outer Dead Zone based on how much 'lost' range there is—the smaller the dead zone, the better, as it allows full use of the stick’s range for more precise control.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core has a slight Outer Dead Zone (0.4 mm). There’s a small portion of the stick’s range that isn’t registered, but it’s minimal and unlikely to affect gameplay noticeably.
Per-stick breakdown for the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core: the left stick measures 0.4 mm, which corresponds to a slight outer dead zone, while the right stick measures 0.4 mm, which corresponds to a slight outer dead zone. This helps show whether the controller loses range evenly on both sticks or if one stick is noticeably weaker near full tilt.
Both sticks show the same measured Outer Dead Zone, which suggests consistent edge behavior between movement and camera inputs.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have moderate to large Outer Dead Zones, while premium controllers strive for minimal or no dead zone to maximize control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Outer Dead Zone works.
Stick Asymmetry
Stick Asymmetry measures the consistency of the joystick's response across different directions. Ideally, if you physically deflect the stick by 80% from the center, the software should report an 80% deflection regardless of the direction. A high asymmetry score indicates a problem where for the same physical movement, the reported coordinates are inconsistent—for example, 60% in one direction and 90% in another. This creates an uneven, often 'egg-shaped,' response zone, which negatively impacts aiming and control predictability.
For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the Stick Asymmetry is 8.0% for the left stick and 10.5% for the right stick. Higher values can lead to noticeable inconsistencies, potentially impacting aiming or movement in games.
Testing Methodology: It's crucial to note that this test is performed at partial stick deflection (~80%), using special physical limiters (clips). Testing at 100% deflection often hides asymmetries because the controller's output is clamped at the maximum value, artificially 'smoothing' the resulting shape. Our method reveals the true performance of the stick in the ranges most critical for gameplay. This precise approach was also utilized by Linus Tech Tips in their controller review.
For comparison, many budget gamepads show asymmetry levels above 30%, while high-end controllers typically stay below 10% for better uniformity.
Learn more about how different gamepads perform in the Stick Asymmetry test and how to conduct such a test in this article. You can learn how to test joystick asymmetry yourself from this video.
Circle Error
Circle Error evaluates how closely the stick’s movement follows a perfect circle. A high Circle Error means the path is more square-like, which can cause inconsistent speeds when moving diagonally—your character might move faster or slower than expected. The lower the percentage, the better, as it ensures smooth, uniform movement in all directions.
For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the Circle Error is 6.9% for the left stick and 7.0% for the right stick. This is a good result, providing smooth diagonal movement similar to premium controllers.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have Circle Errors above 12%, resulting in 'square' feeling sticks, while high-quality ones aim for under 8% for better smoothness.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Circle Error impacts performance.
Stick Bitness
Stick Bitness measures the precision of the joystick’s analog input, similar to bit depth in audio. Higher bitness means more distinct positions the stick can register, leading to smoother and more accurate control. Lower bitness can result in 'stepping' or less fluid movement, especially noticeable in slow, precise actions like aiming.
Unlike declared digital resolution, our True Bitness metric is derived from actual physical stick movement, reflecting the usable positions the stick can produce in practice. For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the movement-based True Bitness is 9.5 bits on both sticks. This is excellent precision, comparable to high-end controllers, ensuring smooth inputs in demanding games.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00276 on both sticks, with about 362 SFC (Steps From Center) on each side, meaning roughly 362 distinct positions from the center to one edge.
For comparison, many budget gamepads have around 8 bits, while premium ones often exceed 10 bits for superior accuracy.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Bitness affects control. It is important to note that the video specifies the resolution of the stick, not the bit depth; the higher the bit depth, the higher the resolution.
Stick Centering
Stick Centering measures how accurately the joystick returns to its neutral (center) position after you release it. A good Stick Centering value prevents stick drift—a common issue where your character or camera moves slightly in a game, even when you're not touching the stick. The lower the percentage, the better the centering, and the less likely you are to experience drift.
For the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, the Stick Centering is 8.9% for the left joystick and 7.8% for the right stick. Values above 2% may lead to noticeable drift in some scenarios, which can affect precision in games.
This test methodology intentionally employs a more rigorous approach by implementing small-angle deflection and release, which produces the most challenging conditions for stick re-centering. This technique differs from the conventional maximum-deflection method where the stick is pulled to its full range and released, as small-angle deflection better simulates the micro-adjustments typically executed during actual gameplay scenarios, providing more representative data on potential stick drift occurrence during normal use.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Centering works.
Axis Magnet
Axis Magnet is a form of stick processing where movement tends to 'snap' or cling to the X or Y axis when the stick passes close to it within a certain part of its travel. This can make pure horizontal or vertical movement feel cleaner, but it also alters the real stick path and can distort diagonal or subtle player input.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core shows no Axis Magnet. That means the stick does not artificially cling to the horizontal or vertical axes, so your real movement path is preserved more accurately. This is the preferable behavior for consistent aiming and natural analog control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Axis Magnet affects stick behavior.
Polling Rate
Polling Rate describes how often the controller sends stick data to the system, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher values mean the controller reports its position more frequently, which can reduce the time between updates and make input feel more responsive.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core does not have a saved polling-rate value for this test entry, so the field is shown as N/A. This usually means the measurement was not captured together with the stick data, not necessarily that the controller performs poorly.
Polling Rate is measured separately from latency, so it is best used as supporting information rather than a standalone quality verdict. In addition, this reading is approximate: Stick Tracer is not a specialized tool for precise polling-rate measurement, so some margin of error is expected.
Center Skip
Center Skip, also known as Stick Skipping, is a rare behavior where the joystick does not begin moving smoothly from its neutral position. Instead of a gradual response, it suddenly jumps to a noticeable deflection as soon as movement starts, which makes fine control much harder.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core shows no Center Skip. That means the stick begins moving gradually from neutral, which is the expected and desirable behavior for precise aiming, camera control, and micro-adjustments.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Skipping affects performance.
Disclaimer
We tested the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core gamepad using a single unit, so keep in mind that other units of this model might perform slightly better or worse. In most cases, these differences are minor and shouldn’t affect your experience significantly. The results were obtained with the Stick Tracer program, and some values might vary if you use different software or testing methods.
Testing conditions, such as the gamepad’s firmware version (FW: 5.23.6.0) or connection type, can also influence the results. If you have this gamepad, we’d love for you to share your own test results! This will help us build a more comprehensive picture of the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick Movement Linearity Test
Linearity test for Xbox Elite Series 2 Core • Firmware 5.23.6.0 • Stick Analyzer 2.0.3.0 • Cable connection • Xinput mode • Manual Input. Uploaded, by John Punch
Stick Motion Resolution Analysis
This test evaluates the analog stick's ability to register unique positions during a controlled, linear motion from the center to the edge of its range. The analysis was conducted using the Line program, ensuring precise measurement of the stick's resolution, linearity, and response characteristics.
Data Points
Data Points represents the total number of unique positions registered during the smooth movement of the stick from center to edge. This includes both the stable analog values and positions affected by signal processing or jitter. In this test, we recorded 430 data points, which is an excellent result that indicates very precise stick movement registration. For a more accurate assessment of stick precision, it's important to also consider the Straight Points metric, which filters out noise and signal processing artifacts.
Straight Points
Straight Points represent the number of unique positions detected after filtering out tremor and signal processing artifacts during stick movement. This filtering process identifies points that follow a consistently increasing trajectory, showing the true analog values without noise. The test registered 426 straight points. This is an excellent result, indicating very smooth and precise stick movement. This value highlights the stick's ability to provide stable and reliable position data during smooth motion.
Resolution
Resolution in this test refers to two complementary measurements:
Total Resolution: 451 positions across the entire stick range. This number represents how many distinct positions the analog stick can detect from center to edge. This might result in somewhat stepped or less smooth movement
Step Resolution: 0.00221 per increment. This value represents the average size of each step between detected positions (smaller values indicate higher precision). It determines how smoothly the stick can transition between positions, which directly impacts precise aiming and subtle movements in games.
A high total resolution combined with a low step resolution provides the optimal experience for precise control in games requiring fine adjustments.
Tremor
Tremor percentage represents the amount of signal processing that occurs between raw stick movement and the final output. It is calculated as the percentage of data points that don't follow a consistently increasing trajectory. The test measured 0.9% tremor. This indicates very stable stick movement with minimal noise in signal processing. Different controllers have different signal processing characteristics, and lower tremor values typically indicate more direct translation of physical movement.
Linearity
Linearity represents how closely the stick movement follows an ideal linear path. It's calculated as 100% minus the nonlinearity percentage, where nonlinearity measures deviations from a perfectly straight line. The test measured 95.8% linearity. This indicates excellent stick linearity, providing consistent and predictable movement.
At the same time, a gamepad stick is not a perfectly linear mechanical system. The stick rotates around a pivot, the cap travels along an arc, and the sensor reads that rotational movement rather than a truly straight physical path. Because of this, a graph that bends slightly below the ideal straight line is often normal. In many cases, that lower arc-like bow reflects the real mechanics of the stick more faithfully than a response that was tuned mainly to look perfectly straight in this specific test.
What matters most is that the movement remains smooth, progressive, and predictable. A mild, even downward curve can be acceptable or even technically more natural, while sharp dips, waviness, uneven acceleration, or asymmetry still indicate worse response quality.
Test Duration
The time taken to complete the test was 6.88 seconds. This is an optimal test duration, providing reliable results. For the most accurate results, the stick movement should be smooth and controlled, typically taking between 5 and 8 seconds.
Linearity test for Xbox Elite Series 2 Core • Firmware 5.23.6.0 • Stick Analyzer 2.0.3.0 • Dongle connection • Xinput mode • Manual Input. Uploaded, by John Punch
Stick Motion Resolution Analysis
This test evaluates the analog stick's ability to register unique positions during a controlled, linear motion from the center to the edge of its range. The analysis was conducted using the Line program, ensuring precise measurement of the stick's resolution, linearity, and response characteristics.
Data Points
Data Points represents the total number of unique positions registered during the smooth movement of the stick from center to edge. This includes both the stable analog values and positions affected by signal processing or jitter. In this test, we recorded 298 data points, which is an excellent result that indicates very precise stick movement registration. For a more accurate assessment of stick precision, it's important to also consider the Straight Points metric, which filters out noise and signal processing artifacts.
Straight Points
Straight Points represent the number of unique positions detected after filtering out tremor and signal processing artifacts during stick movement. This filtering process identifies points that follow a consistently increasing trajectory, showing the true analog values without noise. The test registered 295 straight points. This is an excellent result, indicating very smooth and precise stick movement. This value highlights the stick's ability to provide stable and reliable position data during smooth motion.
Resolution
Resolution in this test refers to two complementary measurements:
Total Resolution: 312 positions across the entire stick range. This number represents how many distinct positions the analog stick can detect from center to edge. This might result in somewhat stepped or less smooth movement
Step Resolution: 0.00320 per increment. This value represents the average size of each step between detected positions (smaller values indicate higher precision). It determines how smoothly the stick can transition between positions, which directly impacts precise aiming and subtle movements in games.
A high total resolution combined with a low step resolution provides the optimal experience for precise control in games requiring fine adjustments.
Tremor
Tremor percentage represents the amount of signal processing that occurs between raw stick movement and the final output. It is calculated as the percentage of data points that don't follow a consistently increasing trajectory. The test measured 1.0% tremor. This indicates very stable stick movement with minimal noise in signal processing. Different controllers have different signal processing characteristics, and lower tremor values typically indicate more direct translation of physical movement.
Linearity
Linearity represents how closely the stick movement follows an ideal linear path. It's calculated as 100% minus the nonlinearity percentage, where nonlinearity measures deviations from a perfectly straight line. The test measured 97.1% linearity. This indicates excellent stick linearity, providing consistent and predictable movement.
At the same time, a gamepad stick is not a perfectly linear mechanical system. The stick rotates around a pivot, the cap travels along an arc, and the sensor reads that rotational movement rather than a truly straight physical path. Because of this, a graph that bends slightly below the ideal straight line is often normal. In many cases, that lower arc-like bow reflects the real mechanics of the stick more faithfully than a response that was tuned mainly to look perfectly straight in this specific test.
What matters most is that the movement remains smooth, progressive, and predictable. A mild, even downward curve can be acceptable or even technically more natural, while sharp dips, waviness, uneven acceleration, or asymmetry still indicate worse response quality.
Test Duration
The time taken to complete the test was 6.37 seconds. This is an optimal test duration, providing reliable results. For the most accurate results, the stick movement should be smooth and controlled, typically taking between 5 and 8 seconds.
Linearity test for Xbox Elite Series 2 Core • Firmware 5.23.6.0 • Stick Analyzer 2.0.3.0 • Bluetooth connection • Xinput mode • Manual Input. Uploaded, by John Punch
Stick Motion Resolution Analysis
This test evaluates the analog stick's ability to register unique positions during a controlled, linear motion from the center to the edge of its range. The analysis was conducted using the Line program, ensuring precise measurement of the stick's resolution, linearity, and response characteristics.
Data Points
Data Points represents the total number of unique positions registered during the smooth movement of the stick from center to edge. This includes both the stable analog values and positions affected by signal processing or jitter. In this test, we recorded 341 data points, which is an excellent result that indicates very precise stick movement registration. For a more accurate assessment of stick precision, it's important to also consider the Straight Points metric, which filters out noise and signal processing artifacts.
Straight Points
Straight Points represent the number of unique positions detected after filtering out tremor and signal processing artifacts during stick movement. This filtering process identifies points that follow a consistently increasing trajectory, showing the true analog values without noise. The test registered 338 straight points. This is an excellent result, indicating very smooth and precise stick movement. This value highlights the stick's ability to provide stable and reliable position data during smooth motion.
Resolution
Resolution in this test refers to two complementary measurements:
Total Resolution: 358 positions across the entire stick range. This number represents how many distinct positions the analog stick can detect from center to edge. This might result in somewhat stepped or less smooth movement
Step Resolution: 0.00279 per increment. This value represents the average size of each step between detected positions (smaller values indicate higher precision). It determines how smoothly the stick can transition between positions, which directly impacts precise aiming and subtle movements in games.
A high total resolution combined with a low step resolution provides the optimal experience for precise control in games requiring fine adjustments.
Tremor
Tremor percentage represents the amount of signal processing that occurs between raw stick movement and the final output. It is calculated as the percentage of data points that don't follow a consistently increasing trajectory. The test measured 0.9% tremor. This indicates very stable stick movement with minimal noise in signal processing. Different controllers have different signal processing characteristics, and lower tremor values typically indicate more direct translation of physical movement.
Linearity
Linearity represents how closely the stick movement follows an ideal linear path. It's calculated as 100% minus the nonlinearity percentage, where nonlinearity measures deviations from a perfectly straight line. The test measured 95.5% linearity. This indicates excellent stick linearity, providing consistent and predictable movement.
At the same time, a gamepad stick is not a perfectly linear mechanical system. The stick rotates around a pivot, the cap travels along an arc, and the sensor reads that rotational movement rather than a truly straight physical path. Because of this, a graph that bends slightly below the ideal straight line is often normal. In many cases, that lower arc-like bow reflects the real mechanics of the stick more faithfully than a response that was tuned mainly to look perfectly straight in this specific test.
What matters most is that the movement remains smooth, progressive, and predictable. A mild, even downward curve can be acceptable or even technically more natural, while sharp dips, waviness, uneven acceleration, or asymmetry still indicate worse response quality.
Test Duration
The time taken to complete the test was 6.34 seconds. This is an optimal test duration, providing reliable results. For the most accurate results, the stick movement should be smooth and controlled, typically taking between 5 and 8 seconds.
Reviews of Xbox Elite Series 2 Core
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User comments
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core feels solid, but I can't shake the worry about the thumbstick quality. Are they still using that same material that wears down fast? It's a bummer if that's the case.
Exactly, they are still using potentiometers and that is terrible!
Not sure what the main trade-offs are between the regular Elite Series 2 and the Core version. Guess it all depends on how much customization and premium features you really need.
The Core version is basically stripped down to the essentials - controller, stick tool, and cable. Still a solid choice, and you can always add premium accessories later on if you want.
@Michael Voss Yeah, the full package comes with all the extra bells and whistles, like extra sticks, paddles, and the case, wireless charging dock, and more. The Core version is great for those who just need the essentials imo.
Dude, the Core is literally just the controller, no extra paddles, clip, or wireless charging dock. It's the base model, less customization but still a solid pad, just no frills.
@Michael Voss yeah, I did the same thing, got the Core for a sweet deal and just bought the extras online, works out cheaper and I've got the parts I need. Replica parts are a solid option, I've got no complaints.
@Fuzzy Sock yep, exactly what I did, got the core and ordered the rest off Amazon for like 15 bucks (sticks and such), now I've got the whole thing for a fraction of the original price, no complaints here!
@Joseph Reed you can swap out just the thumbsticks, not the whole stick, but the sticks themselves aren't super cheap so yeah it's a bit of a hassle, glad you found a good deal tho.
@Fuzzy Sock dude, $125 isn't that much of a deal when the Elite 2 is on sale, plus you're still missing the wireless charging dock and a decent battery life, so it's not like you saved that much by buying the Core separately.
@Michael Voss Yeah, I got the same idea, dude - got the core for 80 bucks, added aftermarket paddles, then just took them off since I never used 'em. Less than 100 bucks is still a sick deal for the essentials.
The Core version simply lacks the extra accessories found in the regular Elite Series 2. If those premium features and customization options are important to you, that's the main trade-off to consider.
@Michel Dupont I get what you mean; the lack of a charging dock and decent battery life makes the Core less appealing compared to the Elite 2, especially when it's on sale.
The Elite Series 2 offers more customization and features than the Core version, including adjustable thumbstick tension, making it a better choice for gamers who value performance and personalization.
@Aurora Analyst 99 Customization is great, but if the Elite Series 2 still has stick drift issues, is it really worth the extra cost? I'd rather wait for a more reliable option.
I'm curious, what sets the Elite Series 2 Core apart from the standard Xbox controller in terms of performance and features, making it a worthwhile upgrade for gamers.
it feels way better in my hands because of the grip, and you can customize stick tensions, trigger locks, and back paddles are a must-have for shooters rn
Picked up the blue version solely for its aesthetics, but it's exceeded my expectations in every way, the design really holds up to use.
I'm surprised more people aren't mentioning the aesthetic, the white one's not entirely white, but it still looks pretty sharp.
The Elite Series 2 Core feels great in hand, but I’m worried about the durability issues. It’s like they nailed the comfort but dropped the ball on quality control! Can’t we get both?
Does the Elite Series 2 Core still have the same loud and clicky issues as the standard Xbox controller?
I was hoping for some stick module updates, like are they still prone to drifting, but I guess that's not the case with the Elite Series 2 Core.
Those two controllers are basically the cost of a new console, which is a bit steep if you ask me.
I agree, those controllers are overpriced. You can find much better options for half the price, making it hard to justify spending that much when more affordable alternatives exist.
I'm fed up with my Elite Series 2 Core's RB breaking after warranty expired, despite light gaming use. There are countless threads about this issue. Don't waste your money on MS controllers if you have a choice.
I recently picked up the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core and it just felt right for me after comparing prices and features.
I've had my fair share of Elite Series 2 Core controllers fail due to stick drift or faulty bumpers, which is why I now buy a warranty with each new one - I've replaced at least one on every single one of the 8 I've purchased.
dude, you're buying warranties for all 8? base 12 month contract is a thing, it covers all that stuff, you gotta follow through with it, it's not a separate purchase.
I’ve been using my Elite Series 2 Core for six months without any stick drift or bumper issues. I clean it thoroughly after each session, which may contribute to its longevity.
I'm really hoping for an Elite v3 with Hall Effect sticks, the paddle design on the Elite Series 2 Core is super finicky, I've had to adjust mine multiple times already, is it just me or is this supposed to be the norm?
I loved the weight and build quality of my Elite Series 2 Core, but the B button was super sticky at first and the sticks started drifting after a month, thankfully the B button issue sorted itself out but the drift remains.
I've had two of these, and they were flawless for a few months, but then issues started popping up - select button was finicky, bumpers would double press or not work, and the sticks developed drift. It's a shame, because the design and features are top-notch.
Still daily driver, still in the case to charge. That's the extent of my usage.
I'm still hesitant to buy one, had a friend's Elite Series 2 paddle come loose after a week, hope that's not a common problem with these, otherwise they seem like a solid upgrade for Xbox gaming.
I understand your hesitation. I mainly use the Elite Series 2 for FPS games like Call of Duty, and while it has great features, I can see how paddle reliability could be a concern.
I liked the Elite Series 2 Core, but after two controllers' bumpers failed out of warranty, I'm done buying them. I might consider buying replacement parts to fix them at some point, though.
I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the price match deal I got at Best Buy, which included a 2-year warranty for just $10 extra, making it a sweet deal for the red Elite Series 2 Core.
The stick modules are pretty decent, but I still think the red light is a bit of an eyesore.
You can customize the light's color and intensity in the Xbox Accessories app, but I agree that the red light can be a bit distracting. It would be nice if it were less noticeable.
luckily, i got a good one, but i've heard horror stories about these elite series 2 cores - busted sticks and all that. if you're as paranoid as me, you'll probably want to swap out the sticks ASAP, just in case.
six months of use with visibly worn-out controls is pretty off-putting, especially considering the price tag.
GameStop not offering warranty on the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core is a huge red flag - it says a lot about the quality control issues they must be having with this thing.
Worth paying the extra 19.99 for the extended warranty, some parts like the grip and bumpers are pretty fragile and might need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
I'm tempted to get the core as a replacement for my broken Elite Series 2, but I'm not sure if it's worth it without the wireless and paddles that made my old one feel complete.
One major concern I have is the long-term reliability of these controllers. I've noticed some drift issues with the sticks after a short period of time, and the warranty and replacement process seems limited to purchasing from authorized retailers like Best Buy or GameStop.
The lack of Hall Effect sensors is a major drawback for me, the accuracy just isn't the same as other gamepads, so I'm not sure I'd recommend the Elite Series 2 Core to anyone who prioritizes that.
Hands down the most comfortable gamepad I've ever used, it's a game-changer for long gaming sessions.
Was really looking forward to trying the Elite Series 2 Core, but unfortunately had a disappointing experience with the original model a while back. It's still a shame I have to think twice before buying again.
Considering I just got an Xbox Series X, I'm wondering if the Elite Series 2 Core's features justify the upgrade for someone who already has the latest console.