No “Xbox Series S Pro Controller” exists as a Microsoft product — the premium upgrade for a Series S is the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which costs $179.99 versus the standard controller’s variable retail price.
What separates them is control: the Elite Series 2 lets you change thumbstick tension, shorten trigger travel, remap buttons to four rear paddles, and store three custom profiles on the hardware. The standard Xbox Wireless Controller does none of that, runs on two AA batteries, and costs far less. The comparison below lines up what actually differs, so you can decide whether the upgrade earns its price for the games you play.
What Is The “Xbox Series S Pro Controller” Actually Called?
The name is a mix-up. Microsoft sells no controller by that title — the premium model is the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, launched in the US on November 4, 2019, and the everyday model is the Xbox Wireless Controller. Both are officially compatible with the Series S, Series X, and Xbox One.
There are two Elite tiers, and the gap between them matters:
- Elite Series 2 (complete) — $179.99 MSRP. Ships with four rear paddles, a charging dock, a carrying case, and a set of interchangeable thumbsticks and D-pads.
- Elite Series 2 Core — $129.99 MSRP. Same core hardware, but the paddles, dock, case, and spare components are left out.
- Xbox Wireless Controller — Microsoft’s page shows no fixed US price; it moves with color, retailer, and promotions.
That means a Core buyer who wants paddles must add the Complete Component Pack, listed at $59.99 in Microsoft’s 2022 announcement — which lands above the full Elite’s sticker. Side by side, the honest math favors the complete package if paddles are the reason you’re upgrading.
Feature Comparison: Elite Series 2 vs Xbox Wireless Controller
The Elite Series 2 buys adjustability and onboard memory; the standard controller buys simplicity and swappable AA power. Everything else — rumble, impulse triggers, a 3.5-mm headset jack — is shared.
| Feature | Xbox Wireless Controller | Xbox Elite Series 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Varies by color and retailer | $179.99 MSRP ($129.99 Core) |
| Power | Two AA batteries, up to 40 hours | Internal rechargeable, up to 40 hours per charge |
| Thumbstick tension | Fixed | Three manual tension settings |
| Trigger stops | Standard travel | Hair-trigger locks |
| Rear paddles | None | Four assignable (complete model only) |
| Onboard profiles | None | Three custom plus one default |
| Weight | Not listed by Microsoft | 345 g ±15 g, fully kitted |
Does The Elite Series 2 Make Sense For A Series S Owner?
It depends on whether your games reward precision and fast inputs. Casual and party-game players get little from it.
Setup is identical either way: turn on the console, press the console’s Pair button, then hold the controller’s Pair button until the Xbox light flashes and pairing completes.
Two limits to know before buying. Second, “up to 40 hours” is a rating, not a promise; Microsoft states battery life varies with use. If you’re weighing specific models and want field-tested picks, this roundup of the best Xbox Series S pro controller options compares the alternatives in one place.
For the full specifications behind these numbers, Microsoft’s official Xbox Elite controller page lists every component and price tier.
Which Controller Should You Buy?
Buy the standard Xbox Wireless Controller if you play a few hours a week, want AA batteries you can swap mid-session, and would rather spend the difference on games. Buy the Elite Series 2 if you compete, main a shooter with tight timing windows, or want paddles without lifting your thumbs off the sticks.
The Core is a narrower call: at $129.99 it undercuts the complete model, but it arrives without paddles, dock, case, or spares. If you want those, the complete Series 2 is the cheaper route overall. An older Xbox One Wireless Controller also works on a Series S, so a spare you already own is a free stopgap.
Common Questions
Is there an official Xbox Series S Pro Controller?
No. Microsoft has never released a product under that name. The premium controller people mean is the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which works with the Series S, Series X, and Xbox One. The standard model is simply called the Xbox Wireless Controller. Both connect wirelessly to a Series S the same way.
Can the Elite Series 2 Core be upgraded later?
Yes, with a purchase. The Core omits the four rear paddles, charging dock, carrying case, and spare thumbsticks and D-pads. Microsoft sells the Complete Component Pack separately — it was listed at $59.99 in the 2022 announcement — so a Core owner can add the missing parts, though the total then exceeds the complete model’s price.
Do both controllers last the same 40 hours?
Microsoft rates both at up to 40 hours, but the power systems differ. The standard controller runs on two AA batteries you replace, while the Elite Series 2 uses an internal rechargeable battery charged by the included 9-foot USB-C cable. Microsoft notes battery life varies with usage, so treat 40 hours as a ceiling rather than a guarantee.
Sources
- Xbox. “Xbox Elite Wireless Controllers” Supports Elite Series 2 and Core pricing, components, and specifications.
- Xbox. “Xbox Wireless Controller” Supports standard controller compatibility, AA battery rating, and connectivity.
- Xbox News. “Meet the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2” Supports the November 4, 2019 US launch and Elite feature set.