Microsoft
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black)
Controller · 2022
88
/ 100
From $139
VS
Sony
PlayStation 5 Slim
2023
88
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black) lands at 88 and PlayStation 5 Slim at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black) if…
- ✓Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- ✓Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- ✓Cross-platform compatibility
Pick PlayStation 5 Slim if…
- ✓Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
- ✓Store ecosystem
- ✓Cross-gen compatibility
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black) 88
vs 88 PlayStation 5 Slim
Score breakdown
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black)
88 performance 88
games 86
features 86
value 82
PlayStation 5 Slim
88 performance 88
games 86
features 86
value 82
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black) | PlayStation 5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Controller | — |
| Color | Black | — |
| Release year | 2022 | 2023 |
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black)
Pros
- +Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- +Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- +Cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- −Battery replacement paid on some
- −Software dependency
- −Stick drift still possible (non-Hall)
PlayStation 5 Slim
Pros
- +Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
- +Store ecosystem
- +Cross-gen compatibility
Cons
- −Storage expansion pricey
- −Dashboard UX ages
- −Subscription required for online
FAQ: Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black) vs PlayStation 5 Slim
Which is better, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black) or PlayStation 5 Slim? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black) worth the price? +
At $139, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in performance.
Is PlayStation 5 Slim worth the price? +
At $499, PlayStation 5 Slim delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in performance.
Does Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (Black) or PlayStation 5 Slim last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.