Best Buy will start selling three fresh Xbox Elite Series 2 Core color combinations—Red/Blue, Red/White and Green/Red—on 8 June 2026 for $149.99, expanding the lineup of the budget‑friendly Elite controller.
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core is finally getting a splash of colour. Starting 8 June 2026, Best Buy will list three new two‑tone variants – Red / Blue, Red / White and Green / Red – each priced at $149.99. The skins are a visual upgrade for the Core model, which already offers the core Elite experience at a lower price point than the full‑spec Series 2.
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What’s new?
- New colour combos – The three two‑tone schemes replace the single‑tone options that have been the only choices since the Core’s launch. The hues are bright but not garish, matching the Xbox brand palette while giving owners a way to personalise their setup without the cost of a custom Design Lab build.
- Availability – All three variants are already live on the Best Buy website, with stock expected to arrive in stores and online on the 8th of June. No pre‑order window is announced, so buyers should act quickly once the listings go live.
- Price – The $149.99 tag matches the existing Core price, meaning the colour upgrade carries no premium.
How the Core stacks up against the full‑spec Series 2
| Feature | Elite Series 2 Core | Elite Series 2 (full) |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | $149.99 | $199.99 |
| Charging dock | No | Yes |
| Extra paddles (4) | No (standard 2) | Yes |
| Additional thumbsticks (2) | No | Yes |
| Extra D‑pad | No | Yes |
| Carrying case | No | Yes |
| Customisable button mapping | Yes (via Xbox Accessories app) | Yes |
| Wireless tech | Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth | Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth |
| Battery | Built‑in rechargeable (≈40 h) | Built‑in rechargeable (≈40 h) |
The Core trims the accessory bundle to keep the price down. It still ships with the standard Elite grip, interchangeable thumbsticks, and the ability to remap buttons through the Xbox Accessories app. What you lose are the optional add‑ons that many power users appreciate: the detachable charging dock, a second set of paddles, an extra D‑pad, and the hard‑case that protects the controller during travel.
Who should care?
- Casual competitive players – If you want the refined feel of the Elite series—adjustable tension, swappable sticks, and a solid build—without the extra accessories, the Core remains the most cost‑effective entry point.
- Aesthetic‑focused owners – The new two‑tone skins let you match your console, desk, or gaming chair without paying the Design Lab premium (which can push a custom controller above $200).
- Budget‑conscious collectors – For those who already own a full‑spec Series 2, the Core’s colour variants are unlikely to be a must‑have. However, they provide a low‑cost way to add a fresh look to a secondary controller for couch co‑op or as a spare.
- Modders – The Core’s lack of a dock and extra paddles actually makes it a cleaner canvas for third‑party mods. Enthusiasts can add their own paddles, aftermarket grips, or even a custom‑printed shell without fighting against bundled accessories.
Bottom line
Best Buy’s rollout of three new colourways adds visual variety to the Elite Series 2 Core without altering its hardware or price. The Core remains the most affordable way to experience the ergonomic and performance upgrades that define the Elite line, while the new skins give buyers a simple way to personalise their gear. If you’re after a full‑spec Elite experience with every accessory, the $199.99 Series 2 is still the go‑to, but for most gamers the Core’s $149.99 price tag and now‑available colour options make it a compelling, low‑risk purchase.
Sources: Best Buy product page, Xbox Design Lab, Wario64 on X
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