Xbox One Elite controller is not worth the money and my issue's with Microsoft's ...

Note: I am posting this because tech support has not helped me. I want answers about why both the quality and warranty are so utterly lacking on Microsoft's most expensive "Accessory" yet. Please put yourself in my shoes, and try to imagine the immense
frustration and utter lack of assistance I am receiving.

If you want to read my proposed solution, skip ahead to the last paragraph.

So recently I purchased a brand new Elite controller from game stop for around $220, since the controller does not have a rechargeable battery for some unknown reason. I made this decision for three reasons. One: I was under the impression that I had
a year long warranty on the device, which I learned alter was not the case, but more on that subject later. Two: The normal controller quality is utterly abysmal compared to what we've come to expect from the industry. Three: I am a competitive Halo player,
and I need quality controllers that feature paddles. Normally I buy from third party developers like Scuff, but I figured "Eh, it's microsoft, they must offer the best quality. Especially when considering the price tag." So I bought the controller.
Day one out of the box I was already disappointed to find out that I needed to fork over additional money for a battery pack, which I did, because "eh, it's Microsoft. This should be the last money I have to put into a controller for a long time."

My friends called me a moron for buying such an expensive controller. I told them I have been a long time customer and that Microsoft would never give a "screw you" to long time customers. I mean, after all, they were the ones who helped finance Halo
2, the game of my childhood.

Flash forward FIVE MONTHS. No, not one year, not a decade, only FIVE MONTHS LATER, and my controller busts. Now you're first thought is probably "be more careful bro, don't drop it," and normally I'd completely agree with you. I think
the attitude of entitlement in America is completely disastrous, but I can confirm that I've not only never dropped this controller, but that I've never even touched the thing if I so much had a crumb upon my hand. I've given more care and attention to this
controller than most people give to their controller for Pete's sake!

The actual issue was simply. I was off fighting Oryx in Destiny, and was planning on going for Onyx on Halo 5 slayer afterwards, when suddenly I heard a strange clicking noise in my controller. Curious, I examined it. The issue soon became apparent.
The right bumper was loose, and I could tell something internal had broken. No biggie, I wasn't worried due to the fact that I just had to call Microsoft and grab a new controller. I didn't even leave my raid! A quick google search confirmed
that I was not the only one with this problem, but that I was one of dozens! This was not a simple one and done error, but rather a malfunction deserving of a factory recall. I was significantly perturbed, and for good reason, but I still
knew I had my warranty to fall back on, and those online said that the warranty covered the issue.

After the raid, which was incredibly annoying to run without my melee, I had to cancel my Halo game play due to the issue. Well that stinks for my teammates, but what can you do right? I started an online chat and was met by a nice lady who could barely
type. I can officially say that this was the first time I had trouble understanding tech support over an online chat. Oh well. I quickly explained the situation, and waited about fifteen minutes. The lady responded with a quick apology, explaining
that the warranty only covered controllers that come with the elite console, and that they could not except the controller back.

I silently screamed at them, but politely signed off, thanking them for the support before coming back onto the forums to write about my experiences. Not only did I learn that they offered a measly 3 month support plan, less than most next gen games
bought through gamestop, but that the issue, which clearly was a manufacturing issue, was my problem, and that they wouldn't do anything about it.

Looks like my friends were right. Microsoft really did just screw me over.

My solution:

First off, we the community need a formal apology for this inexcusable abuse of trust. More practically though, we need year long warranties, and support for the issue of bumpers dislodging. This is not one or two people, this is a widespread problem,
and must be officially addressed. I read a reddit post where the poster only received an official response after a bandwagon of people responded angry comments towards microsoft. Listen, I'm no genius, but if I talk to ten people who are even considering to
buy the elite controller, and I tell them of my issues, that will cost Microsoft $1500 dollars. I'm no math genius, but I think it'd be cheaper just to give me a new controller.

How to make it right with me: As a consumer, I feel as though I have been abused. I want a new controller, and an apology not only for the pathetic support and warranty, but for the hours I have spent on tech support trying to resolve
the issue. If Microsoft doesn't fix this situation in a way that satisfies me, as well as it's customers, I will have no choice but to leave. Me and several good friends have already discussed PC gaming, and now it seems that Microsoft has put the final nail
into it's xbox shaped coffin. I am begging Microsoft to fix this situation, but I fear that they simply do not value their customers.

:)

 

Controller Drifting

Going through it with my Xbox Elite controller right now. Trust me, its not very "elite" and not worth the money.

 

The Xbox One controllers are poorly built

^It's $199 from two different retailers here in Aus and I still think it's worth the money. You definitely come across as someone who has not experienced the difference.

ebgames.com.au/xbox-one-162735-Xbox-Elite-Wireless-Controller-Xbox-One

www.jbhifi.com.au/.../926338

 

UPDATE: I have now spent two hours on tech support with no more help. Looks like Microsoft really doesn't value it's customer enough to warrant refunding for an obvious design flaw.

 

Glad to see someone else feeling more than a little annoyed at the lack of support for a premium product.

I've been browsing the forums for the last couple weeks to see what other solution was being offered by Microsoft regarding an issue that way too many are having with the bumper buttons on the Elite, but every single response has been once it's past the
90 days warranty the only solution is to spend another $150 to replace the
defective controller.

Surely by now someone at Microsoft has been made aware of the number of people reporting the exact same issue over and over again in that the plastic tab holding the bumper button in place is breaking just under normal wear and tear.

Since apparently the only way I can get a replacement for my
defective Elite is to spend the money to buy a new premium controller, but this is one consumer who won't be buying another Elite controller.

In this case, Microsoft has lost a customer, while Scruf more than like will have gained one.

In addition, I plan on going back to my on-line review of the controller that I made not long after I purchased it and will be updating it to reflect the current situation that the bumper buttons have a good possibility of breaking, leaving the gamer out
in the cold and the only solution offered by MS to resolve the issue is to buy a new Elite.

Will be interesting to see how people who buy the GoW 4 special edition of the Elite ($200) react when they too encounter the same issue as many have with the standard Elite..