Microsoft Xbox Elite Controller Supplies Strained Through March 2016

Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that the supply situation will improve anytime soon. The controller, which is sold out at various online retailers — including Best Buy, Amazon, and Gamestop — might not be available in reasonable qualities until the end of Q1 2016. For hardcore Xbox One gamers that haven’t already gotten their hands on one of the controllers, this is a real bummer.

Here’s the official word from Microsoft:

While the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is sold out in many retailers around the world, we are working quickly to get more units in the hands of fans. We expect more units to arrive at retailers each week but supply may be limited through March 2016.

The Xbox Elite controller, which is priced at a hefty $150, offers an unprecedented level of customization options in both software and hardware. On the software front, Microsoft provides an app that allows you to remap the controller’s buttons, and adjust values for the thumbsticks and triggers. On the hardware side, the controller features interchangeable metal thumbsticks, D-pads, paddles, and hair trigger locks.

We should mention, however, that there are still two ways the you can secure a brand new Xbox Elite controller. You can always hit up an auction site like eBay and pay over retail (closing prices on eBay are ranging from $170 to $200) to obtain a controller. The other option is to purchase an Xbox One Elite Bundle, which includes an Xbox One console that is equipped with a 1TB Solid State Hybrid HDD and an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller. The bundle doesn’t come cheap, however, and is priced at $499. That probably explains why the bundle is still in stock at all of the above-mentioned retailers.