Special and custom controllers can be hit and miss in the video game market. Some gamers prefer the standard issue that they receive with their system and keep it all the way through. Microsoft seem to have bucked that trend as the second iteration of their uniquely expensive controller line, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller , has quietly been on a selling spree for the past three months. According to NDP Analyst Matt Piscatella via VentureBeat, it has now become the fifth fastest-selling accessory in the history of the United States.
Considering that the controller retails at a whopping $179, this is a fairly surprising statistic. Not to mention the fact that it’s also $30 higher than the first iteration in the Elite Series which was $149. Nintendo may have one of the best selling consoles in the country, but the Switch’s own accessories aren’t even in the running for this list. Speaking of which, here is a full list of the top five fastest selling accessories in the history of the U.S.
- Xbox 360 Kinect with Kinect Adventures
- Xbox 360 Kinect with Gunstringer and Fruit Ninja
- DualShock 4 Wirelss Controller Black
- Wii Remote with Motion Plus Black
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
The report states that the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller was the best selling controller/accessory for three months straight, from November to January. It’s important to note that the NDP group ranks these lists by the amount of dollars they have earned, not units sold. While the NDP group does not state how much the controller itself made in the past few months, they do mention that people spent a great deal of money on controllers and accessories; $238 million.
Since the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller was the number one seller in each of those months, it’s more than likely that a good chunk of that money came from it. This could pave the way for Microsoft, as well as other companies, to make even more high-end custom controllers. Despite some experiencing sticker shock from the large price range, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller seems to have struck a cord in the video game market. Techradar gave it glowing review, calling it “the best Xbox controller on the market.” Now it’s also one of the fastest selling controllers on the market as well.