Xbox's Elite Series 2 controller is $25 off pretty much everywhere (and the Core version is available to pre-order)

SAVE $25: As of Sept. 20, Xbox's Elite Series 2 controller is $25 off at multiple retailers (GameStop, Amazon, and Walmart). The new Core version of the controller is available to pre-order as well for just $129.99.

There are gaming controllers, and then there is the Xbox Elite Series 2. Seriously, it's in a league of its own (as it probably should be for $179.99). If you're an avid gamer with an Xbox or PC, or you simply appreciate quality, the Elite Series 2 is a must-have at this point.

It becomes even more of a must-have when it goes on sale, and as fate would have it, the controller is sitting at a nice little discount at Amazon, GameStop, and Walmart as of the time of this writing. You can snag one for $25 off the original price, or you can even opt to pre-order Xbox's newly announced budget version in the Elite Series 2 Core controller for $129.99.

The Elite Series 2 is "premium" incarnate. It's equipped with a wrap-around rubberized grip to keep it secure in your hands while you play, and has a weight to it that just feels satisfying (and expensive). But the true draw is the controller's many customization options, including adjustable-tension thumbsticks, hair-trigger lock modes, profile saving, as well as multiple sticks, d-pads, and back paddles that you can swap out whenever you want — you can truly make it your controller. While we haven't tried out the new Core version yet, this model also looks to be super high-quality, featuring just about all of the great onboard perks as the original Elite, minus all the swappable pieces and portable charging case.