Dream Controller Hydro Dipped Xbox Pad Review: ‘The Elite Series 2 Has Never Looked So Good’

DREAM CONTROLLER HYDRO DIPPED XBOX ELITE SERIES 2 REVIEW.

I’ve had my fair share of custom gaming controllers, but reviewing the Dream Controller Xbox Elite Series 2 pad is the first time that I’ve had my hands on a hydro dipped design. This process can lead to vibrant flawless coverage, so I was eager to see the results in person, as well as to finally have a play with the Elite Series 2 controller. After spending 100+ hours gaming with the Galaxy Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, I’m now a massive fan of hydro dipping and the work the Dream Controller is doing.

The Elite treatment

The Xbox Elite controller was widely recognized as the best first-party gamepad out for current-gen consoles, though it was eventually bested by the new Elite Series 2. This improved on the original with a rubberized grip wrapped around each side of the controller, tension-adjusting thumbsticks, enhanced customization of the trigger stop distance, more texture on the triggers, and the abandonment of the green accent colors.

Buy Dream Controller products on Amazon.com

While the improvements over the original are subtle, they combine to make for a fantastic bundle of upgrades. However, every Elite Series 2 controller looks the same, with a stealthy black design that does absolutely nothing to stand out from the crowd. It’s surprising that Xbox’s own Design Lab, which lets users go wild with custom colors for the basic Xbox controller, doesn’t also offer personalization of the Elite gamepad. Thankfully, third parties like Dream Controller are here to offer that service instead.

It’s not just game controllers that Dream Controller is giving the hydro dipping treatment to, either. In addition to Xbox and Nintendo Switch controllers, custom hydro-dipped art is available on the Nintendo Switch console itself, the Oculus Quest 2, the AirPods Pro case, and the Xbox charging station.

Vibrant and premium

When browsing the website to pick out my preferred design, I was a little skeptical about how vibrant and saturated the colors would be on the final product. Therefore, I opted for the Galaxy design, which has a complex combination of colors shifting within one another. I’m happy to report that, yes, the controller really does look that good in real life!

The video embedded above shows off the hydro dipping process and the care and attention to detail that Dream Controller has for making sure each design looks great, complete with touch-ups along the side of the faceplates.

Before you buy

While I love supporting small businesses in my day-to-day, I’m always conscious of poor warranties and long-term support. I think it’s important to check reviews of companies before buying, especially when it’s a more expensive product. I’d do this with Dream Controller, just as I would do with anyone else.

Dream Controller offers a refund/replacement window of 30 days from delivery for faulty goods and a 7-day window for the return of working, unwanted products (a 15% restocking fee is likely to apply). After the 30-day window, customers have six months’ coverage for free repairs, though Dream Controller will still offer repairs after the six months is up, for a fee of $35 plus postage.

I should also note that Dream Controller products are available on Amazon, knowledge of which may offer more peace of mind.

Dream Controller Hydro Dipped Xbox Pad Review: The final verdict

For its controllers, the hydro dip plus free US shipping amounts to $59.99. Customers can either purchase a new controller from Dream Controller and add the hydro dipping fee on top, or send in their own gamepad. Looking at the competition for this type of design, I think this is a fair price, especially when I consider the overall finish and look of my Elite Series 2 after 100 hours of use.

While it’s certainly a luxury purchase, the designs on offer — which include on-trend movies and TV shows — look incredible and, in my experience, the images of the website match what you receive in the mail. With my Galaxy edition, the Xbox Elite Series 2 has never looked so good!

Galaxy Elite Series 2 review unit was provided by Dream Controller.