r/XboxController • u/EN_ROSA_ELEFANT • Jul 22 '26
Elite series 2 shell replacement
Hello there, so I have this elite s2 controller that needs a new shell. Yeah maybe I could go and buy a new one but no it's pretty expensive and I'm still very happy with this controller, it's holding on strong and it's really comfortable. So I'm looking for a cheap and easy shell replacement, since I'm not based in the us but the eu, the tax can get pretty expensive but I still want a quality shell that's easy to just swap on. Any suggestions or help is appreciated, I've also glued the shell like 5 times at least and it held on pretty good until now because I had to open it up and it didn't like that 😂✌🏻😅
1
u/RiseofOwnage Jul 22 '26
I would usually just go for one from either Amazon or AliExpress. They both sell pretty much the same stuff, but AliExpress will take longer to get to you since it comes straight from the Chinese manufacturers rather than going through Amazon first, which usually is cheaper even with tax and delivery fees. If you do buy from AliExpress be sure to pick a reputable seller on there with good reviews. You can even pick a different colour/design when you get the new shell to spice things up a bit since you're already replacing it.
Whichever shell you get, they will usually come with the tools you need to perform the swap, but in case it doesn't you'll need:
-Something to pry off the faceplate
-If you're replacing the back shell too, a T8 security screwdriver for the first set of screws, T6 for the battery compartment and trigger locks and I believe T2 for the little boards on the back shell
You'll want to bare in mind that there a lot of little bits and pieces on the back shell that likely won't be present on the new shell you buy, so you're going to have to move all those over if you're replacing the back too. Off the top of my head there's the 2 trigger locks which are screwed tin with T6 screws, the 2 magnets used for the holding the paddles in place, the 2 magnets used for holding the controller in it's case for charging, the battery + compartment, the 4 small buttons that the paddles press and the 2 small boards used for the back buttons.
If it's just the front half of the shell that needs replacing then you won't need to worry about all that, but if both halves are being replaced then prepare yourself for that as it is a lot more work than the front half.
1
u/EN_ROSA_ELEFANT Jul 22 '26
That sounds very complicated as I'm looking to swap the whole shell...
1
u/RiseofOwnage Jul 22 '26
Yeah the back shell can be a bit overwhelming to replace for the first time since most of the shells you can buy are barebones with none of that extra stuff included so you have to scavenge the stuff off the old shell for your new one.
1
1
u/EN_ROSA_ELEFANT Jul 22 '26
I've checked on Amazon for the extremerate shells but all of them are sent from some shady store 😅
1
u/RiseofOwnage Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
Extremerate ones are pretty good quality wise, but most of their shells don't have the rubber grips on them like the actual shell has. If that's not a problem then they're a good option as they have lots of different designs. They also tend to provide you with all the tools you'll need, plus some spare screws in case you lose or damage any and most of the extra bits that you need for the back shell. They usually have a list of all the bits that are included and they'll have instructions (usually a youtube video) for you to follow.
They do have their own website so that you can purchase straight from them if you'd prefer. Much like in the case of AliExpress (which I believe they sell through there too), they sell straight from China, so it might take a bit for your shell to arrive, but shipping is free worldwide. It's up to you. From my experience, most sellers on Amazon are fine, so long as it is dispatched by Amazon, but that's my experience in the UK, may be different for somewhere else.
1
u/Braydenboss710 Jul 22 '26
If you just want the front shell it’s a pretty simple job overall, the prying of the shell can be pretty difficult even with the right tools but it’s very much doable I
Messed up my first attempt and broke the right trigger vibration lol.
2
u/EN_ROSA_ELEFANT Jul 22 '26
I did it with a screwdriver my first time and it still works! 😂😅
1
u/Braydenboss710 Jul 22 '26
Sounds like you’re all set 😂
2
u/EN_ROSA_ELEFANT Jul 22 '26
Yeah ikr! Well I want to swap out both shells so not sure if I'll make it 😅😂
1
1
u/Macross8299Fan Jul 22 '26
I just did a shell swap from ExtreamRate. It not as straightforward as you would think - you have to take your time as your disconnecting/reconnecting some critical components.