My Frustrating Hunt for the Xbox Elite 3
Okay so my old controller started drifting bad last week, and I’m like “alright time to upgrade to that fancy Elite Series 3”. Figured it’d be simple – boy was I wrong.
First I hit up that huge online store everyone knows. Typed in “Xbox Elite 3” expecting quick results. Their search bar kept showing me Elite Series 2 controllers or random accessories. Scrolled through three pages of unrelated junk before giving up. Waste of 20 minutes.
Next morning I drove to the big blue electronics store downtown. Asked the guy in red shirt if they stocked it. He looked confused then said “is that even out yet?” Pulled up their inventory system and just shrugged. They only had Series 2 collecting dust in a glass case. Left empty-handed.
Got desperate and checked local sellers listings. Saw one listed for $120 – practically half price! Messaged the guy immediately. His reply? “Sorry bro that’s the Series 2, picture is wrong”. Another listing said “new in box” but wanted $50 over retail. People be tripping.
Where I Finally Scored
My last hope was that membership-only wholesale club. Walked straight to electronics where I spotted three Elite 3 boxes hidden behind cheap headsets. Grabbed one so fast I knocked over a phone charger display. Price tag showed $150 flat – way cheaper than anywhere else! Rang it up smooth at self-checkout.
Lessons learned for anyone hunting:
- Big retailers either don’t stock it or hide it terrible
- Local listings full of bait-and-switch or scalper prices
- Warehouse stores might have secret stock for cheaper
- Prepare for major frustration finding legit sellers
Anyway this thing feels amazing in my hands now. But holy hell Microsoft needs to make these easier to actually buy!
