I agree with you on deciding that a console investment just isn't worth it. Next gen consoles will actually be comparable to high end gaming rigs this year, but they will stagnant for 8 years while PCs will outstrip them easily within a year or two.
I'm not sure next gen consoles will be comparable to high end gaming rigs out right now though. I realize there is a lot of hype for next gen consoles but I don't see it happening. Not given the price gap. I think expecting next gen consoles to be comparable to mid-highish end PC's out right now is more realistic. Of course, it depends how you define mid end and high end.... The way powers that be rate mid range is probably considerably different from how a gamer does, as an example.
But... yeah.... As PC hardware improves it's a good bet those consoles are going to be left behind, so to speak. 8 years for hardware is an eternity.
Do you own a regular Xbox controller? I'm wondering if the elite series 2 functionality over the regular Xbox controller justifies the price.
I've owned a number of them. The main reason I picked up an Elite Series 2 is because I noticed the standard Xbox controller tends to fall apart after ~6 months of usage. The sticks start getting drift, buttons lose a piece here or there (the bumpers specifically are definitely a point of failure), etc. A $180 controller is unquestionably an investment. It's probably more cost effective in the long run if it means you aren't dropping $60 on a new standard controller every 6 months.
My understanding is the biggest issue is the drift related problems. It's certainly been the case for me. I believe it can be traced back to the modules sitting under the sticks. They tend to malfunction in a variety of ways through normal wear and tear. Likely due to cost cutting measures and planned obsolescence (aka, it's built to break so you buy more).
The Elite Series 2, and even the standard Elite, are more robust controllers. Less cheap plastic, more heft and what feels like metal in many places. The enhanced customization from trigger adjustments, removable thumbsticks, paddles, etc. is icing on the cake. It's considerably heavier, no doubt. I'd consider this a good thing though. I've had mine for a bit over a year and it is still working like a champ.
In any case, there are a number of PC titles where I prefer to use a controller. I did a number on my wrists for years due to poor sitting posture and whatnot. For whatever reason console controllers feel a lot more forgiving in this regard. It can make precision in shooters a chore but you learn to rely on strafe keys there (controller 101 in shooters, you use both sticks to aim).
The biggest downside there is some games are a bit iffy for controller support. The Metro series was a great example. Most of those require messing with the anti-deadzone settings on the movement stick. Otherwise it registers movement when the stick isn't being moved after it has been and returned to the default position.
Just discussing in general.]
