The hottest Xbox accessory this holiday won't return to stores until March 2016

Price was not a concern, apparently, for Xbox One fans this holiday.

The console's $150 "Elite" gamepad was sold out everywhere and remains as such:

Amazon / GameStop

Unfortunately, if you're looking to get your hands on one sooner than later, it looks like you're out of luck. 

This is what a Microsoft representative told Tech Insider Wednesday morning (we've bolded the most important part):

While the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is sold out in many retailers around the world, we are working quickly to get more units in the hands of fans. We expect more units to arrive at retailers each week but supply may be limited through March 2016.

A shame!

It's certainly understandable why the Xbox One Elite gamepad is so popular — regardless of the high price, it's the best official gamepad ever released. 

It's built tough, with metal parts swapped out for much of the usual plastic:

Amazon / GameStop

All the components — aside from the face buttons — are easily changed out for alternatives:

Amazon / GameStop

Like so:

Amazon / GameStop

And there are even a few extra input options in the form of paddles added to the gamepad's rear:

Amazon / GameStop

That's just scratching the surface, really. We've been using Xbox One Elite controllers around the Tech Insider offices for a few months now, and it's a genuinely excellent gamepad. It makes standard Xbox One gamepads (to say nothing of the PlayStation 4's DualShock 4 gamepad) feel cheap by comparison. 

When they're back in stock this coming March, don't hesitate to scoop one up. You'll be glad you did.

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