TL;DR
Leaked images from regulators confirm Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox Elite 3 controller, showcasing new buttons, scroll wheels, and a switch for cloud gaming mode. The controller appears to be more refined with a removable battery. The release date remains unconfirmed, but the leaks suggest an announcement may be imminent.
Leaked images from Brazil’s Anatel regulator confirm the existence of the Xbox Elite 3 controller, revealing a more refined design, new buttons, and features aimed at improving gaming and cloud streaming performance.
The leaked images, posted by Tecnoblog and verified by The Verge, show the successor to the Elite 2 controller with notable design updates. These include an interchangeable D-Pad, paddles, and two new mysterious buttons, which are not present on previous models.
The controller features two additional scroll wheels at the bottom, which could serve for in-game adjustments or new input methods, possibly for complex simulation games like Microsoft Flight Simulator. An additional button appears to switch between local and cloud modes, potentially enhancing latency for cloud gaming, a feature that aligns with Microsoft’s push towards cloud-based gaming services.
Another confirmed detail from the filings is the move to a smaller, removable rechargeable battery, with a capacity of 1,528mAh, down from the Elite 2’s 2,050mAh. This suggests a focus on modularity and convenience for users who prefer swapping batteries or charging externally.
Why It Matters
This development indicates Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to refine its premium controller line, potentially improving gaming performance and user experience, especially for cloud gaming. The new features could appeal to competitive gamers and enthusiasts seeking customizable and high-performance hardware. The leak also hints at an upcoming announcement, which could influence the upcoming Xbox showcase, affecting consumer anticipation and market positioning.
Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Elite Series 2 | Black | Xbox, PC, and Android | Adjustable Thumbsticks | Trigger Locks
PLAY LIKE A PRO — Designed for competitive gamers, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 delivers precision,…
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Background
The Xbox Elite series has been Microsoft’s flagship line of high-end controllers, known for customization and premium features. The Elite 2 was released in 2019, and rumors of a successor have circulated for months. Prior leaks, including a smaller Xbox controller earlier the same day, suggest Microsoft is preparing to expand its controller lineup with enhanced features aimed at both casual and competitive gamers. The leak at Anatel follows a pattern of regulators inadvertently revealing upcoming hardware, often ahead of official announcements.
“The leaked images show a more refined design with new buttons, scroll wheels, and a switch for cloud gaming, indicating Microsoft is focusing on enhancing the controller’s versatility and performance.”
— Tom Warren, The Verge
“The images suggest the Elite 3 will include an interchangeable D-Pad, paddles, and new buttons, along with a switch for cloud mode.”
— Tecnoblog
Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Elite Series 2 | Black | Xbox, PC, and Android | Adjustable Thumbsticks | Trigger Locks
PLAY LIKE A PRO — Designed for competitive gamers, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 delivers precision,…
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear when Microsoft plans to officially announce or release the Xbox Elite 3 controller. Details about the full feature set, pricing, and availability remain unconfirmed, and some of the new buttons and scroll wheels’ functions are speculative at this stage. The exact purpose of the cloud mode switch and how it will integrate with existing Xbox services are still to be clarified.
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What’s Next
Microsoft is likely to officially unveil the Xbox Elite 3 controller at the upcoming Xbox showcase in June, where additional details, pricing, and release dates are expected to be announced. Further leaks or official disclosures may clarify the controller’s full feature set and availability timeline.
Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Elite Series 2 | Black | Xbox, PC, and Android | Adjustable Thumbsticks | Trigger Locks
PLAY LIKE A PRO — Designed for competitive gamers, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 delivers precision,…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
When will the Xbox Elite 3 controller be released?
The release date has not been officially announced. Leaks suggest it could be revealed at the June Xbox showcase, with a possible release later this year.
What are the new features of the Xbox Elite 3 controller?
The leaked images indicate an improved design with an interchangeable D-Pad, paddles, two new buttons, scroll wheels, and a switch for cloud gaming mode. It also features a smaller, removable rechargeable battery.
How will the cloud gaming mode switch work?
The switch is believed to enable a direct connection to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, potentially reducing latency and improving streaming performance. Details on its implementation are still unconfirmed.
Will the Elite 3 be compatible with existing Xbox consoles?
While not officially confirmed, it is expected that the Elite 3 will be compatible with current Xbox consoles and PC, similar to previous models, but further details are pending.
What is the significance of the smaller, removable battery?
The smaller battery suggests a focus on modularity, allowing users to swap or replace batteries easily, which may appeal to gamers seeking longer or more flexible play sessions.
