Leaked Images of Xbox’s Elite Series 3 Surface, Showing New Buttons

Leaked images of what very well could be an unannounced Xbox Elite Series 3 controller have surfaced online. The controller, while looking very familiar, offers slight design changes and two new scrolling wheels.

The images in question were released by Brazil’s Anatel regulator, which apparently accidentally posted them online. Tecnoblog first discovered the images and posted them online. From the images, we can glean a lot of information about what Microsoft has designed as the follow-up to the premium Elite Series 2 controller.

Credit: Technoblog

The Elite Series 3 controller appears to have slightly altered its design. Now, edges are more defined, and the grips look a bit less encumbered over the controller. Most notably, there are two new scroll wheels on the bottom of the controller. There’s no definitive word on what these inputs may be used for, but they are certainly designed for new methods.

Excitedly, the Elite Series 2 controller now seems to feature a removable battery. I’ve long respected Microsoft’s use of the built-in 2,050mAh battery of the Elite Series 2. The filings do indicate that the Elite Series 3 has opted to use a smaller 1,528mAh battery, which can be removed.

On the rear of the controller, Microsoft now appears to have added a new button to switch between local and cloud modes. Local mode is likely to function identically to every other Xbox Wireless Controller and the Elite Series 2 via Bluetooth. Cloud mode, however, should connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers over Wi-Fi, reducing latency when streaming games.

As of the time of writing, there’s no word on when Microsoft may announce the Elite Series 3 controller. However, Xbox is due to host its annual Showcase on June 7th.

The current Elite Series 2 was released on November 4th, 2019, so it’s been quite some time since we’ve gotten a new iteration. Back in 2023, leaked FTC documents indicated that Microsoft was working on a new controller alongside an all-new cylindrical design for the Xbox Series X. While the redesigned Series X was seemingly scrapped, Project ‘Sebile’ may have been spun off to become the Elite Series 3 in some ways.