Hardware enthusiasts should prepare. xbox Ahead of the June showcase, the company is expected to announce the Elite Series 3 controller as new images have leaked online. Fan speculation about the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller has been going on since last year, when various reports claimed the company was working on prototypes of a variety of new controllers.
The first version of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller was released in 2015 and was marketed as an elite controller for elite gamers. Featuring a number of improvements to the already highly regarded Xbox One Core Controller, the Elite Series adds rear paddle buttons, interchangeable D-pads, and interchangeable analog sticks, essentially creating an official version of the controller mode that hardcore gamers have been playing since the Xbox 360. Just a few years after the launch of the Series 1, Microsoft released the Xbox Elite Series 2, improving upon the original Elite controller with adjustable hair triggers, tension locks for the thumbsticks, and Bluetooth connectivity. Since then, the Elite 2 has become Xbox's flagship controller. However, starting in 2025, rumors are starting to swirl that Microsoft is developing new controllers and hardware for the Xbox Series X and above.
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Xbox fans may be disappointed to learn that while the new achievements feature is a neat addition, it may not be the feature they were asking for.
Xbox Elite Series 3 controller leaked online with new buttons
With Xbox's big gaming showcase just a few weeks away, new images and documents have been released from Brazil's Anatel regulator, giving fans a 360-degree look at the new Elite Series 3 controller and details about what the new buttons do. Images obtained by Tecnoblog show a more refined version of the Elite Series line, featuring rounder edges and a more “bubbly” aesthetic compared to the rougher, sharper design of its predecessor. This leaked Xbox Elite 3 model features two scroll wheel buttons at the bottom and appears to have a removable battery. Tecnoblog's article lists this battery as a 1,528 mAh battery, which is lower than the Elite 2's 2,050 mAh capacity. Fans will also notice that there is a secondary button on the bottom of the controller that is used to switch the connection from the local console to the cloud.
Rearranges covers into correct US release order.
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Rearranges covers into correct US release order.
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As soon as these images hit the internet, fans on Reddit and X began speculating about the quality control of the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller. That's because the Elite Series line hasn't had the best track record for longevity. The Series 2's various complaints about peeling rubber grips, stick drifting, shoulder button issues, and instances of the controller actually exploding when it hit the ground were the top things fans were hoping to see addressed in the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller. Plus, fans have said they'd like to see gyro aiming and DualSense-like haptic feedback on a controller of this caliber in 2026. It's worth noting that this could be a prototype model or a fake, and nothing will be confirmed until Xbox potentially reveals the new controller at the Xbox Games Showcase in June.
The Xbox Elite Series controllers occupied a pretty niche space for hardcore gamers when they launched in 2015, and if fans want the Elite 2 with all the accessories included, it still comes with a hefty price tag of $199.99 USD. But since then, companies like Sony and Valve have released their own versions of “Pro” controllers, namely Sony's DualSense Edge for the PlayStation 5 and Valve's newly updated Steam Controller. With prices rising and the controller market becoming more competitive, it will be interesting to see what features Xbox has in store for the Elite Series 3 controller that aren't detailed in these leaks.
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Xbox will likely have a pretty packed showcase in June showcasing some new accessories, if these leaks are anything to go by. It has been confirmed that Xbox Games Showcase 2026 will feature a full 30 minutes of games. Gears of War: E-DayBut fans should also look forward to updates from Playground Games. fable Reboot and Halo Studios' Halo: Evolving the CampaignScheduled for release this year. Now that these leaks are out in the open, fans can reasonably expect to see the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller in June, and if Xbox is on the topic of new hardware this year, hopefully we'll get a look at the upcoming Project Helix.
