Xbox Prototype Leaked by Buyer Reveals Elite Series 3 Controller Details

A Reddit user operating under the handle ssuberlex recently ignited intense online discussion after purchasing an unusual, unreleased peripheral and posting photographs to the r/Controller subreddit. The item, which was later removed from the platform, turned out to be an internal development prototype of Microsoft’s next-generation professional gamepad. The discovery brings fresh hardware details to light regarding the successor to the Elite Series 2 controller, which originally launched in June 2019.

Physical Design Changes and the New Built-in Display

While the overall silhouette closely resembles its predecessor with familiar textured grips and swappable thumbsticks, the prototype introduces several notable physical alterations. The device features a small status display situated directly on the controller body to the left of a newly configured pair button, near the USB-C charging port. The screen functions as a status indicator rather than a gaming monitor, displaying connectivity icons such as a rocket ship alongside a stylized Xbox Series X console, as well as an internal Microsoft URL.

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The controller also incorporates two scroll wheels positioned along the bottom edge near the headphone jack. Furthermore, the directional pad exhibits a revised, detachable design, and the rear of the device features four programmable paddles.

Cloud Gaming Mode and Connectivity Upgrades

The most substantial functional leap centers on how the controller connects to gaming platforms. A pair button positioned next to the screen allows users to switch between local console connection and a direct Wi-Fi link to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers. This capability aims to stream games directly from the cloud without relying on an intermediate console, potentially lowering latency during play.

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Technical evidence pointing to the authenticity of the device extends beyond simple aesthetic changes. Regulatory hints first surfaced in May when technical drawings appeared via Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency, known as Anatel. However, those initial filings did not display the screen.

Battery Modifications and Repairability Adjustments

The prototype houses a removable 1,528mAh battery pack, which is smaller in capacity than the 2,050mAh battery found in the previous model. Although the capacity is reduced, the removable design marks a significant shift toward modularity.

The internal layout also points toward improved hardware maintenance. The battery compartment features a QR code presumably linking to repair instructions, alongside accessible Torx T6 screws that replace standard fasteners. Despite these modifications, the current prototype remains entirely non-functional for everyday gaming.

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“It does not pair with an Xbox nor with a cable. Just the red light blinking but doesn’t do any thing wired or wireless.”

Reddit user ssuberlex

Market Release Expectations and Industry Context

Microsoft has not officially announced or confirmed the Elite Series 3 controller, leaving pricing and release dates unverified. Industry reporters, including Tom Warren of The Verge, indicate that Microsoft currently targets a release before the end of the year, potentially aligning with upcoming industry trade events like Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. Meanwhile, the older Elite Series 2 remains commercially available while consumers await official word from the Xbox team.