A prototype of Microsoft’s unannounced Xbox Elite Series 3 controller has surfaced online, revealing an unexpected built-in display, new hardware adjustments, and a focus on cloud gaming connectivity. According to a report by Tom Warren of The Verge, a Reddit user in the r/Controller community claimed to have purchased the non-functional prototype for $200 on the reseller marketplace OfferUp before the original post was removed.
The leaked images show markings on both the controller and its removable 5.8-watt-hour battery labeled “NOT FOR SALE,” while regulatory fields contain placeholder values instead of official identification numbers. While the device does not currently power on or connect locally, the hardware details offer a clear look at Microsoft’s potential design direction for its next-generation premium gamepad.
Hardware Features and the New Built-In Screen
The most striking addition visible in the photographs is a small built-in screen positioned directly beneath the USB-C charging port. According to reporting by Thurrott, the display appears to feature a pairing interface complete with a dedicated button designed to let users switch between a local console connection and Xbox Cloud Gaming servers.
Photographs of the prototype show what appears to be an Xbox Cloud Gaming loading screen, alongside a shortened URL linking to a Microsoft webpage. Other visible hardware components include four rear paddles, a removable battery, and two scrollräder near the headphone jack. The controller also features hair-trigger locks that snap into position with a single click, differing slightly from earlier regulatory leaks published by Brazil’s telecommunications agency, Anatel.
Repairability Improvements and Financial Pressures
Inside the battery compartment, a QR code links to a repair resource alongside visible Torx T6 screws. According to The Verge, these design choices point toward an intentional push by Microsoft to improve the repairability of its elite hardware compared to previous iterations.
Despite the hardware redesign, the prototype currently lacks functionality. The original Reddit poster noted in a deleted comment that the device fails to connect via cable or wirelessly, with only a red light blinking upon power attempts. Meanwhile, the leak arrives as Microsoft’s gaming division navigates financial pressures. Recent quarterly reports showed gaming revenue dropping by 7% to billions of dollars, with hardware sales falling by 33%, prompting leadership warnings regarding rising component costs.
Expected Release Timeline
Industry analysts and reporters suggest that an official release could materialize before the end of the year. Given that the Xbox Elite Series 2 was announced in June 2019 and showcased at Gamescom, outlets including The Verge and Thurrott point to this year’s Gamescom as a potential venue for further official details from Microsoft.