Following the leak of the compact Xbox Cloud Gaming controller with Wi-Fi for cloud gaming, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 has now surfaced. This is Microsoft’s new top-of-the-line controller for PC and its home consoles. Perhaps the most striking aspect is that it shares certain specifications with the compact model, most notably the inclusion of Wi-Fi.
The design of the Xbox Elite Series 3 maintains the philosophy of the current model: a premium controller with an interchangeable D-pad, rear paddles, adjustable triggers, and a high degree of customization. However, the images reveal several significant changes. The most notable is on the lower part of the controller, where two new controls resembling scroll wheels are located next to the 3.5mm audio jack. Their exact function is currently unclear, but they are likely intended for quick controller adjustments or as a new input method in certain games, especially simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator.
First Leaked Images Show the Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller
The other major innovation, apart from the design, lies in its connectivity. The new Xbox Elite Series 3 controller also incorporates Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, similar to the leaked compact controller for Xbox Cloud Gaming. This aligns with a new “cloud mode” feature, which would allow the controller to connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers instead of relying solely on an intermediate device. The goal is to reduce latency in streaming gameplay, mirroring the strategy Google Stadia used with its controller.
This “cloud mode” would be accompanied by a new pairing button or mode switch, capable of toggling between traditional local use and a connection focused on cloud gaming. In practice, Microsoft is aiming for the controller to be not just a peripheral for consoles and PCs, but a central piece of its Xbox ecosystem, allowing users to play from a console, TV, mobile device, laptop, or directly via streaming. In essence, a controller that will work on any device.
There are also changes to the battery. The leak suggests a rechargeable and removable 1,528 mAh battery. This is a drawback, as it’s less than the 2,050 mAh found in the Elite Series 2. Microsoft officially advertises up to 40 hours of battery life for the Xbox Elite Series 2. It will be interesting to see how this new battery affects battery life, especially when Wi-Fi is used intensively for cloud mode.
Regarding the leak of the compact Xbox Cloud Gaming controller, the photographs were taken by Anatel, Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency. This agency has had access to both controllers, as it needs to certify products with wireless connectivity before they can be legally sold or used in the country. Everton Favretto from Tecnoblog actively reviews certified devices and has uncovered this dual surprise.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft will be holding its Xbox Games Showcase 2026 on June 7th. It is anticipated that on this date, the Xbox controller designed for Cloud Gaming, i.e., cloud Game Pass, will be announced, along with this Xbox Elite Series 3, which will be the company’s new flagship controller.
