Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller Leaks Again

Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller has appeared in a new datamined leak coming from Microsoft’s Xbox Design Lab website. The new controller first appeared in leaked pictures from Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency, then a Redditor posted pictures of a prototype unit that showed a tiny built-in screen on top of the controller, as well as two new scroll wheels at the bottom.

Well, according to these latest details shared on Reddit, Microsoft’s new Xbox Elite Controller will offer Hall Effect and TMR sticks. These two technologies reduce the risk of wear and stick drift by relying on magnets.

The new leak also mentions the inclusion of “Impulse Triggers (ERMs) & Advanced Haptics (VCAs) Motors,” which suggest that Microsoft may try to replicate the haptic feedback technology on Sony’s DualSense controllers for the PS5. There’s also the mention of an audio scroll wheel, which may correspond to the new wheels near the headphone jack we saw in previous leaked pictures.

The rest of the specs include various choices of D-pads, faceplates, and paddle styles. There’s also the mention of two “Base” configurations with or without motors, and two “Elite Complete” models, again with or without motors. The current Elite Series 2 controller is already available in two SKUs: a $139.99 “Core” version with just a thumbstick adjustment tool, and a $199.99 complete version with a set of 4 paddles, additional thumbsticks, D-Pad, and a charging dock and carrying case.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is notorious for not being very durable, just like the original model. However, according to Windows Central’s Jez Corden, “quality control and repairability has been a priority for the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3.” The new Elite controller is expected to be officially announced before the end of the year, and a release near the 25th anniversary of Xbox in November seems quite likely.