Hardware enthusiasts should brace themselves, it seems Xbox may be about to announce an Elite Series 3 controller, with new images leaking online ahead of the June show. Fan speculation about the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller has continued since last year, when various reports claimed that the company was prototyping a number of new controllers.
The first iteration of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller was released in 2015 and is marketed as an elite controller for elite gamers. The Elite Series includes various improvements to the already highly regarded Xbox One Core Controller, adding back paddle buttons, a swappable D-pad, and swappable analog sticks, essentially creating the official version of the controller mods that hardcore gamers have been doing since the Xbox 360. Just a few years after the Series 1 controller was released, Microsoft released the Xbox Elite Series 2 with an improved lock for the Xbox Elite Series 2 with an improved lock. inches and Bluetooth connectivity. Since then, the Elite 2 has been the flagship controller for the Xbox; however, in 2025, rumors began to circulate that Microsoft was working on new controllers and hardware for the Xbox Series X and more.
Xbox just announced a new Wrong Achievement feature
Xbox fans may be disappointed to find that the new achievement feature may not be what they've been asking for, despite it being a neat addition.
Xbox Elite Series 3 controller leaks online with new buttons
With the launch of Xbox's big games just weeks away, new images and documentation have surfaced from Brazilian controller Anatel, giving fans a 360-degree look at the new Elite Series 3 controller and details on what some of its new buttons do. Images obtained by Tecnoblog show a more refined version of the Elite series with rounder edges and a more “bubbly” aesthetic compared to the rougher and sharper design of the previous models. This leaked Xbox Elite 3 model also has two scroll wheel buttons at the bottom and appears to include a removable battery, with documentation reported by Tecnoblog listing it as a 1,528mAh battery, up from the Elite 2's 2,050mAh capacity. In addition, fans will notice an additional button on the bottom of the controller, which according to the documentation is used to switch the connection from the local console to the cloud.
Arrange the covers in the correct US release order.
Start
Arrange the covers in the correct US release order.
Easy (5) Medium (7) Hard (10)
Once these images hit the internet, fans on Reddit and X began speculating about the quality control of the Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller, as the Elite Series doesn't have the best track record for durability. Various complaints about Series 2's rubber grips peeling off, drift sticks, issues with the shoulder buttons, and instances of the controller practically exploding if it hits the floor were the main things fans want to see fixed in the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller. What's more, fans said they'd like to see dualSense-like gyroscopic targeting and haptic feedback in a controller of this caliber in 2026. Worth hinting that it could be a prototype or fake, and nothing is confirmed until Xbox reveals the new controller, potentially at the Xbox Games Showcase in June, if ever.
The Xbox Elite series of controllers occupied quite a niche for hardcore gamers when they launched in 2015, and it still comes with a $199.99 price tag if fans want the Elite 2 with all the accessories. However, since then, companies like Sony and Valve have released their own “Pro” versions of the controller, 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 weren't detailed in these leaks.
Click or tap the games that match the category
Start
It looks like Xbox could have a pretty busy show in June that would include some new accessories if these leaks are anything to go by. The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 is confirmed to feature a full 30 minutes Gears of War: E-Daybut fans should also expect updates on Playground Games' Fable reboot and Halo Studios Halo: Campaign Evolvedwhich are due out this year. With these leaks now out in the open as well, fans could reasonably expect to see the Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller in June and hopefully a look at the upcoming Project Helix if Xbox deals with new hardware this year.
