Gamers may be getting a glimpse of what's to come from Microsoft, as a prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 controller has leaked online. The controller, which was allegedly purchased for $200 on OfferUp, features a number of new design elements, including a tiny built-in screen. This screen is a previously unrevealed feature, and it appears to be capable of displaying various types of information, including a mode switch dialogue and a URL that links to a Microsoft cloud resource.
The leak comes on the heels of a previous revelation from a Brazilian regulator, which showed that the Xbox Elite 3 would feature new scroll wheels on the bottom edge, a second wireless mode to connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, and a new "Pair Button" that can switch between those servers and the console. The newly leaked images appear to confirm these features, and also provide a possible location for the Pair Button, which is situated next to the built-in screen.
While the controller itself does not appear to be functional, with the Redditor who purchased it stating that it does not pair with an Xbox or work with a cable, the images provide a fascinating glimpse into Microsoft's design process. The controller's new scroll wheels, rear paddles, and detachable D-pad design are all visible, as is a battery compartment that appears to be designed with repairability in mind. A QR code and accessible Torx T6 screws suggest that Microsoft is making an effort to make the controller more accessible to users who want to repair it themselves.
According to Tom Warren, The Verge's Microsoft expert, sources believe that the Xbox Elite Series 3 is still on track to be released later this year. While none of the features revealed in the leak are certain, the images provide a compelling look at what may be in store for gamers. As with any prototype, it's possible that the final product may differ from what's been shown, but for now, the leak has generated significant excitement and interest among gaming enthusiasts.
The fact that the controller is clearly labeled as a prototype, with "NOT FOR SALE" labels on both the pad and its removable battery, suggests that Microsoft is still in the process of refining the design. However, the level of detail and the inclusion of features such as the built-in screen and repairable battery compartment suggest that the company is serious about creating a high-end gaming controller that meets the needs of its most dedicated users.
