Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of gaming hardware, leaks and rumors often generate as much excitement as official announcements. The latest buzz comes from a Reddit user who claims to have purchased a prototype of the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller for $200 on OfferUp. The photos they shared offer a tantalizing glimpse into what Microsoft might have in store for its premium gamepad line.
The Leak: A Closer Look
The Redditor, going by the handle ssuberlex, posted a series of images showing a controller that appears to be a near-final version of the Xbox Elite Series 3. The most striking feature is a small built-in screen, a previously unrevealed addition that could change how players interact with their controller. The screen appears to display a mode-switch dialogue, similar to a diagram leaked by a Brazilian regulator in May.
That earlier leak had already hinted at several new features, including two scroll wheels on the bottom edge, a second wireless mode for direct connection to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, and a new 'Pair Button' to switch between servers and consoles. The new photos suggest that this pair button might be located right next to the built-in screen.
The Built-In Screen: What Could It Do?
While the screen is small, its potential is significant. In one of the photos, it displays what appears to be the xCloud rocket ship icon next to an Xbox Series X, indicating that it could show connection status or allow quick switching between cloud and console modes. Another photo shows a URL pointing to a Microsoft cloud resource, which adds credibility to the leak, though the Redditor notes that they don't have permission to view it.
The screen could also be used for other purposes, such as displaying button mappings, battery life, or even notifications. However, without official confirmation, we can only speculate.
Other Notable Features
The prototype also showcases several other features that were hinted at in the May leak. The scroll wheels on the bottom edge are clearly visible, which could be used for adjusting volume, scrolling through menus, or other in-game actions. The controller retains the four rear paddles that have become a staple of the Elite line, and it includes a detachable D-pad, though the design appears different from what was previously leaked.
The carrying case and battery compartment are also shown, giving us a sense of the overall build quality and design language. The controller does not appear to have any obvious external differences from the current Elite Series 2, aside from the screen and scroll wheels, but the internals may have been updated to support the new wireless mode.
The Redditor's Experience
Unfortunately, the Redditor reports that the controller does not work. They wrote, 'It does not pair with an Xbox nor with a cable. Just the red light blinking but doesn’t do any thing wired or wireless.' This is not surprising for a prototype, as it may be running unreleased firmware or have hardware limitations. Still, the fact that it powers on and displays images suggests that it is a functional unit, just not fully operational.
What This Means for the Future
If these leaks are accurate, the Xbox Elite Series 3 could be a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The addition of a built-in screen would be a first for a major console controller, and the scroll wheels could offer new ways to interact with games. The second wireless mode for cloud gaming is also a forward-thinking move, as cloud gaming continues to grow in popularity.
Microsoft has not officially commented on the leaks, but the timing is interesting. Gamescom 2026 is scheduled to take place later this month, and it is possible that Microsoft could unveil the Elite Series 3 there. If so, we may not have to wait long for official details.
Conclusion
While we cannot verify the authenticity of these photos, they are certainly intriguing. The Xbox Elite Series 3 has been the subject of rumors for some time, and this leak provides the most detailed look yet at what might be coming. Whether you are a competitive gamer or just appreciate well-designed hardware, the Elite Series 3 is shaping up to be a must-have accessory for Xbox fans.
As always, take leaks with a grain of salt, but the evidence is mounting that Microsoft is preparing something special. Stay tuned for more updates as Gamescom approaches.
This article is based on reporting by The Verge. Read the original article.
Originally published on theverge.com
