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- The Xbox Elite Series 3 and a new cloud gaming controller have seemingly leaked online
- The cloud model appears to be much smaller and compact than other controllers
- The Elite Series 3 sports a smaller, rechargeable battery and two new scroll buttons
The designs for two Xbox controllers have apparently leaked online, offering a first look at Microsoft's new Xbox Elite Series 3 and a cloud gaming controller.
The unannounced cloud gaming controller was the first to leak and discovered by Tecnoblog (via The Verge), which published a series of images showcasing a smaller, rather odd-looking gamepad.
Both white and black models are flat and rectangular in shape, with two thumb grips, a pairing button, and the standard Xbox buttons; however, the triggers and shoulder buttons appear to be built into the base, unlike a regular Xbox controller.
It also features 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB-C port, and both models will include their own rechargeable 500mAh battery.
LEAKED | Microsoft's new Xbox Cloud Gaming controller just leaked from a Brazilian regulator.Features:• 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi• Rechargeable 500mAh battery• Bluetooth 5.3• USB-C• Bumpers• Triggers• D-Pad• Pairing buttonvia: Techobloghttps://t.co/Jh7HMhXP08 pic.twitter.com/8196Dwu7nGMay 14, 2026
The design for the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller came a while later, again courtesy of Tecnoblog. The black model looks a bit different from its predecessor, the Elite Series 2, and features an interchangeable D-Pad, paddles, and two new scroll wheels at the bottom with an unknown purpose.
The Elite Series 3 also appears to sport a new pair button that switches between local and cloud modes, as well as a removable, rechargeable battery (1,528mAh) that is reportedly much smaller than the Elite Series 2's (2,050mAh).
The leaks come just a month before the Xbox Gaming Showcase, where Xbox peripherals are typically announced alongside new software.
It's unclear if that is the plan, so we'll have to wait and see, but rumors earlier this year suggested Microsoft will reportedly launch new Xbox hardware this year, including next-generation Xbox Wireless Controllers.
The report claimed that they will both support direct-to-WiFi connectivity and eliminate Bluetooth latency from cloud gaming scenarios, which seems to align with the Elite 3's new pair button.
The Elite Series 2 was released in 2023 as the successor to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and was a lot pricier than its predecessor at £159.99 / $179.99.
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➡️ Read our full guide to the best Xbox controllers
1. Best overall:
Xbox Wireless Controller
2. Best budget:
8BitDo Pro 2
3. Best premium:
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
4. Best wired:
GameSir Kaleid
