Microsoft's Xbox Elite 3 controller has surfaced in regulatory filings from Brazil's Anatel, revealing design changes that suggest the company intends to refresh its premium controller line. The leaked images show the successor to the Elite 2, which launched in 2019.
The new controller retains core features of its predecessor, including interchangeable D-Pad options and rear paddles for advanced gameplay. However, two mysterious new buttons appear on the device, though their exact function remains unclear from the images alone. These additions hint at Microsoft's direction for next-generation input peripherals.
The leak comes through routine regulatory approval documents, a common source for hardware revelations before official announcements. Tecnoblog obtained and published the images from Anatel's database. The timing matters. Microsoft has not officially announced the Elite 3, leaving the company's upgrade strategy for its premium controller line in question.
The Elite 2 remains a high-end option at $180, targeting competitive gamers and players seeking customization. An Elite 3 refresh could address durability complaints that have plagued earlier Elite models, or add features aligned with Xbox Series X/S capabilities and Game Pass cloud gaming expansion.
The mysterious buttons suggest Microsoft is experimenting with new input paradigms. These could serve contextual functions tied to cloud gaming, accessibility features, or game-specific commands. Without confirmation from Microsoft, speculation fills the gap.
The leak precedes what may be a broader controller ecosystem reveal. Anatel's simultaneous publication of a smaller Xbox Cloud Gaming controller indicates Microsoft is designing multiple input devices tailored to different use cases. This strategy aligns with the company's pivot toward cloud gaming and subscription services.
No release date has emerged. Microsoft typically spaces premium controller launches across console generations or major hardware refresh cycles. The Elite 3 could coincide with next-generation hardware announcements or arrive as a standalone product refresh.