Important Note: This is a rumor/leak that has NOT yet been officially confirmed by Microsoft.
A rather bizarre find is currently sparking discussion in the Xbox community: A Reddit user reportedly acquired a prototype of the yet-to-be-officially-announced Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 for just $200 on the used marketplace OfferUp. Reports indicate the listing originated from the Seattle area – practically on Microsoft's doorstep. However, the device apparently can't actually be used: The controller reportedly won't connect to a console or PC, either wired or wirelessly; instead, only a red LED supposedly blinks.
Has the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 Been Officially Announced Yet?
No. So far, Microsoft has not provided any official confirmation for a third Elite model. The currently official Xbox website still only lists the Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Everything currently circulating stems from a now-deleted Reddit post and deleted account – Microsoft itself has not officially commented on it.
What Does the Leaked Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 Prototype Show?
According to the Reddit find, the prototype reportedly features a small, previously unknown display right next to the Pair button – a feature simply absent from the current Elite Series 2. Further reports, including those from PC Gamer and Windows Central, also suggest a revised D-pad, two new scroll wheels, and a removable, apparently smaller battery. The controller and battery reportedly also bore “Not For Sale” printings and placeholders instead of actual certification numbers – typical characteristics of a genuine pre-production prototype. The original Reddit thread went offline shortly after appearing, but the images were reportedly saved beforehand.
Analysis: If this rumor proves true, a dedicated display on the Elite controller would indeed be a noticeable leap. Currently, the Elite Series 2 displays status information like battery level or profile changes only via small LEDs on the top – a mini-display could offer significantly more convenience here, for example, when quickly switching between a local console connection and cloud gaming servers. As a reminder: The first Elite Controller arrived in 2015, the second generation followed with its announcement in summer 2019 and regularly in stores in autumn of the same year – so Microsoft traditionally takes its time with new Elite generations. Special Xbox controllers regularly cause a stir anyway, as seen most recently with the limited Storm King Controller for Gears of War: E-Day – only this time, it's an unverified leak instead of a confirmed product.
Until Microsoft officially comments, everything remains speculation. However, observers assume that such a prototype didn't find its way onto a used marketplace without reason – usually a sign that a product is already significantly more advanced internally than one might assume from the outside.
Source: PC Gamer, Windows Central, Beebom
Stay tuned to Scene Gamers – we'll keep you updated as soon as there's concrete news about the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3!
Comments (0)
No comments yet — be the first to share your take.