A Reddit user identified as ssuberlex shared a series of photographs that appear to show a prototype of Microsoft’s next‑generation Xbox Elite controller, widely presumed to be the Xbox Elite Series 3. The images reveal a small built‑in display on the front of the pad, a feature that has not been mentioned in any official Microsoft communications.
New hardware details
The screen matches a diagram leaked in May by a Brazilian regulator, which illustrated a mode‑switch dialogue and a “Pair Button” positioned to the left of the display. In the Reddit post, the screen is shown rendering the XCloud rocket icon next to an Xbox Series X graphic, suggesting the display is intended to indicate cloud‑gaming status.
A second screenshot captured on the prototype’s display shows a URL that points to a Microsoft cloud resource. The URL is not publicly accessible, adding a layer of credibility to the claim that the device is an authentic internal prototype rather than a fan‑made mock‑up.
Physical features and design tweaks
Beyond the screen, the controller sports two new scroll wheels along the bottom edge, a design element also referenced in the May leak. The prototype includes four rear paddles, a detachable D‑pad that differs from the version shown in earlier renderings, and a battery compartment that houses a removable 5.8 watt‑hour pack.
The Redditor notes that the trigger sticks produce a clicky feel when locked into the hair‑trigger position, a tactile improvement that aligns with previous Elite series revisions. The device is also packaged in a carrying case that mirrors the styling of earlier Elite models.
Inside the battery compartment, a QR code is visible, presumably linking to a repair guide or support page. The compartment is secured with Torx T6 screws that can be accessed without specialized tools, indicating Microsoft may be considering a more repair‑friendly approach for future hardware.
Both the controller itself and the removable battery are marked “NOT FOR SALE,” and placeholder identification numbers are printed for various regulatory bodies, underscoring the unit’s prototype status.
Functionally, the controller does not appear to work. The Redditor reports that the device fails to pair with an Xbox console or a wired connection, with only a red LED blinking and no response to input. This non‑functionality is consistent with a pre‑production sample that has not yet been fully integrated with firmware.
According to the Reddit post, the prototype was purchased on the resale platform OfferUp for $200. No further details about the seller or the provenance of the unit were provided.
Industry outlook
Tom Warren, a Microsoft reporter for The Verge, cited unnamed sources who believe the Elite Series 3 controller could still be slated for release later in the year. Speculation has also arisen about a possible unveiling at the upcoming Gamescom trade show, though Microsoft has not confirmed any plans.
If the prototype’s features—particularly the built‑in screen and cloud‑gaming pairing button—make it to the final product, the Elite Series 3 would represent a notable evolution in Xbox’s premium controller lineup, blending enhanced physical controls with real‑time status feedback for cloud services.
Steve Lopez is the Editorial Page Editor for News Raise. He covers Health. He has won more than a dozen national journalism awards for his reporting and column writing at seven newspapers and four news magazines.
