Unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 Surfaces on OfferUp Following Anatel Leak
Months after images were leaked by Brazilian regulator Anatel, an unlaunched Xbox Elite Controller 3 has appeared on the OfferUp marketplace, with online users identifying it as a non-functional prototype.
An unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 has been sold to an unsuspecting buyer on the OfferUp marketplace, marking the first public appearance of the device since images were leaked by the Brazilian regulator Anatel in May. Microsoft has not yet formally launched the model, which is expected to be the company’s first new Xbox controller since 2022.
The item came to light after a Reddit user, identified as ssuberlex, posted photographs of the controller on the r/Controller subreddit. The buyer, who stated they were originally searching for the Elite Controller 2, reported that the device they received would not pair with an Xbox console, either wirelessly or via a cable connection.
Online commentators compared the photographs to the previously leaked Anatel images and existing hardware, confirming the device appeared to be the unreleased Elite Controller 3. One image shared by the buyer showed a screen displaying a URL at the top of the model, further distinguishing it from standard retail units.
The inability of the controller to establish a connection has led to speculation that the unit may be a developer kit rather than a consumer product. The original poster has since deleted their Reddit account, leaving the community to rely on the archived images and reports for details regarding the device’s origin and specifications.
While Microsoft has not commented on the sale, reports from IGN suggest the Elite Controller 3 is designed to feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity, a 3.5 mm jack, two scroll wheels, trigger locks, and a dedicated pair button for switching between local and cloud gaming. The incident highlights the risks of premature hardware distribution in the consumer electronics supply chain.
