Xbox Elite Controller 3 Specs Leaked via Brazilian Regulator
Images and specifications for the third-generation controller have surfaced online, revealing significant hardware updates including thumb-controlled scroll wheels and a removable battery.
Brazilian telecommunications regulator Anatel has inadvertently disclosed images and technical specifications of the unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3. The information was initially circulated by local technology outlet Tecnoblog and subsequently reported by The Verge, providing the first detailed look at the upcoming peripheral. This disclosure follows a separate leak earlier in the day concerning an unreleased Xbox Cloud Gaming controller, marking a significant breach of Microsoft’s pre-launch secrecy.
The leaked specifications indicate substantial hardware revisions for the new controller. Notable features include two scroll wheels positioned at the bottom of the device, which are controllable by the user’s thumbs. Additionally, the design incorporates a redesigned D-pad and a new pairing button located on the front, which appears to facilitate switching between local and cloud gaming modes. Perhaps most significantly for long-time users, the leak suggests the gamepad is adopting a removable, rechargeable battery, a departure from previous generations.
The second-generation Xbox Elite controller originally debuted in 2019, with hardware customisation options later added via the Design Lab in 2022. It has been a considerable period since Microsoft released a refresh to the Elite line, making these hardware updates particularly relevant for the gaming market. The presence of the device in regulatory filings suggests that the product is in the final stages of preparation for market release.
Microsoft has not officially confirmed these features, and the details remain unverified by the company. The leak coincides with Microsoft’s scheduled major summer showcase, which is set to take place in a few weeks. Industry observers note that the premature exposure of these specifications may compel Microsoft to adjust its announcement timeline, potentially bringing the official reveal forward to coincide with the regulatory scrutiny.
The incident highlights the challenges technology firms face in maintaining product secrecy ahead of major launches. With multiple leaks occurring in quick succession, including the earlier disclosure of the Cloud Gaming controller, Microsoft may need to reassess its marketing strategy for the upcoming season. The gaming community will now await official confirmation of whether the Elite Controller 3 will retain these leaked specifications or if further changes are planned before launch.
