Xbox Elite Series 3 prototype leaks with built-in screen and repairable design
Images of the unreleased controller, sourced from The Verge, show a pairing screen, Torx screws, and regulatory markings consistent with pre-production units expected later this year.
A prototype of the upcoming Xbox Elite Series 3 controller has surfaced online, offering a detailed look at Microsoft’s next-generation gaming hardware. The leak, reported by The Verge, features images posted by a Redditor who claims to have purchased the device for $200 on the marketplace platform OfferUp. The controller bears clear “NOT FOR SALE” labels on both the unit and its removable 5.8 watt-hour battery, alongside various placeholder identification numbers for regulatory bodies.
The most significant revelation in the leak is the presence of a built-in screen on the controller’s face. The display appears to show a pairing interface featuring an Xbox Cloud Gaming rocket ship icon alongside an Xbox Series X, suggesting a dedicated mode for cloud connectivity. A physical “Pair Button” is situated next to the screen, a feature previously hinted at in May when leaked images from a Brazilian regulator outlined the device’s specifications. The screen also displays a URL that directs to a Microsoft cloud resource, adding credibility to the authenticity of the images despite the viewer lacking access permissions.
Beyond the display, the prototype confirms several design elements disclosed in earlier regulatory filings. The controller includes two new scroll wheels located on the bottom edge and a detachable D-pad design that differs from previous leaks. The device also features four rear paddles and a carrying case. While the Redditor noted that the triggers feel clicky when locked in hair-trigger mode, the unit itself reportedly does not function, displaying only a blinking red light and failing to pair with either an Xbox console or a wired connection.
A notable aspect of the hardware is its apparent focus on repairability. Images of the battery compartment reveal accessible Torx T6 screws and a QR code that presumably links to a repair website. This suggests Microsoft is incorporating user-serviceable components into the premium controller, a shift that may impact long-term maintenance and sustainability for the device.
Microsoft sources indicate that the final product is expected to launch later this year. The leak arrives amidst a period of significant activity in the technology sector, with major artificial intelligence platforms such as Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT recently surpassing one billion users. While the exact release date remains unconfirmed, the detailed nature of the prototype images provides a clear preview of the features consumers can expect from the Xbox Elite Series 3.
