Xbox Design Lab leak points to upgraded Elite Controller 3 features
Developing story first seen 13 hours ago
Further technical details about Microsoft's unreleased Elite Controller 3 have emerged after a Reddit user accessed configuration data from Xbox Design Lab's backend, revealing the device will feature drift-resistant Hall-effect or TMR joysticks and voice-coil haptics similar to PlayStation 5's controller. The leaked specifications have since been removed from the backend, but provide the most comprehensive breakdown yet of the successor to the seven-year-old Elite Series 2, suggesting a launch could be imminent.
The controller, codenamed Edessa, will reportedly offer customizable D-pads (standard, cross or grippy), a dedicated audio scroll wheel, low-friction silent sticks, and various paddle designs with 27 mapped configurations. Microsoft plans to release four product variations including "Elite Complete" and "Elite Base" versions, with options for metal or anodised faceplates, extensive colour choices, engraving and motor configurations. However, some users remain sceptical about whether Microsoft will genuinely deliver Hall-effect joysticks and have noted the apparent absence of a built-in gyro sensor.
- Reddit user reveals Elite Controller 3 will use drift-free Hall-effect joysticks and PS5-style haptics
- Customizable options include audio wheel, D-pad varieties and 27 paddle configurations
- Four SKU versions planned; launch expected soon, though details remain unconfirmed
New here? Start with this
The Xbox Elite Controller is a premium gamepad made by Microsoft for serious gamers seeking greater customisation and performance than standard controllers provide. Players value its customisable buttons, replaceable paddles and other advanced features for competitive gaming.
This current model has been Microsoft's flagship controller since 2019, making it seven years old in a technology market where regular updates are expected. Reports now suggest Microsoft may be preparing a successor, which would be a typical refresh for established gaming hardware.
Controller upgrades matter to dedicated players because they often address known issues or introduce features that give competitive advantage. News of a potential new Elite Controller therefore draws attention from both the loyal community of current users and those considering the investment.
Full account
Microsoft's forthcoming Elite Controller Series 3 has surfaced again through datamining of the Xbox Design Lab, the company's official customization platform. A user on Reddit extracted backend information regarding the premium controller, which carries the internal designation 'Edessa' and is linked to an accompanying customization product codenamed 'Beatrice'. The discovery follows previous leaks suggesting the device's imminent release, though Microsoft has made no official announcement.
The controller appears to feature dual joystick options utilising magnetic sensor technology: users may select between Hall-effect and TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) sticks, both of which avoid the mechanical wear associated with traditional potentiometer-based designs. The leak also indicates advanced haptic motors comparable to those found in PlayStation 5's DualSense controller, alongside impulse triggers offering multi-stage pressure sensitivity. A new dedicated scroll wheel for audio control has been incorporated, representing a departure from the existing Elite Series 2 design.
Customisation capabilities extend significantly beyond the current generation. The D-pad offers multiple configurations, whilst the controller will include various paddle designs and extensive faceplate options encompassing metallic finishes and extensive colour schemes with engraving capabilities. The backend data suggests Microsoft plans to release the controller in two principal versions—a Base model and a Complete variant—each available with or without the haptic motors, resulting in four distinct SKU combinations.
The Elite Series 2, which debuted in 2019, represents the current flagship premium controller, with a budget Core version released in 2022 priced at £115. Questions remain regarding certain design decisions: some observers have noted the apparent absence of integrated gyro functionality, whilst others have queried whether Microsoft would manufacture its own drift-resistant joysticks. The timing of this leak arrives amid substantial organisational restructuring at Xbox under leadership changes, including recent personnel reductions announced in September. Given the granular nature of the datamined information and prior leaks suggesting actual physical samples, an official reveal appears increasingly likely in the near term.
Where outlets differ
Source 1 provides specific internal codenames and detailed customisation specifications; Source 2 emphasises technical explanations and broader context
Source 1 notes that backend source files were removed; Source 2 does not reference this
Source 1 includes Reddit user scepticism about Hall-effect joystick manufacturing and absence of gyro; Source 2 omits these concerns
Source 2 provides substantial Xbox organisational context including leadership, September layoffs (268 positions), Halo franchise move, and Ninja Theory closure; Source 1 contains no business context
Source 2 provides historical Elite pricing (Core £115 in 2022, premium £160); Source 1 only notes Series 2's age
More coverage
- Eurogamer — Xbox Elite Series 3 controller leaks and appears to offer better analogue sticks, advanced haptics, d-pad choices and more
- IGN — Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 Might Catch Up to Other Premium Controllers, According to Leak
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Engadget as “Xbox Elite Controller 3 specs leak via Xbox’s own Design Lab”.