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Xbox Elite 3 prototype pad leaks with tiny built-in screen
Developed over time first seen 3 months ago
A prototype of Microsoft's next Xbox Elite controller has surfaced in leaked photographs, confirming a previously unseen built-in screen alongside hardware upgrades that had already been anticipated from earlier regulatory filings. A Reddit user claims to have bought the non-functional engineering sample for $200 on the secondhand marketplace OfferUp, and images show the small display presenting cloud-connection status and a mode-switching menu that closely matches a diagram leaked by a Brazilian regulator in May.
The photographs also reveal dual scroll wheels, four rear paddles, a detachable D-pad, hair-trigger locks, a carrying case, and a battery compartment fitted with standard Torx T6 screws and a QR code, suggesting Microsoft has designed the pad to be easier to repair at home. Although the unit is clearly unfinished, marked "NOT FOR SALE" with placeholder regulatory numbers and unable to pair with any console, details such as a Microsoft-linked internal URL lend the leak credibility, and The Verge's Microsoft sources say the controller, believed to be the Xbox Elite Series 3, is still expected to launch later this year.
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In short
- Leaked photos show an Xbox Elite 3 prototype with a built-in screen
- Also reveals dual scroll wheels, repairable design and Torx screws
- Non-functional unit reportedly bought for $200 on OfferUp
- Sources say the controller is still due to launch later this year
How this story developed
- 3 months ago A prototype of Microsoft's next Xbox Elite controller has emerged in leaked photographs, revealing a compact built-in display alongside previously anticipated hardware improvements including dual scroll wheels and a dedicated wireless connection mode for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- 3 months ago A prototype of Microsoft's next Xbox Elite controller has surfaced in leaked photographs, confirming a previously unseen built-in screen alongside hardware upgrades that had already been anticipated from earlier regulatory filings.
Explained simply
Xbox's Elite controller line is Microsoft's premium gamepad range, aimed at serious and competitive players who want extra customisation, such as swappable thumbsticks, paddles on the back and adjustable trigger stops. The current version, Elite Series 2, has been out for several years, so a follow-up has long been expected. Leaked photos are now said to show an early test unit of a possible "Elite 3", offering a first, unofficial look at what Microsoft may be planning.
The leaked device reportedly adds a small built-in screen and other new features, such as extra scroll wheels and a mode for connecting directly to Xbox's cloud gaming service, which lets people play games streamed over the internet rather than run from a disc or download. It also appears designed to be easier to open up and repair, with standard screws and printed guidance for owners. As this is only a prototype obtained secondhand, none of these details are officially confirmed by Microsoft.
The story matters to people who follow gaming hardware because Elite controllers sit at the high end of the market and often signal broader design trends for Xbox accessories. Confirmation of new features ahead of an official announcement can also shape expectations, and purchasing decisions, for the many players currently using older controllers.
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