Leaked Xbox Elite 3 images show new mysterious buttons

Just hours after a smaller Xbox Cloud Gaming controller surfaced online, Brazil’s Anatel regulator has accidentally published images of what appears to be Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox Elite 3 controller. Tecnoblog shared the leaked visuals, showcasing a refined successor to the Elite 2 that includes an interchangeable D-Pad, paddles, and two intriguing new buttons.

The design of the Elite 3 controller looks more polished, highlighted by two new scroll wheels positioned at the bottom. These could serve as controller adjustment tools or introduce a fresh input method for titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator. The D-Pad itself sees subtle improvements, while the overall layout suggests Microsoft is aiming for greater versatility.

A notable addition is a dedicated pair button that lets users toggle between local mode and cloud mode, enabling a direct connection to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers. In cloud mode, this should reduce latency for streaming games, a feature that will also appear on the smaller Xbox controller leaked earlier today.

Microsoft appears to be shifting to a removable rechargeable battery in the Elite 3. According to Anatel filings, the updated controller uses a smaller 1,528mAh battery, down from the Elite 2’s 2,050mAh unit. While the exact release date remains unclear, these regulatory leaks often precede official announcements. It wouldn’t be surprising to see these controllers unveiled at the upcoming Xbox showcase in June.