Xbox Elite 3 controller leak shows a familiar design garnished with some mysterious buttons

Home GamingNews The Xbox Elite 3 looks familiar, until you spot the mystery controls Xbox Microsoft’s next Elite controller has just leaked, and the design looks familiar at first glance. Though, it’s not just a typical refresh, as the next pro Xbox controller could be changing things up. In the recent Tecnoblog report, a possible Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 appeared in Brazil’s Anatel certification database. This upcoming controller keeps the premium Xbox layout and the customization features expected from the Elite line, while even adding a couple of new controls that are not immediately obvious in function. There’s a new Elite formula for Xbox controllers Tecnoblog Looking at the documentation and images shared in the report, Microsoft’s next Elite controller doesn’t appear to be a dramatic redesign over its predecessor. So the focus is to offer a more refined controller that keeps the extensive customization options still. This includes interchangeable and adjustable parts such as the D-pad, triggers, and rear paddles. All of these are what gamers come to expect from the Elite lineup, but there are some updates with the internals to refine the experience further. The documentation points to Bluetooth and WiFi 6 support, similar to Microsoft’s compact Xbox Cloud Gaming controller. The company may likely use the same Realtek TRL8730E chipset, although the leaked documents don’t explicitly mention a chipset. What’s actually new? The most interesting change, however, is found near the bottom of the controller. There are two new commands between the grips, situated right next to the 3.5mm audio jack. Unfortunately, the listing does not reveal any info about their function. From the images, the new additions appear to resemble small scroll wheels. Tecnoblog These could be designed for flight simulators, functioning like throttle controls, or for games that need continuous adjustments. So, it is a very niche addition, but that’s also exactly the kind of thing that makes sense on an Elite controller rather than a standard Xbox Wireless Controller. Microsoft seems to be thinking more seriously about controllers that can move between console, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming setups, with a new button dedicated to switching between local and cloud modes. While most of these sound like nice updates and improvements, Microsoft could be making a downgrade to the battery life. The new Elite model controller keeps a removable rechargeable battery design, but drops the capacity to just 1,528mAh, down from the 2,050mAh battery in the Elite Series 2. As always with leaks and certification sightings, none of this is official yet. But going by the approach with the new controllers, enhanced connectivity for versatile console and cloud gaming support is a clear focus. Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience covering consumer hardware, with a focus on… Gaming A new Xbox controller is coming and it’s not what you’d expect Microsoft’s next Xbox controller may be tiny, rechargeable, and cloud-ready Microsoft apparently has plans for a new Xbox controller. But this one seems different from what we've come to know from the brand. Rather than being a typical refresh, a Tecnoblog report found that Microsoft is working on a compact controller that could be focused on the Xbox Cloud Gaming. It's not just the design that's getting a touch-up, as the leak documents also suggest improved connectivity for a cloud-first setup. Read more Gaming AMD is bringing FSR 4.1 upscaling to older GPUs like an elixir of new gaming life Your older Radeon GPU is about to get a serious visual upgrade, and it won't cost you a thing. If you own a Radeon RX 7000-series GPU and have been watching Nvidia DLSS users enjoy buttery smooth, sharp gameplay with a hint of envy, your wait is almost over. AMD's Jack Huynh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Computing and Graphics, confirmed in a tweet that FSR Upscaling 4.1 is coming to RDNA 3 GPUs this July, with support for over 300 games right out of the box. Read more Gaming The Steam Controller will scream if you drop it, and I don’t know how to feel about it Valve’s new controller does not suffer drops in silence Valve’s new Steam Controller has a hidden Easter egg that makes it scream when dropped, which is funny until you remember it costs $99. Users have been sharing clips of the controller playing the iconic Wilhelm scream after being dropped from around three feet while in Big Picture Mode. It does not trigger every time, with one widely shared post claiming it happens roughly once every five or six drops. How does the Steam Controller scream without a speaker? Read more