Microsoft’s unannounced Xbox controllers leak with direct-to-cloud Wi-Fi

Images and technical details of two unannounced Xbox controllers have leaked through Anatel, Brazil's telecommunications regulatory agency. The filings reveal a next-generation flagship gamepad, presumably the Xbox Elite Series 3, as well as a compact controller designed specifically for Xbox Cloud Gaming. 

First reported by the Tecnoblog, the leaked Xbox Elite Series 3 represents Microsoft's first major refresh of its premium controller line since 2019. The most notable design change is the addition of two physical scroll wheels on the bottom edge of the controller, flanking the 3.5mm headphone jack. While early speculation points to potential implementation for simulation titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator or on-the-fly hardware adjustments, their exact in-game functionality remains unconfirmed.

The Elite Series 3 also marks a shift in power design, transitioning to a removable, rechargeable 1,528mAh battery pack, down from the non-removable 2,050mAh battery found in the Elite Series 2. The front layout retains swappable thumbsticks and a refined dish-style D-pad but adds a new dedicated pairing toggle underneath the Xbox button.

The second leaked peripheral is a pocket-sized, rectangular gamepad designed for the cloud and mobile ecosystems. Drawing immediate design comparisons to third-party retro controllers like the 8BitDo SN30 Pro, the device features short grips and a streamlined chassis. According to regulatory documentation, it is powered by a dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 Realtek chipset and includes a built-in 500mAh battery.

Both the Elite Series 3 and the compact cloud controller feature integrated dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities. This architecture allows peripherals to bypass a phone, tablet, or PC and connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers over a home network, similar to Google's defunct Stadia controller. Switching between standard and low-latency cloud mode is done via the button below the Xbox button.

Microsoft has not commented on the leaks, though a formal reveal is widely anticipated for the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7th.

KitGuru says: Even though pricing isn't known, an Elite Series 3 controller will never be priced accessibly. As for the unnamed compact Xbox controller, it might be more affordable for most gamers.

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