On August 11, 2026, a Reddit user posted photos of a prototype of Microsoft's Xbox Elite Series 3 controller that he says he bought for US$ 200 on the OfferUp app. The images, shared by The Verge, reveal a built-in screen on the controller, a feature not yet announced.
Possible reveal at Gamescom
The photos may indicate that Microsoft plans to unveil the controller at Gamescom, a gaming fair taking place this month. The outlet consulted Tom Warren, The Verge's Microsoft expert, who said, based on his sources, that the controller is still expected to launch this year.
An image leak in May by Brazilian regulatory agency Anatel had already shown that the Xbox Elite 3 would feature two scroll wheels on the bottom edge, a second wireless connection mode to directly access Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, and a new pairing button. The new photos show what may be that button, located next to the built-in screen.
On the controller's screen, you can see what appears to be the Xbox Cloud Gaming icon next to an Xbox Series X console. Another image shows a Microsoft cloud address, which, according to The Verge, lends more credibility to the photos. The buyer, however, said the controller doesn't work: it doesn't pair with the Xbox, even via cable, and only the red LED blinks.
The photos also show the scroll wheels, four rear paddles, battery compartment, carrying case, a different design for the detachable D-pad, and triggers that become clicky when locked in the rapid-fire position. In the battery compartment, there's a QR code that likely leads to a repair page and Torx T6 screws, indicating Microsoft's effort to enable at-home repair.
Despite that, the controller is clearly a prototype: it has labels reading "not for sale" on the body and on the removable 5.8 watt-hour battery, plus provisional identification numbers for regulatory agencies.
