An unreleased prototype of the Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 3 controller has surfaced via an online marketplace listing, offering a detailed look at hardware changes including a nose-mounted LCD display, dual bottom rollers, and a removable 1528 mAh battery, according to a Reddit user who acquired the device and subsequent reports from hir36.hu.
Xbox Elite Series 3 Prototype Details and Marketplace Discovery
The unannounced controller was purchased on the OfferUp marketplace for approximately $200, according to reporting cited by hir36.hu. While the hardware could not be successfully connected to an Xbox console or a PC via wired or wireless modes, the physical unit reveals several design shifts from the existing Elite Series 2 model. The overall aesthetic remains familiar to users of Microsoft’s premium gamepad line, but the addition of new physical controls points to expanded functionality for future gaming setups.
Hardware Additions: LCD Display and Dual Bottom Rollers
The most prominent physical modification on the prototype is an LCD display positioned on the nose of the controller next to the pairing button. According to the sourced reporting, this screen could assist with pairing and connection data, aligning with earlier rumors that the Elite Series 3 might support Wi-Fi connectivity for direct communication with cloud gaming servers. Additionally, two new rollers sit on the bottom of the gamepad. These controls match components previously identified in documents submitted to a Brazilian regulatory body, offering potential utility for volume adjustments or inputs in flight simulation titles.
Removable Battery Specifications and Elite Series 2 Comparisons
Power management represents another shift in the prototype hardware. The unit contains a removable and rechargeable 1528 mAh battery pack. While this capacity sits below the 2050 mAh specification found in the Elite Series 2, the shift to a user-swappable design introduces long-term maintenance advantages for players.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that prototype hardware often undergoes revisions before retail launch. Microsoft has not yet officially confirmed the release date or final specifications for the Xbox Elite Series 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Microsoft officially announced the Xbox Elite Series 3?
No, Microsoft has not yet made any official announcements regarding the Xbox Elite Series 3, and the details currently available stem entirely from hardware leaks and regulatory filings.
What are the notable new features on the leaked controller?
The leaked prototype features a nose-mounted LCD display, two bottom-mounted rollers, and a removable 1528 mAh battery pack, according to the sourced reports.
Can the leaked prototype connect to a console or PC?
The user who acquired the device on OfferUp reported that the controller could not be connected to an Xbox console or a PC via wired or wireless methods.
Join the Discussion
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