A purported prototype of the unannounced Xbox Elite Series 3 Wireless Controller has reportedly surfaced online, with a user acquiring the device through the retail platform OfferUp. The controller, which was believed to be an Elite Series 2, appears to be an early development unit.
Users on Reddit's r/Controller subreddit identified the controller as a potential Elite Series 3 prototype. The owner of the device stated that it could not be paired with an Xbox console or via cable, exhibiting only a blinking red light. This suggests the controller may be encrypted or restricted to registered developer accounts.
This sighting follows an alleged leak from May that detailed potential features for the Elite Series 3. These reportedly include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth connectivity, a 3.5mm jack, interchangeable components such as D-pads and paddles, dual scroll wheels, and trigger locks. The leaked information also suggested a new pairing button capable of switching between local and cloud modes to reduce latency.
While Microsoft has not officially announced the Xbox Elite Series 3, its appearance in the hands of a consumer suggests a formal reveal is likely imminent. The Elite Series 2 controller, released in 2019, received a score of 7 out of 10 in IGN's review, with the original Elite controller being praised upon its release in 2015.