Two New Microsoft Xbox Controllers Break Cover
Fresh regulatory listings have quietly revealed two upcoming Microsoft Xbox controllers, and together they outline a clear next step for the platform’s hardware strategy. Images surfaced by Tecnoblog show an all-new Xbox cloud gaming controller alongside the long-rumoured Xbox Elite Series 3. Both devices appear in certification documents with detailed connectivity specs and close-up photos of their revised layouts. The cloud-focused pad is a noticeably smaller, slimmed-down gamepad, while the Elite Series 3 continues the familiar premium form factor that competitive players expect. What links them is an emphasis on wireless versatility: both listings reference Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth support, implying that Microsoft is engineering its next wave of controllers to move seamlessly between consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and direct cloud connections. Though there are no confirmed launch dates yet, the filings suggest official announcements are drawing near.
A Compact Xbox Cloud Gaming Controller Built for Streaming
The leaked Xbox cloud gaming controller is striking primarily for its compact design. It keeps the standard Xbox control layout—dual analog sticks, a D‑pad, XYAB face buttons, bumpers, triggers, and what appears to be a central pairing button plus view and menu keys—but compresses everything into a narrower shell reminiscent of accessories from 8BitDo or Backbone. This smaller footprint strongly signals a focus on portability, making it easier to slip into a bag alongside a phone, tablet, or laptop for on‑the‑go Xbox cloud gaming. Inside, the controller reportedly supports Wi‑Fi 6 on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, enabling it to connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers rather than routing inputs through a local device. Combined with Bluetooth 5.3, USB‑C charging, and a built‑in 500mAh rechargeable battery, the design shows Microsoft moving away from AA cells toward a purpose‑built, streaming-first controller.
Elite Series 3: Refining Microsoft’s Flagship Competitive Controller
While the cloud pad looks experimental, the Xbox Elite Series 3 appears to iterate on a proven formula with targeted upgrades. The leaked images show a familiar Xbox-style silhouette with modular components—interchangeable thumbsticks, paddles, and D‑pads—suggesting that the premium customisation core of the Elite line remains intact. The most eye-catching new element is a pair of scroll-wheel-like inputs positioned near the 3.5mm headphone jack at the base of the controller. Their exact function is unknown, but they could act as quick selectors for profiles, sensitivity settings, or even cloud versus local modes. Internally, the Elite Series 3 is said to include both Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, plus a removable 1,528mAh rechargeable battery. That cell is smaller than the Elite Series 2’s pack, hinting that Microsoft may be optimising for easier replacement, weight balance, or compatibility with charging cases and docks.
What These Leaks Reveal About Microsoft’s Gaming Strategy
Viewed together, the Xbox Elite Series 3 and the compact Xbox cloud gaming controller sketch a clear strategic split: one device aims at competitive enthusiasts who want granular control and hardware tuning, while the other targets frictionless access to cloud titles on virtually any screen. The direct Wi‑Fi link in the cloud pad echoes earlier experiments like the Stadia controller, but here it’s integrated into Microsoft’s broader Xbox ecosystem rather than a standalone service. At the same time, bringing Wi‑Fi to the Elite line and potentially adding dedicated cloud/local switching shows that even high-end players are being nudged toward hybrid play—moving between console, PC, and cloud sessions without changing controllers. As upcoming Xbox hardware, these pads suggest Microsoft sees controllers not just as accessories, but as the central touchpoint for how players experience both traditional and cloud-native games.