Xbox New Elite 3 and Compact Cloud Controllers Leaked
Xbox appears to be gearing up for a major hardware refresh following a massive leak originating from the Brazilian regulatory agency Anatel. Images circulated by local tech site Technoblog have given the world a first look at both a next-generation Elite 3 controller and a surprisingly tiny gamepad dedicated to cloud gaming.
The successor to 2019’s Elite Series 2 seems to be more than just a minor update. The leaked images of the Xbox Elite 3 show a more "refined" design, featuring an interchangeable D-Pad, paddles, and two "mysterious buttons." Most notably, the controller appears to house two new scroll wheels at the base, which could serve as a "new input method for games like Microsoft Flight Simulator" or as a way to make on-the-fly hardware adjustments.
For cloud enthusiasts, a new dedicated pairing button on the front "can switch between a local mode or cloud mode to connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers." By connecting straight to the server, the controller aims to significantly reduce input lag. Additionally, Microsoft seems to be moving toward a removable, rechargeable 1,528mAh battery, instead of the integrated battery found in the Elite 2.
The second leak reveals a brand-new peripheral: a compact cloud gaming controller. This device is "much smaller than your typical Xbox controller," with a form factor that reportedly rivals Nintendo’s Joy-Cons in size. Despite its miniature stature, it retains all the standard Xbox inputs and includes slight grooves on the triggers for better grip. Designed for portability, the cloud controller features both bluetooth and USB-C support, a rechargeable 500mAh battery, and is expected to launch in both black and white.
These leaks coincide with a period of massive growth for Xbox’s streaming services. Former Xbox boss Phil Spencer previously highlighted that "cloud gaming hours were up 45% on console and 24% on other devices between 2024 and 2025." As Microsoft prepares for its next console, "Project Helix," these controllers signal a continued heavy investment in making the Xbox ecosystem accessible on smart TVs, mobile phones, and non-gaming PCs.
While Microsoft has yet to comment, the presence of these devices at a national regulator suggests a release is imminent. "Microsoft might be inclined to make the official announcement sooner than later," perhaps during the upcoming Xbox summer showcase in June.
