The Xbox Elite Controller 3 leak points to magnetic thumbsticks, advanced haptics and four versions. However, none of it is confirmed. The details come from a Reddit post that says it found them in the Xbox Design Lab’s backend. Microsoft has announced no new Elite controller.
The sources the poster cited have reportedly since been taken down. Tech My Money could not view the post or the Design Lab records itself. This story therefore relies on Windows Central’s reproduction of the post’s spec summary.
What the Xbox Elite Controller 3 leak claims
The listing reportedly shows Hall-effect and TMR thumbstick modules, each with standard, loose and tight tension variants. Both are magnetic sensing technologies, so they avoid the physical wear that makes potentiometer sticks drift. It also lists a low-friction “silent” stick alongside standard and long ones.
For feedback, the leak describes impulse triggers plus “advanced haptics” using voice-coil (VCA) motors. That would be closer to what Sony’s DualSense does. It also lists a dedicated audio scroll wheel, multiple faceplates in metal and colored finishes, engraving, and several D-pad styles.
How it compares with the Series 2
Microsoft has published no image of the new controller, so the featured image shows the current Series 2. Microsoft’s own page lists three tension settings on the Series 2, set by hand with an included tool. It also lists Impulse Triggers with rumble motors, four paddles and an internal battery rated for up to 40 hours. If the leak is accurate, the new stick and haptic options would be the biggest changes.
The leak adds more paddle styles, including standard, classic, doublewide, short, long and butterfly designs. It also claims 27 mapped topper and paddle combinations. It says nothing about battery life, wireless features or price.
Four versions and a missing price
The post alleges four SKUs. Two have the full haptics motors and two do not, split between base and “complete” models. A complete model would likely add extras such as a dock and case, though the leak does not say so. Without a price, nobody can say what the haptics upgrade would cost.
Take this all with a pinch of salt for now, of course.
Jez Corden, Windows Central
Earlier leaks make a release plausible. In August, Tech My Money covered prototype photos of an Elite Controller 3 that surfaced online. Windows Central’s Jez Corden says he expects the controller out before Christmas. That is his own expectation, not a Microsoft date.
Until Microsoft says more, treat every item here as unconfirmed. Hardware shoppers can also see our budget controller picks in the meantime.
