Leaked Xbox Elite 3 Controller Looks Real, But Microsoft Needs More Than Paddles Now
Microsoft may be preparing its next premium Xbox pad, but the timing is tricky. According to images published by Brazilian tech site Tecnoblog, two unannounced Xbox controllers have appeared through Brazil’s telecommunications regulator: a compact cloud-focused controller and what looks like the long-awaited successor to the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2.
The Elite line used to feel like the obvious “pro controller” choice. Back when the Elite Series 2 launched in 2019, rear paddles, swappable thumbsticks, custom D-pads and a premium rechargeable build were enough to stand out. In 2026? Not so easy, bro.
Third-party brands have levelled up hard. You can now find controllers with rear buttons, modular parts and drift-resistant sticks at much lower prices than Microsoft’s old US$180 Elite Series 2 price point — roughly around RM840 before local taxes, shipping or reseller markup. PC Gamer points to the GameSir G7 Pro as one example, priced around US$80, or about RM375. That gap matters a lot for Malaysian and SEA players, where a “premium” controller can cost as much as a mid-range GPU upgrade, a Switch game haul, or months of Game Pass.
Based on the leaked images, the most unusual addition on the supposed Elite 3 is a pair of wheel-like controls near the headphone jack. Tecnoblog reportedly suggests these could be useful for flight sims, which makes sense in theory, but it also sounds extremely niche. Serious sim players usually prefer dedicated flight sticks or throttle setups anyway. The bigger question is whether those wheels can be mapped in a genuinely useful way for shooters, racing games, RPGs, or even PC productivity-style shortcuts.
The rest of the controller seems closer to a careful refresh than a total redesign. The leaked pad appears to keep the Elite formula: rear paddles, swappable sticks, interchangeable D-pads and a rechargeable removable battery, though the battery is reportedly smaller this time. There is also a new button below the Xbox logo that apparently switches between local and cloud modes, connecting to Xbox Cloud Gaming when used that way.
That cloud angle is interesting, but for Malaysia and much of SEA, it needs context. A portable Xbox controller sounds great for people who game between PC, phone, tablet and handheld, especially with more players using Game Pass-style libraries. But cloud gaming still depends heavily on region support, account setup, server distance and home/mobile internet stability. If the experience is inconsistent, that cloud toggle becomes more of a nice-to-have than a killer feature.
The make-or-break feature is not visible in the leak: the thumbstick tech. If Microsoft ships the Elite 3 without Hall Effect or TMR sticks, it will be a hard sell. Stick drift has haunted major first-party controllers for years, and the market has moved on. Even affordable third-party pads now offer drift-resistant Hall Effect sticks. TMR sticks are another magnetic option, with similar anti-drift benefits and potentially better precision.
For competitive players, especially in games like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, FC, Fortnite and fighting games, controller reliability is not just a comfort issue. Drift can ruin aiming, movement and menu navigation. For Malaysian buyers paying premium imported prices, “maybe it will drift later” is not acceptable anymore.
The second leaked controller is reportedly much smaller and built mainly for portability and cloud play. It seems to skip the pro features and stick to the basics, also including the same local/cloud toggle. That one could make more sense for casual mobile or travel gaming, especially if priced aggressively.
Microsoft has not officially announced either controller, so pricing, final features and release timing are still unknown. A possible reveal window is the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7, during Summer Game Fest 2026.
If this leak is accurate, the Elite 3 could still be a strong controller. But in today’s market, Microsoft cannot win on brand name alone. For SEA gamers, the checklist is simple: drift-free sticks, sensible local pricing, strong PC support and features that actually help in real games. Anything less, and the third-party boys are already waiting.
Source: PC Gamer
