Leaked Xbox Elite Series 3 and mini Wi-Fi controller hint at Microsoft’s cloud gaming push
Microsoft may finally be ready to experiment with the Xbox controller formula, bro.
According to details shared by Technoblog and reported by GamesRadar, two unannounced Xbox controllers have appeared in a leak: a new Xbox Elite Controller Series 3, and a much smaller controller internally referred to as the Microsoft 2147. The interesting part? The mini pad seems less like a normal living-room controller and more like a travel-friendly device built around cloud gaming.
For more than 10 years, Xbox controllers have mostly followed the same family design. Sure, the buttons, texture, triggers, and shape have been refined across Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, but the basic DNA is still very recognisable. This leaked 2147 controller looks like a proper break from that style.
Based on the leak, the compact controller measures around 90mm tall and 130mm wide, with a flatter rectangular shape that gives off retro controller vibes. Think along the lines of those small 8BitDo-style pads or mini Hori controllers, except this one reportedly packs full thumbsticks, buttons, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6, and a 500mAh battery.
That Wi-Fi part is the spicy bit. The leak suggests the controller’s Wi-Fi is limited to 20MHz, which could help reduce interference and latency. If true, this points strongly toward cloud gaming use rather than just another Bluetooth controller for your phone or PC. Documentation mentioned in the report also apparently references “local” and “cloud” modes, which makes the whole thing sound even more purpose-built.
For Malaysia and SEA, this is actually quite relevant. A lot of players here don’t buy every console, and cloud gaming has always had that “interesting, but depends on internet lah” problem. If Microsoft is making a controller that connects more directly for cloud play, the goal could be to make Xbox gaming feel smoother across phones, tablets, handheld PCs, and maybe future hybrid devices.
Still, the design raises questions. A tiny flat controller may be nice for throwing into a bag, but long Mobile Legends-style sessions? Fighting games? Shooters? That depends heavily on ergonomics. Full-sized sticks and triggers on a small, low-grip shell could feel awkward if Microsoft doesn’t nail the balance.
The other leaked pad, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3, sounds more familiar. It reportedly keeps the premium customisation features expected from the Elite line, including adjustable triggers, swappable d-pad options, and rear paddles. But the leak says it also includes the same Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules as the compact controller.
Design-wise, the Elite Series 3 apparently smooths out the top section of the controller, removing some older ridges linked to the Xbox One-era shape. More mysteriously, the leak shows two small scroll wheels near the 3.5mm headphone jack. What they actually do is still unknown, though on a “Pro” controller, they could be tied to fine-tuning or extra input control.
If both controllers are real, Microsoft may be moving toward more specialised Xbox accessories instead of just refreshing the same core pad again and again. The Elite Series 3 would serve the competitive and enthusiast crowd, while the mini Wi-Fi controller could target cloud players who want something portable.
No official announcement has been made yet, so treat this as leak territory for now. But if Microsoft really is preparing a cloud-first controller, SEA gamers should keep an eye on it — especially if Xbox wants to compete harder in markets where handhelds, phones, and PC cafes matter more than traditional console setups.
Source: GamesRadar
