Xbox might be preparing two new controllers, and they are clearly aimed at very different types of players.
According to Kotaku, images of two unannounced Xbox gamepads appeared online after Brazil’s Anatel regulator accidentally published them. The leaks were first picked up by Brazilian tech site Technoblog, with one controller looking like a smaller cloud gaming pad, while the other appears to be the next high-end Xbox Elite model.
The more interesting one for everyday Malaysian players might actually be the smaller controller. Based on the leaked photos, it is designed for Xbox game streaming and keeps the usual sticks, buttons, and layout, but in a more compact body. Think of it as the kind of controller you throw into your backpack before balik kampung, bring on a short trip, or leave beside a smart TV that can stream games.
That makes sense with Xbox’s current strategy. Microsoft has been pushing Game Pass and cloud streaming hard, especially for players who may not want to buy a full console. For SEA, where console pricing can be painful after conversion, taxes, and local retail markups, a cheaper streaming-first controller could be a big deal — if the service quality is good enough in your area.
The controller also reportedly connects directly to games through Wi-Fi instead of relying only on Bluetooth. That matters because cloud gaming already has one huge enemy: latency. A direct Wi-Fi connection, similar to how Google Stadia’s controller worked, could reduce input delay compared to routing everything through another device first. For slower-paced games, that might be fine either way. But for shooters, racers, fighting games, or anything competitive, every bit of delay memang terasa.
The second leaked controller is on the opposite end of the market. Technoblog also shared images of what looks like an Xbox Elite 3 controller, which should be Microsoft’s next premium pad if the leak is accurate. This one appears to include swappable d-pads, rear paddles, two extra mystery buttons, and two scroll wheels near the bottom of the controller.
Those scroll wheels are the spicy part. We do not yet know what they do, but they could be used for quick controller settings, profile adjustments, or even as new input options. For competitive players or serious tinkerers, that could be genuinely useful — assuming developers and Xbox’s software support them properly.
Interestingly, the leaked Elite-style controller also seems to support direct Wi-Fi cloud streaming, just like the smaller cloud controller. It may also come with a removable rechargeable battery, which would be a nice upgrade since Xbox players usually have to buy something like a Play and Charge Kit separately.
No pricing or release date has been confirmed for either controller. Kotaku says it has contacted Xbox about the leaks. With an Xbox event expected in June, there is a decent chance Microsoft officially reveals one or both controllers soon.
For Malaysian gamers, the big question will be price. A compact cloud controller only makes sense if it lands at a friendly RM price and works well with local internet conditions. The Elite 3, meanwhile, will probably be for the hardcore crowd — the players who already spend serious money on headsets, hall-effect sticks, trigger locks, and ranked grind setups.
Either way, Xbox is clearly not treating controllers as just plastic accessories anymore. One leaked pad says “cloud gaming for more people.” The other says “premium control for the sweats.” Very different vibes, but both point to the same thing: Microsoft wants Xbox to live beyond the console box.
Source: Kotaku