Rumors Surface of Significant Upgrades in Upcoming Xbox Hardware

Once you experience the Xbox Elite controller and all its features, switching back to a standard gamepad feels nearly impossible. Xbox is set to elevate that experience even further with a brand-new Elite controller that enhances everything you loved about the previous version.

While there hasn’t been an official announcement yet, a recent leak from Xbox’s backend has revealed some exciting details. The upcoming Elite Series 3 controller is expected to feature advanced haptics, including Impulse Triggers that provide physical feedback through electrical signals and trigger-specific vibrations. The swappable joysticks will introduce a “silent stick” option, and even the existing sticks are getting a boost. The leaked information mentions Hall-effect joystick modules with varying resistance levels—standard, loose, and tight—to help reduce stick drift. There’s also a “TMR” joystick option that offers higher movement resolution while consuming less power.

Fine-tuning your gaming experience seems to be the primary focus of this new controller. It will provide a variety of paddle designs beyond the usual options, including double-wide paddles and a configuration that eliminates the top part of the back buttons. The D-pad is also set for an upgrade, featuring grippier alternatives and customizable add-ons that cater to both aesthetics and performance. Players will have the ability to swap out the controller’s faceplate, with choices for colors, metal finishes, and engravings. For those who appreciate audio, the new controller is rumored to include a feature called “audio scroll wheel color.”

For many gamers, a new Elite controller might be long overdue. While Xbox fans generally appreciate the functionality of the Elite Series Controller 2, there have been mixed reviews regarding its quality control, with some users reporting premature breakage. A new controller could provide Xbox with a chance to enhance both the features and the overall quality of this accessory.

Without an official announcement, the price of the new controller remains a mystery, but it’s likely to be on the higher end. The previous Elite Series 2 model has a suggested retail price of $199.99, so the new version could potentially exceed that.

Here’s what we know, what we think we know, and what we don’t.