Two Distinct Xbox Controllers Surface Online
Earlier today, images of a new, unannounced Xbox controller surfaced after Brazil’s Anatel regulator inadvertently shared them online. Shortly after, the same regulator leaked images of yet another Xbox controller that hasn’t been officially revealed. Oops!
On May 14, a Brazilian tech news site shared leaked images of a cloud controller designed specifically for Xbox game streaming. This controller is smaller than the standard Xbox gamepad but retains all the essential buttons and sticks, just in a more compact and budget-friendly design. It’s the kind of controller that Xbox envisions gamers tossing into a bag for travel or leaving on a table in a room with a TV capable of streaming games.
Back in February, it was reported that Xbox was working on a streaming controller that would connect directly to games via Wi-Fi, similar to the functionality of Google Stadia controllers with the now-defunct service. This appears to be that very controller. The goal is to reduce latency by using a direct Wi-Fi connection instead of Bluetooth, which typically involves more steps to connect to a game running on a remote server.
Later that same day, the tech site published additional photos showing what seems to be the Xbox Elite 3 controller, which is expected to be a more premium option compared to the cloud streaming controller.
The Elite 3 gamepad boasts an interchangeable d-pad, back paddles, and two extra buttons with yet-to-be-disclosed functions. It also features two new scroll wheels at the bottom, potentially for adjusting controller settings or introducing a new input method. Like the cloud controller, the Elite 3 will support cloud streaming via a direct Wi-Fi connection. Notably, it appears to come with a removable and rechargeable battery, which is available separately for Xbox controllers. (I personally use a Play and Charge kit and find it fantastic.)
Details on pricing and release dates for either controller remain under wraps, but with an Xbox event scheduled for June, it’s likely that one or both of these newly leaked gamepads will be officially announced and available for purchase soon.
