Images of two different Xbox controllers have been leaked online, including the Elite 3 and a compact model designed for cloud gaming. While the focus of next month's Xbox summer showcase will undoubtedly be upcoming video games, with Gears Of War: E-Day already confirmed as the highlight, it is not unreasonable to assume the company will want to discuss new hardware too. Perhaps we will get a first glimpse of the Project Helix console, which by all accounts is expected to launch next year, but it looks like Xbox might be planning to show off some new controllers as well.
That is because two of them have suddenly leaked online, complete with images. One is designed for cloud gaming, and the other is a continuation of the Xbox Elite line-up. This is according to Brazilian website Tecnoblog, which has obtained the screenshots and details on both controllers, unless these images are somehow fake.
Compact Cloud Gaming Controller
The first controller, which will come in white and black, is surprisingly small, at least by controller standards. The screenshots include rulers to show the exact size, and it lacks the long grips seen on standard Xbox controllers. Tecnoblog states that the controller has a rechargeable battery, Bluetooth support, and Wi-Fi connectivity, and is allegedly designed for cloud gaming. The small size is no doubt to ensure it is as portable as possible, for those who use cloud gaming via their phone.
This lines up with a claim The Verge made earlier this year, where it said Microsoft had green-lit a next-gen controller designed to reduce latency when playing games through the cloud. Presumably, the controller will also be compatible with Project Helix, but it does show that Microsoft remains committed to cloud gaming, which makes sense as a key part of Xbox's identity nowadays is making its games as widely available as possible.
Xbox Elite 3 Controller
The other controller is explicitly described as the Xbox Elite 3 and thus the successor to the Elite 2 controller, which released in 2019. For the uninitiated, Xbox Elite controllers are designed to be customisable, allowing you to not just map the buttons but also switch out the components, such as the thumbsticks, to suit your needs. They are very expensive and aimed at more hardcore gamers and esports athletes, or at least those who play a lot of online multiplayer.
For the most part, the Elite 3 looks just like a smoother version of the Elite 2, but it sports two scroll wheels on the bottom near the earphone jack. Their exact function is not known, but theories include them being a substitute for mouse controls or volume sliders. Tecnoblog reports that this controller has also been designed with cloud gaming in mind, since it has a pair button that can switch it into cloud mode, which offers lower latency.
Pricing and Availability
Two things the leak does not include are pricing and release windows. Although the cloud gaming controller is likely intended to be relatively inexpensive. As for the Elite 3, that is bound to be pricey. The original Elite controller for the Xbox One was £119.99, while the Elite 2 is typically sold for £169.99, although at the time of writing, it is discounted to £149.99 on the Xbox store.
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