Xbox Elite Controller 3 Leaked: Removable Battery and Extra Buttons Confirmed

The Xbox Elite Controller 2 has long been considered the gold standard for competitive gaming on both Xbox consoles and PC, maintaining its dominance for several years. However, the wait for a successor appears to be nearing its end. New images of the Xbox Elite Controller 3 have surfaced via a Brazilian regulatory filing, revealing significant hardware upgrades that address long-standing community complaints.

As first spotted by Tecnoblog and reported through The Verge, the leaked renders highlight a design overhaul that prioritizes longevity and connectivity flexibility over minor aesthetic tweaks.

Key Hardware Upgrades and New Features

The most immediate visual difference in the leaked images is the addition of functional controls near the headset port. The new design includes two scroll wheels positioned on either side of the headset connector. While the specific in-game utility for these wheels remains unconfirmed, their inclusion suggests a deeper level of customization for advanced gamers.

Furthermore, the controller introduces dedicated hardware for managing connectivity. A new pair of buttons allows users to instantly switch between local play and cloud play. This feature enables players to toggle whether the controller is connected directly to the console or routed through a Wi-Fi network, streamlining the transition between local multiplayer and cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming.

The Return of the Removable Battery

Perhaps the most impactful change is the inclusion of a removable battery pack. For years, the Elite Series 2 relied on a fixed internal battery, a design choice that mirrored the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. This non-removable setup often led to issues where the controller became unusable after the battery degraded, despite the rest of the hardware remaining perfectly functional.

By reintroducing a removable battery, Microsoft addresses one of the primary criticisms of the previous generation. This change allows players to:

  • Replace degraded batteries without discarding the entire controller.
  • Utilize spare charged batteries for extended gaming sessions.
  • Extend the overall lifespan of the device significantly.

This shift also aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of offering flexibility, as seen in their inclusion of traditional AA battery compartments in many wireless controllers. However, a dedicated, hot-swappable lithium pack for the Elite series offers a more premium and convenient solution for serious gamers.

What This Means for the Future

The leak, shared by Xbox News & Deals on social media in May 2026, indicates that Microsoft is responding to the need for durability and versatility in its high-end peripherals. By combining the beloved form factor of the Elite series with a removable battery and enhanced connectivity options, the Elite Controller 3 aims to secure its place as the definitive choice for both console and PC gamers.

While official details are still pending, the regulatory filings confirm that the next generation of Xbox controllers is prioritizing player longevity and control depth. Gamers who have invested heavily in the Elite Series ecosystem may find the upgrade cycle accelerated by these practical improvements.