Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 Might Catch Up to Other Premium Controllers, According to Leak

The Xbox Elite Controller was my introduction to premium controllers, and while I still love the way it feels in my hand, it's simply fallen out of my rotation when I have access to controllers like the Steelseries Aeon Pro or the ROG Raikiri II. But, it looks like Microsoft is getting ready to launch an updated version with some much-needed improvements.

The leaks appeared on Reddit, based on configuration files found on Spectrum, the platform behind the Xbox Design Lab. Those files have since been taken down, but previously pointed to a controller that gives users the choice between Hall Effect and TMR (tunneling magnetoresistance) sticks, an audio scroll wheel and more paddle designs.

This isn't the first time the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 has leaked. Back in August, a user posted pictures of a supposed prototype to Reddit. However, that leak didn't reveal much about how the controller worked, whereas this one purports to reveal the specs behind the rumored high-end controller.

With all of the supposed features in this latest leak, the new Xbox Elite Controller would go head-to-head with some of the best PC and Xbox controllers on the market, especially if it's a bit more durable. My current series 2 is in a state of disrepair where the thumbsticks don't click in anymore, and its missing an analog stick. The controller is also notorious for scattering into a dozen different pieces whenever you drop it, leading to the back paddles and the D-pad flying everywhere.

If Microsoft is able to keep the good parts of the Series 2, like its extremely long battery life and perfect weight, while also adding these leaked features, I could see the Elite Controller getting its crown back. At least, as long as it doesn't come with a higher price. After all, even a couple years after the Xbox Elite Series 2 launched, that controller will still set you back around $167 at the time of writing.

That price seemed worth it when the Series 2 first launched, but now that we have the $99 Steam Controller and the $129 Asus ROG Raikiri II, Microsoft has its work cut out for it in the high-end controller market.