The unannounced Xbox Elite Series 3 controller has surfaced once again in greater detail than before, with a fresh round of datamined specifications emerging from the backend of Microsoft’s own Design Lab website. The leaked information, which first began circulating online months ago, was compiled and shared on Reddit this week, offering what appears to be the most comprehensive look yet at Xbox’s upcoming premium controller ahead of any official announcement.
The details were uncovered while examining the customisation options available through Xbox’s Design Lab platform, a tool that lets customers design and order bespoke controllers. Among the findings are references to Hall Effect and Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) analogue sticks, advanced haptics reminiscent of Sony’s PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, impulse triggers with multi-stage presses, an audio scroll wheel, replaceable faceplates and multiple d-pad configurations.
A Move Toward More Durable Sticks
Perhaps the most significant revelation concerns the analogue stick technology. The listing appears to confirm that the Elite Series 3 will support both Hall Effect and TMR sticks, which rely on magnets rather than a physical electrical connection. This design eliminates common failure points found in traditional analogue sticks, notably wear over time and the dreaded “stick drift” that has plagued countless controllers.
The wording suggests customers may be able to choose between the two stick types when configuring their controller, though it remains unclear which would ship as the default configuration. Either way, the shift toward magnetic sticks represents a meaningful upgrade for competitive players who demand precision and longevity from their hardware.
Haptics and Triggers Channel PlayStation
Beyond the sticks, the leak points to “advanced haptics” built into the Elite Series 3, a feature that closely mirrors some of the immersive capabilities found in Sony’s DualSense controller. This would mark a notable departure for Xbox controllers, which have historically relied on more conventional rumble motors.
The controller is also expected to bring back impulse triggers, which offer their own haptic feedback alongside multi-stage presses, giving players finer control over in-game actions such as braking or accelerating.
Two Versions, Four Configurations
According to the leaked data, Xbox appears poised to release two primary versions of the Elite Series 3: one branded “Base” and another dubbed “Complete.” Both variants will offer the option of adding the haptics motor, effectively resulting in four distinct products available for purchase.
The Xbox Elite line has long served as the company’s premium controller offering, aimed at core gamers and competitive players who demand higher levels of performance and customisation. The most recent iteration, the Elite Series 2 Core, launched in 2022 for around £115 or $130, coming three years after the more feature-rich, pricier version that retails for approximately £160 or $180.
The depth and specificity of this leak suggest that Microsoft may be drawing close to an official reveal. Given that the information originated from Xbox’s own Design Lab backend, a release date could well be imminent.
A Turbulent Time for Xbox
The timing of the leak arrives during a period of significant upheaval at Xbox. The division is undergoing sweeping changes under Asha Sharma, its relatively new leader, which has been accompanied by repeated waves of layoffs across the organisation.
The most recent round occurred at the end of September and reportedly resulted in 268 job cuts, alongside major strategic shifts including the migration of the Halo franchise to Activision Blizzard and the apparent closure of British studio Ninja Theory.
Amid this turbulence, the Elite Series 3 leak offers a rare bright spot for Xbox’s hardware ambitions. Whether Microsoft will confirm these specifications or adjust them before launch remains to be seen, but enthusiasts are now watching closely for an official announcement that could arrive at any moment.
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