Microsoft is preparing a new controller and everything points to the Elite Series 3

Is Xbox preparing a new controller for 2026? The clues point to a possible Elite Series 3.

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In recent days, a rumor that has been circulating around the Xbox community for some time has gained momentum: Microsoft is allegedly working on a new controller, with features that are quite different from the current model. Although there is no official announcement, recent information suggests that 2026 could be the year chosen to take the next step in hardware control.

The hint comes from Windows Central, where a new hardware device is mentioned, scheduled for release this year. While the term is broad and could apply to many products, everything points to the fact that it’s not a console, but a key peripheral within the Xbox ecosystem.

A next-gen Xbox controller with WiFi connectivity and reduced latency

One of the most striking details of the report is the reference to integrated WiFi connectivity. This would allow the controller to connect directly to the router, without going through the console or PC, reducing latency in streaming games. It’s an idea we’ve already seen in controllers like those from Stadia or Amazon Luna, specifically designed for Xbox Cloud Gaming and cloud gaming.

• This approach aligns with Microsoft’s current strategy, increasingly focused on services and eliminating barriers between devices. A controller prepared for this scenario would make a lot of sense within that vision.

At the same time, the name that many have been waiting for years is once again gaining traction: Xbox Elite Series 3. Rumors are talking about possible Hall effect sticks, increased durability, internal improvements, and perhaps advanced features inherited from other next-generation controllers. It wouldn’t be surprising if Xbox introduced these innovations first in the Elite series before bringing them to standard controllers.

For now, everything is speculative. But with several sources pointing in the same direction, it’s clear that something is brewing in Redmond. The question is no longer whether a new Xbox controller will arrive, but when and to what extent it will change the way we play.