Microsoft’s new Elite controller comes with new features, but some members of the community are hoping for something else.
A premium price tag doesn’t always guarantee flawless technology—a lesson that at least some owners of Microsoft’s previous Elite controllers have had to learn the hard way.
Now, a fresh leak is causing a stir in the gaming community: The first images have recently surfaced online that allegedly reveal the design of Microsoft’s brand-new Xbox Elite Series 3 controller,reports The Verge magazineciting the Brazilian website Tecnoblog.
But while anticipation for the next high-end accessory grows, fans aren’t blindly celebrating the supposed new model.
Instead, the Xbox community is linking its enthusiasm to clear conditionsand insisting that the third generation finally resolve two pressing hardware issues from its predecessors.
This is supposed to be the new Xbox Elite Controller
The leaked images show that Microsoft is staying true to the controller’s proven basic design and modular approach. However, it will be supplemented with some unexpected features.
The most striking new feature is likely the two scroll wheels on the bottom edge of the gamepad. Exactly what they are intended for remains a well-kept secret for now.
The leak also reveals a new cloud pairing button that allows users to switch between local mode and a connection to the Xbox Cloud Gaming servers. According to The Verge, the cloud gaming mode is designed to improve latency in streamed games.
A crucial detail is hidden on the back: Microsoft appears to be moving away from the built-in battery of its predecessor and is opting for a removable battery pack for the Elite Series 3.
According to certification data, at 1,528 mAh, this is slightly smaller than the Elite Series 2’s battery, but it should significantly increase battery life—because an aging battery will no longer mean the premature end of this expensive premium controller.
No more stick drift and broken buttons: The two big demands from fans
As innovative as the new features may be, for some gamers they might not be enough. Experiences with the first two Elite generations have caused frustration among some buyers,which is why the community is demanding two very specific and urgently needed hardware improvements for the successor.
At the top of the wish list is the permanent elimination of the dreaded “stick drift.” Fans now expect controllers in this price range to use Hall-effect sensors. These operate magnetically rather than via mechanical contacts, making the typical wear and tear of analog sticks virtually impossible.
The second major issue concerns the durability of the bumpers (LB and RB). In the past, buyers of the controller regularly complained about shoulder buttons that broke after a few months, stopped responding, or registered annoying double-clicks. For some gamers, therefore, one thing is clear: An Elite Series 3 will only be a true success if Microsoft consistently addresses the quality issues of its predecessors alongside its sleek new features.
Now we want to hear your opinion. What do you think of the new Xbox controller? Does Microsoft deliver the improvements you’ve been hoping for? Feel free to leave a comment below.
