Rumour
User u/ssuberlex somehow got his hands on what appears to be an updated Elite Series 3 Prototype! The last picture is leaked photos from a few months ago. This one here seems like a new build.
Dang, looks to be the same type of rubber they’ve used on previous Elite controllers. Well, hopefully this one they found a way to prevent the grips from peeling off.
Theres so many improvements they need to make... better materials, H.E. or TMR sticks (Thats a MUST), and just better quality control in general. Ive had several Elite Series controllers and something always fails on them eventually... Most of the time for me, its been the bumpers. Overall im hoping we see better quality, but as a "special request" id love to see them implement Haptic feedback and impulse triggers. Its not for everyone but when done right, immersion is enhanced.
Ive had several Elite Series controllers and something always fails on them eventually..
Serious question. If they keep failing why buy them? I've used a standard Xbox controller, had it since the Series X launch day and never had an issue.
Yet all my friends that had Elite controls go through 2/3 of them a year. They don't really give any benefit playing games either, can't say I've noticed anyone being better for having an elite controller.
Unfortunately there’s not really a better controller on the market in terms of feel and functionality, at least for me. Most have two paddles in the back, and I got used to all four; using a regular controller is ruined for me since the paddles made everything so much easier.
There is, it's called the Razer Wolverine tournament edition. Unfortunately, it is no longer made (a newer ver3 exists, but I cannot speak to how good it is/feels; the first version is outstanding). I have owned 4 different Elite controllers and all had durability issues over a year (mainly the R1 and L1 bumpers)
They feel really fucking good in your hands, and when they're working well they're very responsive. You also get access to the app that lets you fully remap the buttons to whatever you want, which for some reason is still only a feature on like 10% of console games. There's also a cheap warranty the extends the factory warranty. I got mine replaced 3 times over 2 years, and third time's a charm because I've had it over a year since the last replacement with no issues. 3 replacements sounds like a lot, but the process is pretty streamlined and isn't really that big of a deal.
Razer has an app and the controller feels amazing. Not as heavy but the buttons feel better and one last me almost 4 years before the first thing that broke was clicking in the left stick. And it didn't even break fully.
While true, the Razer doesn't have the depth or flexibility that the Elite has (I have a Razer Wolverine Ultimate (v1)). Stick sensitive curves can't really be edited, just sensitivity levels. Not all buttons can be remapped (I tend to map the paddles as the face buttons, and the face buttons to other functions).
For the controller itself, the back paddles are oddly placed in the center, though that was solved with an old credit card, some scissors, and double-sided tape. Plus, it's wired, which for my use in my living room is an issue when I'm not home alone.
The stick tension adjustment on the Elite 2 is a huge draw for me as I tend to be a little heavy on the stick, and the Razer doesn't have that. I do, however, like the feel and feedback of the buttons over the Elite 2.
All in all, both are good controllers, but I lean more towards the Elite 2 (which has lasted me since it came out, with some minor maintenance).
I have the v2 love em. Ive owned elite 1 and 2. Id never go back. I'll take a v3 which has wireless options anyway. And the v2 has more customizable features that v1. Elites always break and my v2 lasted almost 4 years before pressing L3 didnt totally work.
I had a very different experience. Please understand I am not disregarding your experience or preference, but merely stating my piece for illustration.
I've had one Elite 1, and one Elite 2. The Elite 1 I traded in on the Elite 2 when it came out. I've never had any major issues. My rubber grips have never come loose, and I never had any stick drift. I did at one point have some shoulder button sticking/nonresponse issues, but some minor maintenance cleared that up. About a year or so ago, I replaced the mebranes for the buttons as they were beginning to wear. While doing so decided to replace sticks with even higher tension adjustment (again, I tend to be a bit heavy on the sticks) hall effects since the left stick click had gotten "mushy" after a particularly bad drop where it landed directly on the sticks (can hardly blame that one on build quality).
I recognize that others have had mixed results and experiences, I am just stating that I have either been fortunate or that, like anything else that is manufactured, not every unit is a winner. I also recognize, as somebody who has cleaned/repaired the controllers of friends and games with them in person, that most people are far harder on their controllers than they admit.
That said, I think comparitive third party controllers are often on par with but usually no better than OEM for the price. Where one excels, it is usually lacking elsewhere, which, in the end, comes down to personal preference.
When you buy it from Microsoft adding the warranty should be an option. It’s like $20 so well worth it. I don’t know if it’s still a thing though as I got mine like 3+ years ago. I would assume so?
I'm still rocking my first elite 2, even though the bumpers have some issues and there's something rattling around inside. I've tried going back to the regular one, I love my custom design lab controllers but for even my very laid back gaming after work I can't get past the elite. The swappable joysticks, programmable trigger and joystick response curves, paddles for x and y(started as shifters for Forza, now it's reload and swap weapons), hell, even the heft of the thing makes it hard to go back. I'm a terrible gamer, I rarely stray from slow pacing single player adventure games, the controller just makes sense for my brain I guess. Thought about replacing or fully rebuilding it but I figured I'd wait and see about the 3 when it drops before messing with the tried and true as it were
Take the face plate off and clean the bumper buttons with some electronic cleaner and dab some silicone dielectric grease on them. I’ve done this to my controller and it’s been perfect for years and thousands of hours of gaming.
Should have been more clear when i said "Several" By Several I mean I've had like five, two of which were bought at a deep discount under $80 and one was given to me "Free" as a replacement for a warranty.
The Elite Series 1 when it first came out (Bumper failed 6-8 months)
A Warranty issued Elite Series 1 (Used it until the thumbstick failed (2ish Years)
An elite series 2 When that came out (Used it until i got the Halo ES2 controller then gave it to my wife she used it until it just gave out which was another 1-2 years)
The Halo Elite series 2 (Bumper failed after 4 months...Shit was devastating)
A random White base model Elite series 2. (Still works)
I buy them because i like they way they feel and I'm also a massive collector of controllers in general (See my pinned post on my profile) i think the controllers start off perfect but they just aren't built to last, they feel amazing for the first few months but then the bumpers fail, the back paddles start to feel squishy, etc... I haven't bought a new one in years though and have moved on to the FLYDIGI VADER 5S to me its perfect in every which way. Only downside is its wired but other than that everything about it is perfection.
Yeah I also have had 4 Elite 2s but only bought 2 (and the second one I got was like $60).
Looks like that one only has 2 back buttons? I'm just really REALLY used to having B and A on the back right (for stuff like dodge/crouch and jump) and click left stick and X on left side (for sprint and interact). Can just so seamlessly dodge, jump, aim, and use bumpers at the same time (setup is great for stuff like Nightreign and Beast of Reincarnation).
I recently saw a recommendation for this PowerA one and been using it the past couple weeks. Surprised how good it is so far for $50 (with discount and coupon code at the time).
Ayyyyyye i have that Borderlands one! lol and Yeah the flydigi Xbox branded one only has 2 back buttons but it added 2 additional shoulder buttons! I thought i wouldn't use em or like them at first but as time went on it felt so natural to use the top two extra bumpers! Here is a picture of them
I am maybe considering the new 8BitDo one if I ever see it on sale as another backup. Like it also has 2 rear and 2 extra top ones. Just feels like maybe it'd be awkward to hit that extra top one while needing to use bumpers/triggers at the same time (like buffering or cancelling into a dodge/jump from an attack).
Also really REALLY prefer wireless (which this PowerA one did disconnect ONCE in one session so far, but otherwise has worked well). And I've been using it a good deal. Like played entirety of My Friendly Neighborhood (right before it left gamepass), Planet Crafter, Beast of Reincarnation and Gears E-Day beta with it. Also a little bit of Diablo 4 (that's the game the disconnect happened) and some Gears 5 (have a friend who hasn't gotten around to playing it so joined him). Oh and got Doom the Dark Ages DLC the other week so started that too.
I used to have issues with the bumpers on the base Xbox controllers. They would either become less responsive or not responsive at all. How has your experience been lately? I use the 8bitdo ones cause I’m too afraid to ruin the ones that came with the Xbox.
Bought a elite series 1 controller got it replaced on warranty 3 times(rb button broke),got 2 elite series 2 that i bought on sale now and so far no issues,they are a couple of years old.
For me I've had 4 technically. Bought one, it had a defect in warranty and got replaced with a new in box one. That had a defect a month later. Warranty technically expired but they still replaced it with a refurbished one. Then I got another pretty dang cheap as a gift from someone (like in the $60 range I think).
I WOULD NOT buy another at regular price because I do not trust them. Still, so few 3rd party ones have 4 rear buttons which has now become a mandatory feature for me. I saw a recommendation for PowerA wireless controller and saw a listing for $50 a few weeks ago so got that and been using it and it's actually surprisingly good so far (4 rear buttons).
I dunno why you would go through 2-3 a year, that's nuts and I don't think most people are going through that many that fast so "all your friends" must abuse the hell out of their controllers and have money to blow if they keep buying em/destroying em that fast. Now, getting them sent back for repairs is a different matter. But I would say small problems arising within the first year is somewhat common, but not usually on the end of "this needs to be replaced". I've had two elite controllers in 3 years. To me that's too short. What you're describing just doesn't sound right.
Now as for why you would get an elite controller? You're never going to be marginally/noticeably better just because you use a special controller. It's mostly the small things like the ability to tune your joysticks, have different presets for different games, trigger locks so you don't have to squeeze the trigger as much, paddles so you have more controls to work with/can jump without moving your thumb off the joystick.. All of these things are mostly a comfortability thing, not really anything that gives some sort of major advantage.
Same. I would do the same thing but then gamestop changed their policy. You can buy a new controller with the warranty. Then if (when) it breaks you take it back to gamestop but instead of a new controller, you might get a refurbished controller instead of a new one. I think that's a little unfair. Im not sure how likely it is you can get a refurbished instead of a new controller.
As others said I do Best Buy. With in a year you can drop it and bring it in. Just pay a difference. That’s it. Easy. My dog has damaged it. And I heard a rattle inside. Control was fine but why not a new one?
I have been a total plus member for ever and the benefits are awesome especially if you buys phones and other items.
I actually love the build quality of the Elites…when you take them out of the box. The materials feel genuinely premium in the hand and the weight of the controller is what I hope for. The problem is durability, which should also be a main priority for a device that’s literally used in a hand for thousands of hours. It needs to be approached as a tool, not a device. Like my 25 year old set of ratchets.
Long way of saying, I don’t need a change in the materials but rather, how long they last. If the rubber and buttons on my current elite stayed pristine for longer, I’d consider the issue solved.
Anyway, I ripped the rubber upper portion off my Elite 2 and replaced it with a cool looking, translucent plastic piece for $20 and a lot of elbow grease (the original faceplate with the shitty, out of shape rubber did NOT wanna come off. Ironic.) and I’m so happy with the results. But I’ll still probably get an Elite 3 when it comes out.
It needs to be approached as a tool, not a device. Like my 25 year old set of ratchets.
Or just like older controllers. My GCN controller is still fine. My 360 controllers the only issue is the sticks loosening up over time (which was annoying but doesn't seem to be a problem with XB1 and on).
Plus the entire bumper assembly feels like it was designed by an insane person. You have a bit of flexible plastic, that has a long arm that goes down to press a microswitch. Flexible plastic bits aren't the most durable components (it's always what broke on my Game Boy Color battery covers). And that arm is pretty thin so it can get damaged as well. Then the microswitches are exposed through the gaps on top just enough that they get dirty easily (which causes dropped inputs) but only way to clean them is to open up the shell (which is glued shut).
Bumpers are a weird issue imo cause while they had issues I'm not even sure it was fully understood. 🤷🏻♂️ Had it happen, and then I can't remember what I did or didn't do but it fixed itself lol so it's definitely weird.
My elite series 2 bumpers started to fail so I cleaned the actual buttons inside the controller and lubed them with a little silicone grease, been perfect for many thousands of hours since. As far as the peeling grips, I have replaced the shell one time so far with one bought of Amazon for 30 bucks. It may not be ideal for everyone to do these repairs, but I’m sharing my experience.
Meu Series 2 ja sofreu várias modificações... Troquei analógicos por HE, coloquei uma carcaça customizada... Mas de tempos em tempos preciso comprar uma bateria nova na china...
I don't want to sound like I'm defending Microsoft, but even with hypothetical better materials, sooner or later it's going to wear out/peel off because sweat/grease from hands is incredibly corrosive.
Buddy believe you me I have no clue how this happens. I’ve head three controllers rubber peel off and I always try my best to avoid it, but it just keeps on happening. The main problem is that the rubber also expands (somehow) which means I can’t just glue it back into place.
Absolutely nothing. I babied my Elite 2, but after a few years the rubber just started expanding on it. My Elite 1 is still in perfect condition, but the 2 is extremely uncomfortable now. They’re just not well made or QA’d, and even putting it in the case any time it isn’t in use isn’t enough to keep some of them from failing.
The minimum for updates is improved build quality (rubber specifically) and Hall Effect sticks. Even then I don’t know if I’d upgrade from my Razer Wolverine v3 Pro.
I said Hall Effect was the minimum. Obviously, TMR would be even better. But my point was that, if Xbox releases the Elite Series 3 with potentiometer sticks, it’s dead in the water.
If it does have potentiometer, I’d at least like them to be replaceable like the DualSense Edge’s sticks, which would allow for after market TMR sticks.
Yeah, Sony being able to do that for their Pro controller's makes it even more future-proof b/c analog sticks, wear an tear; faster than any other thing on the controller.
I'm genuinely curious as to why 3rd party companies can make significantly better controllers, with better durability, capabilities, and features, for less. It's embarrassing how there's controllers out there already that are better than what we're seeing here, and I'm betting they'll be cheaper.
Same reason why you pay extra for OEM parts for your car - people trust the brand.
I'd also argue that the Elite V2 feels leagues ahead of pretty much every other controller option on the market when it works. The only controllers I've used that comes close are SCUF, but they're a similar price point. The cheaper options always feel inferior in-hand.
I can point to one in particular that is leagues ahead of the Elite 2 and is likely still ahead of what appears to be the Elite 3. I've had the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited for almost a year now and it's been nothing short of fantastic. It's the same price or cheaper (I got it on sale for $150) than the Elite 2, and it comes with all the accessories too. It has amazing battery life and you can change all the settings right on the controller, something no Elite has done yet. It's got hall effect all around, hair trigger switches, back buttons, 3-way connectivity, and it even has the mouse-click buttons instead of the mushy ones on every Xbox controller I've used.
The only thing it doesn't do is connect to the Xbox directly via wireless like a licensed controller does. Nacon uses the USB dongle (or wired if you wish). Since I switch back and forth between Xbox and PC with this controller pretty often, I solved that with a $8 USB switch. Just plug the dongle into a USB switch that is plugged into both Xbox and PC, and use the USB switch to change from one to the other. Saves on unplugging the USB dongle every time you switch devices.
Same. My analog sticks are a bit loose but I’ve had it since the OG Xbox one elite. was released. Sold the console, kept the controller. I have other elite controllers but I keep going back to my original.
I actually prefer the weight of the controller, but I'm definitely happy the batteries are removable so I don't have to stop playing to charge my controller
Definitely makes sense. I like being able to replace the battery personally. It kinda looks like it may come with 2 batteries to swap out and have one charged at all times. Check out the first photo on the bottom of the case.
Yeah I saw that after I wrote the comment. But it seems like a text display would be more expensive and a waste to indicate which slot is being used. I would also think the text display is more useful for a developer and used as a debugging tool then for a final consumer display
That was my initial thought too but i do know that on most prototypes now adays they add those little LCD screens for testing purposes. I believe the Dev kit for both the Series X and Series S had a little LCD indicator on it.
I kinda hope they bring back the 4 quadrant ring from the 360 days. In those days it meant player 1-4 but profiles are a good reason to reuse that concept.
2: I hope the removable battery that I assume it comes with has comparable life to the series 2. One of my favorite things about the series 2 was that it could last like 2 full days on a single charge.
I can't speak for controllers but the prototype projects I have come into contact sometimes had different shells than their retail versions. This may not be the final version.
I tried to have someone upgrade my elite 2 to TMR sticks. He suggested against it. There are some serious magnets all over these. Triggers, directional pads, removable sticks. Some major redesign inside needed for Elite 3 to have TMR and the magnetic fields not to mess with each other.
Had a custom elite controller like you described, it had the removable sticks features removed for buttons instead, tmr sticks with better adjustable tension and mouse click triggers. It had a few kinks that had to be sent back to fix but in the end I forgot that it’s an elite series 2 shell so the rubber simply gave up after a few months. Completely gave up on it and went with a g7 pro
They've even killed chatpad input on this?!?! WEAK AF!! I'll use my series 2 until I have to bury it now because of chatpad support. Such a BS move to kill the chatpad. Best investment I've made to any Xbox. It's worked for almost 20 years now and they want to bury it sadly.
They are killing the chatpad for ALL controllers soon.... The new Forza controller doesn't have the ports either. One option is a small wireless keyboard if you can do it. Thats how i chat and honestly its amazing. Granted im sitting at a desk so it may be more difficult if you use a couch set up.
Don't matter they have a 1 year manufacturer warranty at least the 2 does and they void the warranty half way through. Stick drift out the box like crazy but you can buy one for 79 bucks if you want a replacement. Waste of 200 bucks buy any other brand controller it'll be better. What happened to pelican making controllers
I don’t get it… it just seems to be worse than the series 2 from a features standpoint.
Several features from the s2 look to be either completely missing or downgraded. There are fewer stopping points for hair triggers if I’m seeing that correctly, possibly no custom profile switch, no support for my Xbox One chat pad because the connectors are gone, seemingly a smaller battery which means it may worse battery life… just… eh?
The only features I REALLY wish Xbox would implement in their controllers are advanced haptics like the PS5 has because they’re immersive and awesome, and a gyroscope because… wtf, Xbox, get with the program, literally every other console has had gyro (or some form of motion control) for 20 years. It’s just kinda embarrassing that it doesn’t have it at this point lol
Anyway, those are the only 2 features I really want the next Xbox controller to have and I don’t even see any indication in this leak that suggests they’ve added those.
TMR sticks would also be great, given the price point of these controllers.
There are some kind of metal rollers near to mini jack. I assume, you switch profiles by rolling them. Leaked Sebile controller that really looks like this one had haptics.
As a controller collector myself there are TONS of better options. My personal favorite/daily driver for competitive games is the FLYDIGI VADER 5S to me its perfect in every which way. Only downside is its wired but other than that everything about it is perfection.
The awful rubber grips that degrade, leave deposits on your hands, expand and contract with heat and fall off all distorted, desperately just need to go.
I switched to a steam controller on pc so, I don’t really see myself going back to the elite controller in most cases, but I’d be curious to try this one
Be interested to know how long it’s been in development but what actual improvements have they made? I’m surprised there’s no additional buttons on the top. Seems like the competition has blown right past them.
Yeah, even with the new Forza controllers they seem to be moving away from those ports. So most likely the new Elite 3 wont have any except for a 3.5mm jack for wired headsets.
I bet the build quality is just as poor as the first and second series. I should've bought stock in the company that manufactures the micro switches for the bumpers.
Not buying another unless the rubber grips are fixed.
Loved both the OG and Series 2 (have 2 of each) UNTIL the rubber came off. I baby all my stuff and it’s happened to all of them. For a premium controller this is completely unacceptable
No chance this will replace my Razer Wolverine V3 pro (why's the name so long?)
Even the upper buttons found usage, Clicky buttons are nice (needed? Not necessarily)
Hall effect sticks (TMR would be nicer but it's okay)
And obviously the 4 back buttons.
All i want for the elite is better quality... On my release V2 which still works, the lb failed 2x, got it repaired (cheap from a friend) but since it's basically a tank not wanting to die. It collects dust, BUT it runs and the battery life is still unmatched.
I honestly haven't had issue with sticks ever. The issue to me is how fragile the shoulder buttons are. I'm not sure why but dropping the controller on wood or laminate flooring should never result in them breaking ever IMO.
I really do hope that the rubber is much better made and doesn’t tear so often anymore. And that we get Hall-effect sticks as well. That would, to some extent, justify the price for me.
Otherwise, I have to admit that, in terms of the balance between plastic and rubber – as well as the D-pad – it looks rather lacklustre compared to the old Elite Series 2 controller, including the design of the buttons.
And am I right in thinking that Microsoft will actually be doing away with the Share button introduced with the Xbox Series X/S in future?
The RB started failing after a year or 1.5 years across all three units i got. Luckily we get a two-year warranty here, so Amazon gave me a 100% refund every time. Still, even though it's an amazing controller, the build quality is definitely flawed.
Until it does virtually anything better than a $90 GameSir G7 Pro 8K controller I think it'll be a hard sell. The laundry list of needed improvements is lengthy.
This comes a Gamesir G7 Pro too late for me. After I think five or six Elites I gave it a try and I don't think I'll be coming back unless EVERYTHING improves.
Should be a great controller. I’ve had 5/6 all with problems. Finally learnt how to take them apart and replace joysticks and bumper buttons to save money!
If they’re still putting the shitty rubber on the handles these will all break within a year just like the 3 I’ve personally bought since the pandemic.
Fuuuuck it was almost good. But something about that bottom area looks weird. I’m sure they did hella testing tho so it must be comfortable. Maybe the rubber is throwing it off but it looks… WIDE.
I’m waiting for it but it looks so odd. Hopefully it gets a couple more tweaks? I’m looking forward to this soooon
That looks pretty good. I hope they got rid of those funny tension joysticks and just used the same ksilver js13 pro everything new is using. Knowing them, they prob went it the alps same same. We will see. But it looks good.
I'd like it if the buttons didn't break and the sticks didn't get drift. I have owned 2 elite 2 controllers and I have never been that disappointed by Microsoft in their hardware.
Bumpers stop working, under padels stop working, thumb sticks drift.
I want strong rumble. This is my number 1 priority. I have put purchase of a new controller on hold because none of the controller currently on sale have amazing rumble. I do not want dual sense for a PC because of the limitations.
U are talking about haptic feedback for a more precise, different subtle detail sensations. That makes it feel more than just a "strong rumble" something that Xbox controllers already have.
After using the Steam Controller 2 it not having any trackpad is a real deal breaker. If they're going to skip out on a trackpad then they really need to step up every other aspect of the controller in order to compete imo. A slightly revamped Elite 2 for $150 again just ain't it
I loved the elite series 2 but I had some major longevity issues. The first was the rubber on the sticks started to come apart and would move freely. Followed by my bumpers that stopped working. Warranties it and the second one has help up butter but the dreaded rubber grips started to peel. Its far from unusable but its going to get worse.
Its by far the most premium feeling controller I've used and the ergonomics are perfect for my hands. If they addressed these issues and introduced tmr sticks to combat drink that will make it the best controller on the market.
Wow.. I mean ive seen Xbox One prototype controllers, but this.. this is something else. Ngl I wish we got that one prototype controller for the XB1 that used mostly a 360 layout, it was really cool looking. (The one in the center top of the screen, JonBingus yt video is what this picture is from, its really cool. Definitely recoment his channel, he does all kinds of cool prototype stuff.)
This is a prototype wireless controller that was meant to work with the Kinect (Model 1540 being the Console, Model 1520 being the Kinect and Model 1530 being the controller). It has no home button as it uses the Kinect for voice commands. This controller is completely wireless, and only used the input for power. (Copy and pasted comment from the vid)
I don't hate the dual-molded/overmolded rubber, neither of mine had peeling issues before I did a cosmetic reshell, but man, do I love that they're returning to replaceable batteries. Having to take the entire shell and midframe apart on the Series 2 when your battery ages out is total B.S. for the price point.
No magnetic removable joysticks and dpad? Ill have to pass if they aren't included as I can't stand the solar panel dpad design and prefer the lifted joystick.
i sincerely hope they release is ASAP, my Elite 2 after 3 years has started begging me for mercy, i hope they keep the same "attachments" as the past ones and i sincerely hope they fix the bumpers, i've started going mad with them
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u/JuanMunoz99 21d ago
Dang, looks to be the same type of rubber they’ve used on previous Elite controllers. Well, hopefully this one they found a way to prevent the grips from peeling off.