Gamer buys Xbox Elite Series 3 prototype with LCD screen and swappable battery for $200

Details about the unannounced Xbox Elite Series 3 controller have surfaced online. A Reddit user going by ssuberlex says they picked up what appears to be an early prototype from the OfferUp marketplace. The device could not be connected to a console or PC, either wired or wirelessly, but its exterior and internals offer a glimpse into what Microsoft may be preparing.

The design largely follows the Elite Series 2, though there are notable changes. Two scroll wheels sit on the bottom edge, first hinted at in May after a leak from a Brazilian regulator. The purpose of these inputs remains unclear — they could assist in flight simulators or make volume adjustments more convenient.

A surprise comes in the form of an LCD display on the top panel, next to the pairing button. Rumors suggest the Elite Series 3 will support Wi-Fi for connecting to cloud gaming servers, and the screen might simplify source selection. Another key shift is a removable rechargeable battery. Photos show the compartment, with capacity listed at 1528 mAh, lower than the predecessor's 2050 mAh.

The buyer paid $200 for the rare find and is hesitant to tear it down. Commenters are asking whether Microsoft moved to TMR or Hall effect sensors for the thumbsticks. Stick drift was a common complaint with the Series 2, and durability concerns have pushed some customers toward cheaper third-party options.

No release date has been predicted by insiders, and the design may undergo further revisions before launch. Microsoft is also rumored to have other new Xbox controllers in development, including one tailored for cloud gaming.