Xbox Controller Leaks Show Retro Design, Cloud Focus
Regulatory filings, often a reliable if unintended source of pre-release information, have revealed images of two new Xbox controllers. One, a successor to the Elite Series 2, promises enhanced customisation; the other, a compact unit, notably adopts a retro Super Nintendo Entertainment System aesthetic while prioritising cloud gaming functionality, a curious blend of old and new.
The images, initially reported by the Brazilian tech outlet Technoblog before their original article became inaccessible, show devices approved by Anatel, Brazil’s independent federal telecommunications regulatory authority. This regulatory approval suggests these controllers are well into their development cycle, moving beyond mere concept.
The Elite Controller's Evolution
The purported Xbox Elite Controller 3 appears to build upon its 2019 predecessor, the Elite Series 2. It will support both Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, a standard upgrade for modern peripherals, according to Yardbarker Video Games. The design retains the hallmark of the Elite line, offering interchangeable, adjustable, and swappable D-pads, triggers, and paddles, alongside a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack.
One technical detail that remains unconfirmed is the stick technology. It is unclear whether Microsoft will use Hall-effect sensors or TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) technology to mitigate the persistent issue of stick drift. The inclusion of two new bottom scroll wheels, flanking the headphone jack, could serve as throttle controls for flight simulators, according to Technoblog's initial reporting. A dedicated button to switch between local and cloud modes also features, though the battery is reportedly smaller than the previous model.
A Cloud Controller with Retro Flair
Perhaps more intriguing for this publication's readership is the second, more compact controller. This device bears a striking resemblance to the 8BitDo SN30 Pro or the HyperX Clutch Tanto, specifically in its retro Super Nintendo Entertainment System-style design. This choice of aesthetic for a controller primarily focused on cloud gaming is a fascinating design decision.
This compact unit is designed for direct Wi-Fi cloud connection, promising lower latency compared to Bluetooth-only controllers. It features a portable form factor and USB-C connectivity. Documentation suggests a 500 mAh battery and support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6, albeit with a bandwidth limit of 20 MHz. The internal chip is identified as a Realtek RTL8730E, featuring two 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex-A7 cores, a specification that points to its dedicated cloud processing capabilities. It is expected to arrive in both white and black colour options.
Implications for Hardware and Preservation
The real story here, beyond the incremental hardware improvements, is the explicit embrace of cloud gaming as a primary function, coupled with a deliberate retro design choice. The compact controller's SNES-inspired form factor is not merely a stylistic flourish; it hints at a recognition of the enduring appeal of classic controller ergonomics, even for contemporary streaming experiences. This suggests a subtle nod to the cultural success of older designs, even as the technology moves forward.
For those interested in the longevity of hardware, the question of stick drift technology for the Elite controller remains pertinent. The Elite Series 2 launched in 2019, and the gap since then has created an expectation for improved durability. While Microsoft has yet to officially confirm these leaked controllers or their features, the Anatel approval lends considerable weight to their authenticity. The blend of retro aesthetics and advanced cloud functionality in these leaks provides a glimpse into Microsoft's strategic direction for its peripheral ecosystem, balancing nostalgia with future-facing technology.
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Originally published by Yardbarker Video Games. Read original article.
