Leaked photos show prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 with built-in screen
Images posted by a Reddit user and reported by The Verge, Engadget, and Thurrott show a prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 controller with a tiny built-in screen, new scroll wheels, rear paddles and Torx screws; the unit reportedly did not pair and appears labeled as a prototype.
What changed
New, unreleased Xbox Elite Series 3 prototype images surfaced via a Reddit post (attributed to an OfferUp purchase) that show a built-in display, two bottom scroll wheels, a Pair button/mode switch UI, four rear paddles, a removable battery with “NOT FOR SALE” labeling, and Torx T6 screws; the poster said the unit did not pair to an Xbox or USB cable.
Why it matters
If genuine, the images reveal hardware changes (on-controller screen, additional controls, potential cloud-pairing mode) and signals toward repairability that could affect gamers, accessory buyers and repair/service expectations; the device has not been formally launched or confirmed by Microsoft in these sources.
Who is affected
Gamers, buyers of used controllers and marketplace sellers in the US could encounter such prototype hardware; however it is unknown whether these images represent a finalized product, how widely such units exist, or whether they are functional — sources note the posted unit reportedly did not work and the Reddit post was removed.
What to do now
- Avoid purchasing unverified or unusual listings for unreleased hardware on marketplaces (the reported unit was bought on OfferUp).
- If you encounter a suspected prototype or leaked device for sale, report the listing to the marketplace and do not attempt to use it with your accounts or consoles.
- Do not attempt to connect a non-functioning prototype to your network or consoles; the Reddit poster reported it would not pair wired or wirelessly.
- Wait for official announcements from Microsoft or major outlets before relying on features or buying a device; multiple outlets note Microsoft has not formally launched this model.
- If you already bought such hardware, preserve photos and listing details and consider contacting the seller and the marketplace for a refund or investigation rather than attempting repairs that could void recourse.
What the leaked images show
Multiple outlets (The Verge, Engadget, Thurrott) published photos from a Reddit user (ssuberlex) who said they purchased an unreleased Xbox Elite Series 3 controller on OfferUp. The new images show a small built-in screen on the controller's top edge, two scroll wheels near the headphone jack, a redesigned D-pad, four rear paddles, a removable battery marked “NOT FOR SALE,” and internal Torx T6 screws.
In one image the controller’s screen reportedly displayed a small cloud/rocket-style Xbox Cloud Gaming icon and a shortened URL pointing to a Microsoft cloud resource; The Verge notes the URL led to a Microsoft resource the reporter could not access. The Reddit poster said the unit did not pair with an Xbox or via cable, and the post has since been removed.
Credibility and vendor status
Outlets cite the Reddit images and compare them to earlier leaked Anatel (Brazil regulator) photos from May that suggested a Pair button and other design changes. The Verge references its sources and Tom Warren saying his contacts believe Microsoft plans a release later in the year; however Microsoft has not issued a formal announcement in the cited coverage.
The unit pictured includes prototype markers and placeholder regulatory IDs, and multiple sources explicitly call it a prototype. Engadget and Thurrott repeat that the controller was unreleased and that the Reddit buyer reported functional issues.
Practical safety and marketplace considerations
Because the unit was reportedly non-functional and unverified, buyers should treat such listings as high-risk: refunds and seller provenance can be limited on peer-to-peer marketplaces. The cited reports recommend caution when encountering unreleased hardware offered privately.
The presence of Torx screws and a QR code in the battery compartment (seen in the photos) suggests a design that may be more repairable, but sources do not provide further verification or instructions — do not attempt to access or connect unidentified hardware to networks or consoles.
Questions and answers
Is this an official Microsoft product?
Sources state the controller in the photos appears to be an unreleased prototype and Microsoft has not formally announced the product; The Verge and Thurrott note reporting that Microsoft may plan a release later in the year, but that is attributed to unnamed sources.
Did the reported unit work?
According to the Reddit poster cited by The Verge, Engadget and Thurrott, the prototype would not pair with an Xbox or with a cable and exhibited a blinking red light; the post was later removed.
Should I buy one if I see it for sale?
Based on these reports, do not buy unverified, unreleased hardware through peer-to-peer listings; report suspicious listings to the marketplace and seek refunds or return options rather than attempting to use or repair the device.
Primary sources
Evidence note: Coverage relies on a removed Reddit post and media reporting comparing those images to earlier regulator leaks; the pictured unit was described as non-functional and unconfirmed by Microsoft in the cited sources.