Brazil's Anatel regulatory database doesn't usually make gaming headlines. This week it did. Hours after a smaller Xbox Cloud Gaming controller surfaced online, the same regulator accidentally published images of what appears to be Microsoft's next premium pad: the Xbox Elite 3. The leaked filings confirm the Elite 2's successor is real, refined, and packing a few features nobody saw coming.
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What the leaked images actually show
The Elite 3 keeps what made the Elite 2 worth the premium price: an interchangeable D-pad, rear paddles, and that signature build quality. But two additions stand out immediately.
First, there are two new scroll wheel buttons positioned at the bottom of the controller. Their exact function isn't confirmed, but the leading theory is that they handle controller adjustments or serve as a new input method for games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, where analog precision matters more than button-mashing ever could.
Second, and arguably more significant, there's a dedicated cloud mode button. This isn't just a shortcut. The regulatory documents indicate that flipping to cloud mode allows the controller to connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers rather than routing through a local device. The practical upside is reduced latency when streaming games, which has been a persistent complaint from cloud gaming users since day one.
The cloud mode feature also appears on the smaller Xbox controller that leaked the same day, suggesting Microsoft is building this functionality across its next controller lineup rather than keeping it exclusive to the premium tier.
The battery situation is a real talking point
Here's the thing: the Elite 2 launched with a 2,050mAh built-in rechargeable battery, and battery life was generally solid. The Elite 3 appears to be switching to a smaller, removable 1,528mAh battery based on the leaked specifications.
That's a 25% capacity reduction on paper. Whether that translates to noticeably shorter sessions in practice depends on how efficiently the new hardware draws power, and that's something only hands-on testing will answer. The trade-off is the ability to swap batteries entirely, which some players have wanted since the Elite line launched.
Removable battery on Elite 3
For competitive players who keep a charged spare on the desk, removable batteries are a quality-of-life upgrade worth the capacity trade. For everyone else, the smaller cell might be a minor frustration. Check out our gaming guides for tips on getting the most out of your controller setup while you wait for the official specs.
Why regulators keep doing Microsoft's job for them
This is at least the second time in recent memory that a Brazilian regulatory filing has beaten Microsoft to its own announcement. The Anatel database requires manufacturers to submit documentation before selling products in Brazil, and those filings sometimes go public before a company's marketing team has prepared a single press release.
Given that both the Elite 3 and the new Cloud Gaming controller are already in the regulatory pipeline, an official announcement feels close. The Xbox showcase in June is the obvious candidate. Microsoft typically uses that event to drop hardware news alongside software reveals, and showing up with two new controllers would fit the pattern.
For anyone looking to compare the Elite 3 against current premium controllers before committing, our game reviews section covers the hardware worth your money right now.
The Xbox showcase in June is shaping up to be a big one. If these controllers make it to the stage, the Elite 3 could redefine what a premium Xbox pad looks like going into the next hardware cycle.
