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| Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers are shown |
While the conversation around Xbox hardware often focuses on console sales and power, Microsoft’s most consistent hit might be in your hands. Amidst industry shifts, the company is quietly plotting the next evolution of its Xbox controllers, with leaked details pointing to a significant leap—especially for cloud gaming.
According to a recent paywalled report from The Verge discussed by senior editor Tom Warren, Microsoft’s hardware roadmap includes refreshed controllers set to evolve how players connect to games. The star of the show? A new form of wireless connectivity that could make cloud gaming feel more responsive than ever.
The Phantom Controller Returns: A “Sebile” Revival?
Warren’s reporting highlights a controller codenamed "Sebile," a device originally leaked during the FTC’s scrutiny of the Activision Blizzard acquisition and once expected in 2024. While the updated Xbox Series X console it was potentially tied to never materialized, its innovative features appear alive and well.
The key upgrade? WiFi support. Moving beyond standard Bluetooth, this would allow the controller to connect directly to cloud gaming servers, bypassing the console or device in the middle. The promise is a tangible reduction in latency—the dreaded lag that can plague game streaming. For services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, this could be a game-changer, making it feel more like playing natively.
Microsoft also has a new Xbox controller on the way with an accelerometer inside for gyro support. It will be launched later this year and ship with the Xbox Series X / S refresh consoles. Details: https://t.co/USTJd88Sim pic.twitter.com/tMcJf6gEq5
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) September 19, 2023
Enter the Elite Series 3: Pro Gear Gets a Cloud Boost
But it’s not just about a new standard pad. The fabled Elite Series 3, the next iteration of Microsoft’s premium pro controller, is also in the works and likely to share this advanced connectivity. As noted in the comprehensive report from The Verge, this would position the Elite Series 3 as more than just a tool for competitive gamers; it would be the ultimate accessory for a hybrid cloud-and-console future.
Windows Central’s Jez Corden has previously suggested a 2026 release window for the Elite Series 3. While Warren stops short of confirming the timeline, he posits it would be part of a broader refresh of Xbox accessories, signaling a concerted push by Microsoft to enhance the player experience from the ground up.
Borrowing from the Leaks: Haptics and Battery Life
What else might these new controllers bring? Gamers are hoping they adopt other advanced features revealed in the old "Sebile" court documents. Top of the list is advanced haptic feedback, aiming to rival—or even surpass—the immersive precision of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. This could mean feeling the subtle texture of a bowstring or the distinct kick of different weapons directly in your hands.
A more controversial shift could be coming to the budget model. Microsoft may finally move all its controllers to built-in rechargeable batteries, phasing out the AA battery trays that have long been a point of debate. While the Elite Series 2 already uses an internal pack, extending this to the cheaper Standard controller would align with competitors but raise questions about long-term battery lifespan and playtime per charge.
Unanswered Questions and the Next-Gen Puzzle
Not every detail is clear from the leaks. It’s unknown if Microsoft will address long-standing complaints about stick drift by upgrading to more durable Hall effect or TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) analog sticks in its new models. Furthermore, how these controllers fit into Microsoft’s broader hardware strategy remains a mystery.
With AMD’s CEO hinting at a next-generation system arriving around 2027 that might resemble a Windows gaming PC, the role of the controller is evolving. In a world where Xbox is an app and games stream from the cloud, a superior, directly-connected controller becomes your primary gateway to the ecosystem—arguably more important than the box under your TV.
As Tom Warren summarized on social media, the pieces are coming together for a hardware refresh focused on seamless play. The vision appears to be a suite of controllers that work perfectly whether you’re playing on a console, PC, phone, or smart TV. For Microsoft, the future of Xbox might not be a single box, but the unified experience you hold in your hands.
Source: The Verge, Tom Warren via X.