The Xbox Elite Series 3 controller is a controller we're all waiting for to upgrade our Xbox and PC gaming.
While the name could be different, we're not expecting that to be the case. After all, the previous iteration was the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, one of the best Xbox controllers around.
As the follow-up to one of the best controllers, possibly of all time, the Xbox Elite Series 3 has a lot to live up to. Especially when you start looking at the competition too.
We've seen many new and excellent PS5 controller options, albeit third-party, and of course, the DualSense Edge, but when exactly will we see a new official pro-orientated gamepad hit the market for Xbox? Well, that may still be up in the air, but there are a few clues available that could point us all towards a rough date. Let's take a closer look at all the speculation about what to expect when it comes to the Xbox Elite Series 3.
Xbox Elite Series 3 release date speculation
While there's no official mention of an Xbox Elite Series 3 controller, that doesn't mean there's not one in the works. It tends to be that controllers get a little less lead-up and fanfare than other tech released by gaming companies; just look at Sony's DualSense Edge as a good example of that.
If you were to look at past release dates, then you'd know that the Series 1 was released on October 1, 2015, with the Series 2 following on November 4, 2019. That's roughly a four-year gap, which would put the Xbox Series 3 controller release date near the end of 2023.
However, as we're writing this in October of 2023, and there's been no mention of the controller in an official sense, we'd now be a little shocked if the controller makes an appearance before the midpoint of 2024.
We've seen leaks suggesting a mid-generation refresh of sorts too, and that would be a good time to release a new controller. Of course, there's also a chance that we won't see a new Elite controller until the next generation of Xbox consoles, because there's simply no technological boost that would make it worthwhile.
That being said, there are some theories that the frequent drops in the price of the Elite Series 2 are foreshadowing an upcoming release, but we'd take that with a pinch of salt! But what could be different this time around? And will it be worth the wait?
- Read More: Best Xbox Series X accessories
click to enlargeXbox Elite Series 3 specs predictions
Of course, there is no official word on the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller specs, but we can make some informed predictions.
Alongside the inclusion of the share button that features on the newer Xbox controllers, we think we could even be looking at something fairly similar to the last iteration.
Microsoft really hit the nail on the head with their previous controllers, and it could be a case of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. That means that we can expect to see the controller paddles feature again, plus the usual customisation to the thumbsticks too.
But we'll have to see something new, right? Well, if we had to guess, much like the variations of the PS5 SCUF Reflex controller, they could have to do with both weight and surface material.
The PS5 SCUF Reflex controllers have three different tiers: the Pro, Reflex, and FPS. The FPS gets rid of rumble units and has hair triggers, and the Pro has an anti-slip performance grip. The Reflex is the 'standard' edition, which just means it doesn't have the anti-slip grip.
What we could see in the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller is something along these lines, most likely a new and improved performance grip. Whether they will jettison the rumble units altogether to lighten the weight, we'll just have to see, but we doubt it. What would be impressive is if they gave you the option yourself, which could mark a whole new level of customisation never before seen.
When it comes to design, we'd think it highly unlikely that Microsoft will be breaking the mould anytime soon, however. The Xbox controller's only real design chance came early on from the massive Duke controller, which was then made smaller. Following that, we've only seen some mild changes to the shape, with Microsoft very much finding its fit with consumers.
- Read More: Best Xbox Series X monitors
Xbox Elite Series 3 price predictions
Controllers are quite the investment nowadays, with even standard gamepads going for $60 in some cases.
The price of the Elite Series 3 will likely hit around $180 - $200 by our estimates, based on the fact that the Elite Series 2 goes for around the $179.99 mark (although it is often on sale, thankfully!)
$200 is a hefty price to pay for the inclusion of what may well be minor changes, so we're hoping this estimated price tag will match up with what we might get in terms of innovation.
- Read More: Best headsets for Xbox Series X
Should I wait for the Xbox Elite Series 3?
Waiting for an Xbox Elite Series 3 controller is probably not worth it. Aside from there being no sign of even an announcement of a release date, we'd also be surprised to see anything worth the higher price.
We'll be back soon with all the latest on the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Tech , Deals , and Affiliates pages.