Xbox Elite Controller Series 3: Price predictions & more

Looking for an Xbox Elite Controller Series 3? While the Microsoft controller isn’t official, we’ve listed out our best bets for how the controller might shape up.

Microsoft’s Elite Controller Series 2 has been the best Xbox Controller since it was announced. However, its successor is long due. Despite the Elite Series 2’s age, Microsoft has yet to confirm the launch date, and the company has not even hinted at a possible launch date for a follow-up.

With the console war already heating up after Sony launched the iterative update to its existing PS5 lineup, Microsoft is expected to follow suit. Next-gen systems come with new controllers, and that’s where we might see a potential Xbox Elite Series 3 controller.

So, if you want to know more about the Xbox Controller Series 3, we have all the latest updates that you must know.

Prediction: Will there be a new Elite controller?

You can almost bank on a new high-end Elite Series 3 controller happening. Microsoft routinely refreshes and updates its product lines across its entire output. They are, however, not like Apple or other similar manufacturers, in that outside of their laptop ranges, they rarely do yearly updates to their hardware.

If you’re in the market for purchasing a new Xbox controller and want to go big, then no, you shouldn’t wait. You could be waiting an entire year or more before they decide to release one. There are no rumblings that they’re prepping to announce a new iteration just yet, so you’re more than secure to acquire an Elite Series 2 controller.

Xbox Elite Series 3 specs predictions

As the Series 2 delivered a near-perfect controller, the Series 3 doesn’t have to do a lot in terms of its core use. What could be improved is the weight, accessories, and technology that come with it.

The paddles on the back of the Elite Series 2 have recently been replicated elsewhere, like on the Steam Deck, but it’d be nice to have them with tighter magnets or even proper clips to keep them attached. More stick options too, as only having three options and none for the other stick was a small letdown.

Adjustable weights would be an excellent inclusion, as we saw with the PowerA Fusion Pro 2 controller. A heavier controller might not always be the best option for everyone, and the Series 2 already had some weight to it. Being able to reduce that for comfortability would be an excellent idea.

Xbox Elite Series 3 release date speculation

There’s no confirmed date for the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 just yet.

Despite being nearly five years in, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 still takes the top spot as one of the best controllers you can get today. However, despite the length of time, we’ve yet to hear even a real rumble about the Elite Series 3.

The time difference between the Elite Controller and its second iteration was about four years, with the second edition launching in 2019. Seeing as we’re now in year five of its lifecycle, we’re predicting that we’ll start to hear more about the Elite Series 3 sooner rather than later.

Xbox Elite Series 3 price predictions

The Elite Series 2 currently sits at around $200, with the Elite Series 3 presumably going to be around that too. As with most modern hardware, it’d be smart to expect either a small price increase or for the next product to completely replace the old.

Remember, these are premium products, so the $200 price tag might be a bit of an eye-sore now, but in all honesty, these controllers are worth every penny.

Should I wait for the Xbox Elite Series 3?

If you’re in the market for purchasing a new Xbox controller and want to go big, then no, you shouldn’t wait. You could be waiting an entire year or more before they decide to release one. There are no rumblings that they’re prepping to announce a new iteration just yet, so you’re more than secure to acquire an Elite Series 2 controller.

Even if they did release the Elite Series 3 controller, the Series 2 is still an excellent option for most people.

Elite Core Controller

Microsoft

The white version that has been cropping up on the web has turned out to be Microsoft’s cheaper option. Called the ‘Core’, it offers exactly the same as its full version but eliminates the additional paddles.

The Elite Core controller is available for $129.99. You can buy the additional paddles (and sticks) from Microsoft directly.

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