Talking Point: Whatever Happened To The Xbox Elite Controller Series 3?

It’s looking like they will wait for the next gen console and make sure it has all the tech inside the box to take advantage of the updated controllers, both standard and Elite. Looking forward to both. I say it all the time i am a huge Xbox guy cause of the controller. It fit’s my hands like a glove and i am to the point i refuse to play on any controller that isn’t off set sticks.

I've been holding out on replacing my elite 2 hoping the 3 was coming soon. But at this point I can't see it coming before the next console

I love the Elite Series 2. But man, durability is the worst of any controller I’ve ever had!! And that goes for both series 1 and 2… I’ve bought two series 1, one series 2 and one Series 2 Core. Only the latest bought, the Core, is still working as intended. But I notice a trigger sounding squeaky sometimes, and that the sticks are getting a little looser. And it’s less than a year old.

And I’m careful with my controllers. It’s a real shame the actual build quality is so bad (feels superbly built though in your hands).

Same goes for regular Series S/X controllers (but amazingly enough it’s like the Elite’s are worse off!! Considering their price ffs..).

And the same goes for the PS5 Dual Sense by the way (stick drift mostly there, while I’ve had more issues with buttons on the Xbox controllers, except a Series S/X controller that got stick drift and a faulty RB within 6 months…).

A shame the quality is piss..

Weren't they also supposedly coming out with a new standard controller with haptic features as well?

Hey Fraser, I saw this article about Xbox and Asus making the handheld together on another site. Was going to send via the news tips section but can't find it, hope it's okay here: https://rogallylife.com/2025/03/12/microsoft-asus-handheld-project-kennan/

Any Elite 3 has to have hall effect sensors on the sticks and triggers.

Have went 3rd party since my Elite 2 developed stick drift and won't come back until they stop effectively using parts that give the controller a short expiry date.

It's a calculated rip-off with both MS and Sony using it as a cash cow.

The build quality is atrocious, they still haven’t solved the rubber grips coming off on the newer models, same issue as the first model.

There is no point making an elite 3 if they don't upgrade the normal controller first...

Hall effect sensors & wireless is all I ever want or need from a controller. Sadly most "Pro" controllers come with a bunch of other crap & cost stupid prices.

I'd just like any controller to stay connected with some consistency. I've tried everything, but everything disconnects regularly during gaming. Weirdly, put the Xbox in 120hz output and it happens pretty much every 10 seconds. It's making want to just ignore the machine as I hate leads trailing across the floor with the inevitable trips.
If an elite 3 stayed connected I'd pay for one, even though I'm not a fan of the layout!

I reckon it will come out with next gen. I think they will have revised it with haptics, and perhaps thought it best not to release on the brink of a new gen as consumers would not be happy if the next year's bog-standard controller had additional features.

I love my Elite 2 and have fortunately had no problems, although my use is probably less than other people's. However, if an Elite 3 came out now I don't think I'd buy it until the next console is out and I can see what the difference is between the Elite 2, Elite 3 and standard next gen controller.

I still have my first gen Elite Controller, as I was awaiting a third iteration. This far into the waiting game I have considered jumping in on the Elite 2 a few times but have stopped myself. I've looked at maybe getting a Gamsir , Scuff or others recently, but have decided to wait a little longer, let's see what happens.

The normal controller works perfectly for me no need to change at all I'm very good at video games don't need a controller to help me play better ✌️

I love the feel of the elite controllers and they got me addicted to back paddles/buttons but as many others have mentioned the build quality is trash. Now that I can get three 3rd party controllers with back buttons for the price of one elite controller I just suck it up and go cheap. I’ll probably still get a gen 3 when it comes out and pray it last longer than the last two.

Idk but the new Xbox controllers are too small

Cleverly designed & increased durability controllers are always welcome.

The Elite Series 2 was one of my biggest disappointments with the Series X so far.

I even bought it trough Design Lab and loved it on first sight. But hell, if I would have known sooner.
The right analog stick was slightly loose in the middle after not even 6 months, so I already had a light drift effect.
It's so not worth it's high price.
I the meantime I got the Fusion 4 from Power A, which is my new Pro controller and worth it's name.
Never ever an Elite Controller again.

The core doesn't have less features, it just comes without the paddles basically. When my right bumper stopped working on my elite 2, I bought the core as a replacement, and just popped the paddles off the 2 and onto the core. All my profiles and stick setups transferred over seamlessly in the app. Sticks are still tension adjustable. Only difference is color. Every other feature is there, just the paddles need to be added separately (or just swapped from another in my case) Even the elite 1 paddles work for the 2 and the core, but they are a lot clunkier. Elite 1 sticks don't work on 2/core though.

I’ve had 2 elites, both broke within a few months (shoulder & some face buttons stopped working properly). While I liked the controller, the programmability, & back buttons - it don’t matter, if it don’t work! Here’s hoping someone actually does QC if/when the E3 comes out..

Also, with XB’s “play anywhere” philosophy, it’d be sweet if they extended that to being able to use ANY 3rd party wireless controller with XB - That’s 1 of the main advantages the Switch has, u can use soo many controllers with it! Just wish other companies like Sony+MS/XB did the same..

The Elite Series Core controller itself is NOT a cheaper scaled down version of the Elite Series 2 controller with less features. Elite Series 2 controller and the Core version are identical. It’s a “core” version because it doesn’t come with the charging case/dock, paddles and alternative thumb sticks. It just comes with the controller and a tool to change the tension of the thumb sticks. That would be the “core” part of the Elite Series 2 package. But they sell an expansion kit that has the extra thumb sticks, paddles, and case. The “Core” version also comes in different colors.