A reported Xbox Design Lab backend leak points to Hall-effect and TMR thumbstick options for a possible Elite Series 3, but Microsoft has not confirmed the controller or its specifications. The report’s author says the underlying data had been removed and could not be independently verified.
What the reported Design Lab leak claims
On October 6, 2026, Windows Central reported that Reddit users had shared alleged configuration data scraped from a provider used by the Xbox Design Lab storefront. The reported records purportedly described a new Elite controller, including Hall-effect and TMR thumbstick module options. Those are claims attributed to the alleged backend data, not announced Xbox features.
Windows Central Executive Editor Jez Corden wrote: “Although I was unable to verify the sources (as they’ve been removed), users suggest that this leak is most likely legit.” The qualification matters: the report relays a leak whose underlying sources were no longer available for the reporter to check. Read the Windows Central report.
Other options attributed to the alleged records
The report’s summary of the data also mentions standard, loose, and tight stick tension; silent, standard, and long stick variants; advanced haptics using VCA motors and impulse trigger motors; and a dedicated audio scroll wheel. It further describes multiple faceplate finishes and engraving, several paddle and D-pad styles, and 27 mapped topper-and-paddle combinations. All of these remain reported leak details rather than confirmed Series 3 specifications.
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- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core delivers pro-level precision, durability, and control with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, shorter hair trigger locks, and a wrap-around rubberized grip.
- DESIGNED WITH XBOX DESIGN LAB — This XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core in Soft Melon was designed with XBOX Design Lab, the only official platform for custom XBOX controllers. Featuring a distinctive color combination across the top case, bumpers, triggers, and ABXY buttons.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
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Has Xbox confirmed an Elite Series 3?
The official Xbox Design Lab catalog inspected on October 7, 2026 lists the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and Series 2 accessories; it does not establish that a Series 3 is available. The catalog is the place to check for current official Design Lab offerings, but the presence of Series 2 there does not validate the reported Series 3 data. View the Xbox Design Lab catalog.
The reported leak does not establish an announcement date, release window, price, or final feature list. In particular, the report gives no Series 3 price. Treat any supposed launch timing, configuration, or price beyond the claims listed above as unconfirmed unless Xbox publishes it.
How the claims compare with the Elite Series 2
Xbox Wire’s December 1, 2025 Design Lab guide describes the Elite Series 2 with adjustable thumbsticks, hair-trigger locks, paddle slots, and rubberized grips. It listed the controller at a starting price of $169.99 USD in that dated guide; that is historical published pricing, not a guaranteed current price. Read Xbox Wire’s Design Lab guide.
| Detail | Elite Series 2 | Possible Elite Series 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Stick technology | Adjustable thumbsticks, per Xbox Wire’s December 1, 2025 guide. | Hall-effect and TMR modules are alleged in the Windows Central report; not confirmed by Xbox. |
| Customization and controls | Xbox Wire describes paddle slots, hair-trigger locks, and rubberized grips. | Alleged options include stick tension and variants, faceplates and engraving, multiple paddle and D-pad styles, and 27 mapped topper-and-paddle combinations, per the Windows Central leak summary. |
| Haptics and audio control | Not stated in the cited Xbox Wire guide. | VCA motors, impulse trigger motors, and an audio scroll wheel are alleged in the Windows Central report; not confirmed by Xbox. |
| Price | Starting at $169.99 USD in Xbox Wire’s December 1, 2025 guide; historical published price. | Not stated in the Windows Central report. |
| Availability | Listed in the Xbox Design Lab catalog inspected October 7, 2026. | Not established by the inspected official catalog or the Windows Central report. |
Xbox Wire also identifies a Series 2 Paddle Pack, Thumbsticks and D-pad Pack, and Carrying Case and Charging Pack. Joe Skrebels, Xbox Wire Editor-in-Chief, wrote: “The Carrying Case and Charging Pack helps you take your controller anywhere in safety.” These are Series 2 accessories; the available information does not establish compatibility with any possible Series 3.
Rank #3
- Play like a pro with the Xbox elite wireless controller series 2
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- Compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Windows 10
What Hall-effect and TMR sticks would—and would not—tell you
Hall-effect and TMR refer here to alleged thumbstick module options, not confirmed details of a finished controller. Even if those options appear in a future product, the sensor type alone would not prove that the entire controller is immune to stick drift or other faults. No independently tested durability results for a Series 3 are established in the report.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy an Elite Series 2 or wait?
If you need a controller now, the Series 2 is the model documented in the inspected Xbox Design Lab catalog and in Xbox Wire’s dated guide. Check current availability and price directly with Xbox, since the $169.99 figure is the guide’s published starting price from December 2025.
If you are considering waiting specifically for a Series 3, the leak is not enough to compare value or suitability: its price, release timing, final configuration, warranty, repairability, and independently tested durability are not established. Do not assume Series 2 accessories will fit a future model.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 features over 30 ways to play like a pro. Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, it puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
- INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS — Swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Includes 6 thumbsticks, 4 paddles, 2 D-pads, carrying case, and charging dock.
- SAVE AND SWITCH PROFILES — Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly with the dedicated Profile button. Even pick which color the XBOX button lights up as.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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