Work is already underway on the next generation of consoles. The Nintendo Switch 2 launches in a matter of weeks with details of its new Pro Controller already confirmed. Meanwhile, a cancelled Bladerunner game has seemingly suggested that the PlayStation 6 will release sometime in 2027. With that release window nearing closer, we now have some news on Microsoft’s plans for the next Xbox.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Xbox Two Podcast, Jez Corden claims that Xbox are working on three different controller prototypes for the next console generation: “I will say this, the Xbox Elite Series 3 exists. From what I can tell, there’s still research going on with this, there’s currently three controller prototypes.”
“From what I can tell, one of them is sort of like a basic, cheaper controller like the standard one we have now, with some next-gen enhancements. Whatever those are.”
Corden then goes on to mention a “mid-range” controller, which is the same as the one that previously leaked with the codename “Sebile” attached to it. Corden doesn’t specify what this controller will feature, but according to this report from Rock Paper Shotgun, the Sebile will feature quieter buttons and thumbsticks as well as the ability to wake up and turn on automatically when it’s picked up.
The third and final rumoured controller is the aforementioned Elite Series 3, a high-end, pricier controller with even more features, but Corden is still unsure on what the changes or price point will be.
However, one feature he believes is coming to at least the more premium of these controllers is direct WiFi connection: “I think Microsoft has alluded to this in interviews, so it’s barely a leak really, direct to cloud WiFi connection. So instead of connecting your controller via Bluetooth and then your phone sending your controller signal up to the cloud, which adds a few milliseconds of latency, your controller will connect directly to your router as a WiFi connection, eliminating the lag that comes from Bluetooth and then your TV interpreting those signals and sending them up to the cloud.”
He claims the controller will have a switch on it which will allow players to quickly swap between cloud mode and PC/Console mode. He predicts that these cloud features won’t be present on the most basic of the three rumoured controllers so that there is still a cheaper option for consumers who aren’t interested in cloud gaming.
In my seven years of esports writing, I’ve introuduced esports coverage to newspapers, interviewed some of the biggest names in the industry, and driven viewers mad with the puns in my YouTube scripts. I’m most proud of the latter.
