Xbox prepares hardware reveal gamers have been waiting for, but they're already bracing for disappointment

Xbox is preparing for a new hardware reveal as rumours surrounding the next range of Elite Controllers surface.

The Xbox Elite Controller has gone through a few revisions over the years, with the first release occurring way back in 2015, and the second series hitting four years later in 2019.

With additional buttons and features, the Elite series has been a decent option for Xbox gamers who are a little more serious about having the most comfortable experience possible.

New rumours surrounding the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 reveal have now surfaced via a comment from Windows Central's Jez Corden, who shared a look at the animations of the LED panel of the upcoming controller.

"Here's a look at some of the animations for the LED panel on the upcoming Xbox Elite Controller Series 3," he writes on X (formerly Twitter), adding that "REVEAL has to be imminent!"

The animations show variations of the Xbox logo and consoles, including a Series X and the word "XBOX" in the original font. It's giving off an aura of early computer and radio visualisers.

In a follow-up comment, Corden says he believes the reveal will take place on Xbox's 25th anniversary, which is November 15, 2026.

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Past iterations of the Xbox Elite Controller have been controversial within the community

There has been a mixed reaction to the Xbox Elite series of controllers, and the upcoming reveal of Series 3 has prompted some caution among Xbox community members.

Although performance has been consistently praised, there have been a number of widely-reported issues that have effected the controllers over the years.

This includes thumbstick drift, sticky face buttons, and problems with getting presses of the triggers and bumpers to register. Not what you want for a controller that is one of the most expensive on the market.

"And let me guess: It’s gonna have the poorly glued on grips that fall off after a few months," reads one comment on Reddit in reaction to the imminent Series 3 reveal.

"If the grip glue sucks and it doesn’t have good drift free sticks of some sort, I will be its biggest hater," another fan said.

"I don’t think I’m gonna fall for it a third time. I love the controller. I’ve been through 3 so far. Differently issues 3 times," reads another commenter.

The Xbox Elite Series 3 was leaked earlier this year, and for the most part it looks like it'll be similar to previous iterations.

According to the leaks, it shares a similar design and shape to the standard Xbox controller, but has some subtle differences.

For starters, it looks like the four central buttons have been slightly realigned, and the handle grips look to be a little shorter. It's also reported that the controller will have scroll wheels at the bottom. It may also have the new font for the face buttons which were recently seen on the Xbox Nano Controller.

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