Unreleased Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller Prototype Sold on OfferUp by Mistake
A prototype of the unannounced Xbox Elite Series 3 Wireless Controller was reportedly sold to a customer on the retail website OfferUp, who believed they were buying an Elite Series 2 controller. The incident has brought the unreleased controller into public view before its official announcement.
The buyer purchased the item on OfferUp expecting an Elite Series 2, but the Reddit community identified it as an unannounced Elite 3 development kit. The controller appears non-functional for standard use, as the owner reported it only flashes a red light and fails to connect via wireless or wired methods.
This accidental sale aligns with earlier speculation from May detailing potential upgrades, including Wi-Fi 6, dual scroll wheels, and a dedicated button for switching between local and cloud play to lower latency. An official announcement is anticipated, possibly at the upcoming Gamescom event.
This accidental leak could generate significant buzz among gaming enthusiasts, potentially pressuring Microsoft to accelerate its official reveal timeline. It may also raise questions about supply chain security and the handling of pre-production hardware. For average consumers, the incident offers an early glimpse of upcoming features, though the prototype's non-functional state underscores that leaked dev kits are often restricted and not representative of the final retail product.