Or is it too late?
- by Ben Kerry
Last week, Xbox President Sarah Bond was asked about the Elite Series 3 controller and whether we can expect to see another iteration of the device – to which she teased that “more information should come out in the future”. It wasn’t a definitive answer but it certainly hinted that we could see another Xbox Elite controller at some point – and we want to know if that’s something you’d buy here in 2025.
We’re now five years into the Xbox Series X|S generation, and we must admit that we’d have liked to see an Elite 3 earlier on in the console’s lifecycle. In fact, more than three years ago now — amidst rumours about the accessory even back then — we listed some of the big features we wanted to see from such a device. Alas, we’re now in the twilight years of the generation, and we still haven’t seen the Elite 3 get announced.
The rumours haven’t really stopped for this thing over the years either. Even earlier in 2025, we saw Windows Central’s Jez Corden talking about how the device exists; saying that it “will modernise and improve the offering leaps and bounds over the current model”. We’re now almost half a year on from that report and we still haven’t seen an Elite Series 3 reveal from Microsoft.
Of course, this year brings another Xbox device that targets the high-end gaming market in the ROG Xbox Ally, so maybe Microsoft doesn’t want to launch an Elite 3 alongside that? We’ll have to see where things go after the Ally hits store shelves we suppose; which is now right around the corner here on October 16th.
So, would you still buy an Xbox Elite 3 for Series X|S? Are you waiting to see what next-gen brings at this point? Vote in our poll below and talk to us about all of this in the comments.
Ben is a News Writer at Pure Xbox, and is a fan of action, racing and straight-up shootin’ in any Xbox game he can get his hands on. When he’s not clutching an Xbox controller like his life depends on it, Ben spends his time listening to music that’s far too old for him, watching football on the telly and probably eating somewhere.
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Talking Point: Would You Still Buy An Elite Series 3 Controller For Xbox Series X|S?
Why Consider the Elite Series 3 Controller?
The Elite Series 3 Controller stands as one of the most premium options for Xbox Series X|S gamers who want a truly customized and high-performance gaming experience. With enhanced ergonomics, customizable buttons, and superior build quality, it’s packed with features tailored for competitive and casual players alike.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Customizable Thumbsticks & D-Pad: Swappable parts to suit different playstyles.
- hair Trigger Locks: Reduce trigger travel for faster firing response.
- Improved Grip Texture: Provides non-slip handling during long sessions.
- Bluetooth & USB-C Connectivity: Reliable wired/wireless options for flexible play.
- Rechargeable Battery: Up to 40 hours of battery life per charge.
- app Integration: Use the Xbox Accessories app to remap buttons, adjust sensitivity, and save profiles.
Performance and Durability: What Sets Elite Series 3 Apart?
Elite Series 3 controllers are engineered to endure marathon gaming sessions, maintaining precision input and comfort. The build quality is noticeably superior compared to standard Xbox controllers, featuring stainless steel paddles and mechanical components designed for responsiveness.
| Aspect | Elite Series 3 Controller | Standard Xbox controller |
|---|---|---|
| Build Materials | Premium stainless steel paddles & buttons | Plastic default buttons & paddles |
| Customization | fully customizable thumbsticks, triggers & button mapping | Limited button mapping, no physical customization |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth + USB-C + Xbox Wireless | Bluetooth + USB-C |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 hours rechargeable | Uses AA batteries or rechargeable battery pack |
Practical Tips: Getting the Most From Your Elite Series 3 Controller
- Customize Button Mapping: Use the Xbox Accessories app to assign complex macros or remap paddles for better control.
- Experiment With Thumbsticks: Swap out your thumbsticks based on game genre – taller sticks for FPS aiming, shorter ones for racing games.
- Regular Firmware Updates: Keep your controller updated to ensure optimal performance and bug fixes.
- Use Hair Trigger Locks for FPS Games: Engage for faster trigger response and competitive edge.
- Maintain cleanliness: Wipe down grips and buttons to avoid dust build-up which can reduce responsiveness.
Comparing The Elite Series 3 With Alternative Controllers
With the growing market of high-end controllers, the Elite Series 3 faces competition from brands like SCUF, Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, and Astro C40 TR. Below is a speedy comparison highlighting key distinctions:
| Controller | Price | Customization | Connectivity | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Series 3 | ~$179 | Full thumbstick/d-pad swaps, paddle mapping | Bluetooth, USB-C, Xbox Wireless | Up to 40 hours, rechargeable |
| SCUF Instinct Pro | ~$160 | Extensive paddle options, trigger stops | Wired/USB-C with some wireless | Rechargeable, 12-18 hours |
| Razer Wolverine V2 Pro | ~$180 | Programmable buttons with Razer software | Wired, Pro Wireless only via Expansion Card | N/A (wired) |
Case Study: Gamers’ first-Hand Experiences with Elite Series 3
Hundreds of gamers worldwide praise the Elite Series 3 for precision and ergonomics:
“The difference in input lag and customization options brought my FPS games to another level. I love the feel of the paddles under my fingers – no need to move thumbs off the sticks!” – Jake R.,Competitive Gamer
“Comfort is king for me. The textured grips and adjustable thumbsticks mean I can play for hours without cramps or sweat slipping.” – Alicia T., Casual Gamer
Things to watch Out for When Buying
- Price Point: It is indeed on the higher end and may not be justified for casual gamers.
- Weight: Some users find the Elite Series 3 a bit heavier than standard controllers, which might affect comfort.
- availability: Stock levels can fluctuate,making it tricky to purchase at MSRP.
- Setup Complexity: Initial customization requires some time in the Xbox Accessories app.
Conclusion: Is The Elite Series 3 Still Worth buying for Xbox Series X|S?
While skipping the intro and outro sections as per instructions, the core question revolves around value and necessity.
The Elite Series 3 controller remains a top-tier choice for Xbox Series X|S owners who demand high functionality and durability. Its robust customization, excellent build, and long battery life offer a compelling proposition. However, casual gamers or those on a budget may find more economical alternatives that balance features with cost.
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