Xbox’s Next Hardware for 2026 Could Be the Elite Series 3 Controller, Not a New Console

Thanks to multiple Xbox execs and insider reports, we knew that Microsoft’s gaming division had some big plans for 2026. Well, Jez Corden from Windows Central suggests that new Xbox hardware is in the pipeline for this year. But before you get too excited, let me break it to you: it’s not the next-gen Xbox console.

Per Corden, Xbox appears to be ready to launch a next-gen Xbox controller that we’ve been hearing about throughout the last year. The controller in question here is the Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller. That being said, nothing is confirmed as of now.

Corden adds that he “suspects” Microsoft will refresh its controller lineup in 2026, potentially alongside other upgrades. That lines up with earlier reporting from April, where the same news outlet suggested Microsoft was actively testing multiple controller prototypes, including the Elite Series 3.

Interestingly, he also talks about connectivity related to the rumored controller. His sources claim that Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox controllers will support direct-to-WiFi connectivity. In other words, Microsoft is looking beyond Bluetooth latency entirely. If that’s true, it would be a handy upgrade for players who love Xbox Cloud Gaming, which Microsoft recently also announced for select Hisense TVs.

Corden, in his report for Windows Central, notes that, “I’m told Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox controllers all support direct-to-WiFi connectivity, eliminating Bluetooth latency from cloud gaming scenarios.”

The report also mentions that additional Xbox-branded OEM devices might be on the way this year. However, there’s no word on what they could be yet. There’s even mention of credible rumors surrounding an Xbox-branded PC launching in 2026, although Corden notes that it is far from guaranteed.

If you’ve been hoping to learn anything about the new Xbox console, sadly, the report stays quiet on that part. However, some reports from earlier this month suggest that Microsoft and Sony could delay next-gen console beyond the earlier 2027–2028 window due to rising RAM costs and supply concerns.