An unannounced Microsoft gamepad prototype has surfaced in photos posted by a Redditor, and The Verge reports that the device is “almost certainly” the Xbox Elite Series 3. The account behind the photos claims the controller was purchased for $200 on OfferUp, but Microsoft has not announced the product and the unit shown carries prototype markings. The most notable detail in the new leak is a small built-in screen. According to The Verge, the display appears to sit near a Pair Button and may show an xCloud rocket icon next to an Xbox Series X. The same screen reportedly displays, in another photo, a URL pointing to a Microsoft cloud resource that The Verge could not access, which the outlet says adds credibility to the images. The new photos build on an earlier leak The Verge says came through Brazilian regulator images in May. Those images suggested the Xbox Elite 3 would add two scroll wheels on the bottom edge, a second wireless mode designed to connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, and a Pair Button that could switch between those servers and a console. The new prototype photos may show where that Pair Button sits, but the feature set remains unconfirmed. The photographed device is not presented as a working retail unit. The Verge reports that the Redditor said it does not pair with an Xbox or over a cable, and only shows a blinking red light. Other images reportedly show four rear paddles, a battery compartment, a carrying case, a different detachable D-pad design than the May leak, and triggers the Redditor described as clicky when set to a hair-trigger position. The prototype also appears to expose some repair-related design choices. The Verge says the battery compartment includes accessible Torx T6 screws and a QR code that presumably points to a repair website. The removable battery is labeled 5.8 watt-hours, and both the controller and battery reportedly carry “NOT FOR SALE” labels, alongside placeholder regulatory ID numbers. That matters because the evidence points to a device still in pre-release form. The leaked unit may reflect Microsoft’s product direction, but prototype hardware can change before launch or be canceled. The Verge also notes that its Microsoft reporter Tom Warren says his sources believe the controller is still coming later this year, which keeps this in the category of credible but developing hardware reporting rather than a confirmed launch. Who benefits: If the leaked design ships, Xbox power users and cloud-gaming users could get a more specialized Elite controller. Microsoft would also have another premium accessory to differentiate within the Xbox hardware ecosystem. Who's exposed: The main exposure is uncertainty: buyers and accessory makers should not treat the leaked prototype as a final spec. Microsoft also faces the usual risk that prototype leaks set expectations before launch details are locked.