A new Xbox controller with Wi-Fi connectivity could be on the way, according to new insider information. The current console generation could be winding down, but when the next one will start and what exactly it will look like is still a bit of a mystery. Gamers won't know everything until more official news comes out, but it seems like there is at least some new Xbox hardware on the way.
While RAM prices have called a lot into question, the timeline for the next round of console upgrades could be starting to take shape. AMD's CEO recently suggested that the next-gen Xbox is targeting a 2027 release, even if its pricing and technical details are still a big question mark. If that's true, then fans might not have much longer before they can see it for themselves, and a new leak suggests they won't even have to wait that long for some new gear.
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Xbox May Release a Wi-Fi-Connected Controller Sometime in 2026
The Verge released a flurry of Xbox updates on February 5, 2026, including the news that a new Wi-Fi-connected controller will come out this year. Those who have been following hardware leaks and rumors may not be too surprised to hear this, as another insider claimed Microsoft was gearing up for an Xbox Elite Series 3 controller announcement in the summer of 2025. According to that leak, the controller, which was reportedly in development alongside two others, would be announced at the June 2025 Xbox Games Showcase. That didn't happen, so it could be that this new, Wi-Fi-enabled device is the same one, or it could be one of the others previously rumored to be in the works. Of course, it's entirely possible this controller is separate from all these other leaks.
The detail about the new controller supporting Wi-Fi connectivity may seem small, but it could have big implications. As The Verge explains, that would let the controller connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming instead of running through users' devices. Reducing these touchpoints would mean lower latency for a better gaming experience, which could help Microsoft drive adoption of its cloud service. The company already brought it to all Game Pass tiers last year, and an ad-supported free tier of Xbox Cloud gaming could release soon, so it's clear Microsoft is trying to drive users to the platform. Given that push, it might be the perfect time to release hardware that could reduce input lag.
Promoting a free service like the ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming tier makes a lot of sense for a company that has faced as much cost criticism as Microsoft has lately. In 2025, Xbox Game Pass raised its prices for the third consecutive year, and the Series X got a price hike, too. Naturally, these were not popular changes, but gaming hardware revenue across the industry has been struggling in the past few years, so pivoting to focus on software and services, especially if they come with a low barrier to entry, can help win gamers back. A more affordable streaming service, paired with a controller that makes lag less of a concern, could do just that.
Find all 10 pairs
Find all 10 pairs
Looking beyond Cloud Gaming, Xbox fans have a lot to look forward to this year. Fable, Gears of War, Halo, and Forza will get new games in 2026 as the brand celebrates its 25th anniversary. There may not be a whole new console generation to celebrate the occasion, but it sounds like there will at least be some hardware in the form of this new controller. Fans will have to stay tuned for news from Xbox itself to learn more.