Photos of what is believed to be a prototype of Microsoft’s next premium controller, the Xbox Elite Series 3, have appeared online. A tiny built-in screen not seen in earlier leaks has been spotted, drawing attention to a possible new way of using the controller across console and cloud gaming.

The Verge reported on Aug. 11 that prototype photos said to have been obtained by a Reddit user show a small screen mounted in the center of the controller. The screen was not included in drawings that leaked in May through a Brazilian regulator.

The most striking detail is how the screen could be used. In the photos, it appears similar in form to a mode-switching dialog shown in earlier leaked drawings. A button believed to be a pairing button is placed to the left of the screen, and the display shows icons related to Xbox Cloud Gaming and a device believed to be an Xbox Series X.

That suggests the next Elite controller may have been designed with connections to cloud gaming services in mind, beyond being a peripheral that simply connects to a console.

New features had also surfaced in earlier leaked materials. Two scroll wheels not seen on existing models were added along the bottom edge, and it was reported to include a separate wireless mode that can connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers.

The newly spotted pairing button could also be used to switch connections between cloud servers and consoles. It would allow users to check connection status on the controller itself and switch to a desired device.

The product is still a prototype, not a retail model. Both the controller body in the photos and the detachable 5.8Wh battery are marked “NOT FOR SALE.” An identification number related to regulatory certification was also left as a placeholder rather than an actual number, it said.

Its operating condition was also not fully functional. The Reddit user who posted the photos said the prototype did not connect properly to an Xbox console or via a cable, and only a red indicator light blinked. That makes it difficult to confirm from the photos alone whether the built-in screen or cloud-connection features work properly.

Even so, the hardware changes seen on the prototype are significant. New scroll wheels and 4 rear paddles were applied, and a battery compartment and a dedicated case were also shown. The design of the detachable directional pad also appears to have changed compared with the May leak.

The triggers were also reported to include a hair-trigger locking function. Using it allows input with shorter trigger travel, which is expected to be useful in games that require fast response.

A design aimed at easier repairs also stands out. Inside the battery compartment is a QR code believed to link to a repair-related website, and the structure appears to allow relatively easy access to Torx T6 screws. That points to the possibility it was designed so users can replace or repair key parts themselves.

Signs supporting the authenticity of the photos were also found. Another image showed an address that appeared to connect to Microsoft cloud resources, and it was reported to lead to a page that general users did not have permission to access. The Verge viewed this as a factor that increases the likelihood the images are of a real prototype in development rather than fabricated fakes.

Microsoft has not officially announced a launch schedule. The Verge’s Tom Warren cited sources as saying the controller could still launch later this year.

If the leak is accurate, the Elite Series 3 may not be limited to being a controller with upgraded buttons and sticks. It could strengthen connectivity to move between game consoles and cloud gaming on a single controller, and try a new user experience that lets users check modes or connection status directly on the screen.

Still, since what has been confirmed so far is only a prototype, it remains to be seen whether the built-in screen, cloud-connection features and repair-focused design will be applied as-is to the final retail product.