A new one Xbox controllers with Wi-Fi connectivity may be on the way, according to new insider information. The current console generation may be winding down, but when the next one will launch and exactly what it will look like is still a bit of a mystery. Gamers won't know everything until more official news comes out, but it looks like there's at least some new Xbox hardware on the way.
While RAM prices have been widely questioned, the timeline for the next round of console upgrades may be starting to take shape. AMD's CEO recently suggested that the next-gen Xbox is aiming for a 2027 release, although its pricing and technical details remain a big question mark. If that's true, 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 new gear.
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Xbox may release a Wi-Fi connected controller sometime in 2026
The Verge released a slew of Xbox updates on February 5, 2026, including the news that a new Wi-Fi-connected controller will be coming out this year. Those who have been following hardware leaks and rumors might not be too surprised to hear this, as another insider claimed that Microsoft was readying an Xbox Elite Series 3 controller announcement in the summer of 2025. According to that leak, the controller, which was reportedly in development along with two others, was to be announced at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025. That didn't happen, so it could be that this new, Wi-Fi-enabled device is the same, or it could be one of the others previously rumored to be in the works. Of course, it's entirely possible that this controller is separate from all of these other leaks.
The detail of 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 touch points would mean lower latency for a better gaming experience, which could help Microsoft drive the introduction 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 games could be released soon, so it's clear that Microsoft is trying to drive users to the platform. Given that push, it might be the perfect time to release hardware that can 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 increased its prices for the third year in a row, and the Series X also received a price increase. Of course, these weren't popular changes, but gaming hardware revenue in the industry has struggled in recent years, so focusing on software and services, especially if they come with low barriers to entry, could help win back players. A more affordable streaming service, paired with a controller that makes lag less of a concern, could do just that.
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Looking beyond Cloud Gaming, Xbox fans have a lot to look forward to this year. Fable, Gears of War, Haloand Forza will get new games in 2026 when the brand celebrates its 25th anniversary. There might not be a whole new generation of consoles 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.
