As part of a huge report over at The Verge, journalist Tom Warren has revealed that Microsoft's next-gen Xbox controller revision is coming this year, after it was originally cancelled in 2024 when plans reportedly changed at Xbox HQ.
Indeed, we heard about the Xbox 'Sebile' controller revision years ago - and it sounds as though some form of that new pad will release here in 2026. Warren says that this year's revised controller "includes Wi-Fi connectivity to reduce Xbox Cloud Gaming latency".
"I’m hearing that Microsoft has greenlit next-gen Xbox controllers that include Wi-Fi connectivity to reduce Xbox Cloud Gaming latency. A new Xbox controller was originally planned for 2024, alongside a canceled Xbox Series X refresh."
The report doesn't go into detail about those old Sebile features we heard about back in 2023 — such as haptic feedback, modular thumbsticks, a rechargeable battery and more — for now, all The Verge is reporting on is that improved latency feature. Here's hoping Xbox has more up its sleeve regarding this 2026 controller revision.
Finally, the report also namedrops Jez Corden's previous reporting on an Elite Series 3 controller potentially coming this year, but doesn't go as far as corroborating that just yet. Warren simply says that an Elite 3 "would align with a rollout of next-gen Xbox controllers" if it's indeed coming in 2026 as well.
Of course, The Verge's information is just a report for now too, so it's worth taking it all with a pinch of salt until we hear more from Microsoft. Remember, we thought we were getting a big Xbox controller overhaul all the way back in 2024 - and we're still using the launch Series X|S controllers to this day!