Xbox’s Slim Cloud Controller Breaks Cover in Latest Leak

Photo credit: Everton Favretto/Tecnoblog
Leaked images from a Brazilian certification lab capture Microsoft readying a gamepad built from the ground up for streaming. Compact and straightforward, the device shrinks the familiar Xbox layout into something pocket friendly while keeping every essential control intact. White and black versions appear in the shots, both sporting a clean rectangular body with short grips that suggest easy one handed carry for travel or couch sessions alike.

Compact dimensions define the entire piece. Side by side with a standard Xbox controller, this one sits noticeably smaller yet retains the same staggered thumbstick positions and full button array, including the standard face buttons A B X Y, arranged in their diamond formation, while the shoulder bumpers and triggers line the top edge unchanged. A central Xbox logo button sits in the center, flanked by the conventional menu and view keys, as well as a handy share button for rapidly capturing screenshots while playing.

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A closer look from different angles reveals a USB C charging connector on the top edge, as well as a tiny button that appears to be dedicated to pairing or switching between connection modes. The section below the main face contains markings for light indicators; it appears that there will be a visual signal to indicate whether the pad is in cloud mode or connected to a console. The materials are all incredibly smooth and matte, like some third-party pads, but the design remains faithful to Microsoft’s in-house flair.

Connection choices are where things get really interesting, as this controller features built-in Wi Fi compatibility, allowing you to connect directly to the Xbox cloud servers without the need for a phone or laptop in between. There’s also mention of Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi Fi 6 technology, and while the Realtek RTL8730E chip inside only supports a 20 megahertz band, it appears to promise fewer hops and shorter delay, which is a significant victory for anyone who has ever experienced lag in streamed gameplay on mobile or browser setups. The good news is that it can still be paired with ordinary devices, giving you plenty of options for streaming and everyday gaming.

Power comes from a sealed 500 milliamp hour rechargeable battery that fits snugly inside the shell. Microsoft controllers typically have AA slots, so this onboard battery is a significant shift, as it provides ease for on-the-go users. We’re talking about extended periods without the need to swap cells, and the USB C connector allows you to recharge with any standard cable.

No official word from Microsoft has followed, yet the details line up with earlier hints about hardware tuned for cloud services. The design appears to have been developed for a specific purpose rather than just converted for cloud streaming, with the goal of getting you set up and playing as quickly and easily as possible. Details remain thin on launch timing or price, but the certification trail points toward an imminent reveal.
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