It appears that the renowned Dealabs leaker, billbil-kun, has moved on from leaking PlayStation Plus lineups exclusively to dropping information about upcoming hardware for the other team. Case in point, they’re now suggesting that Microsoft is preparing to launch yet another Xbox controller.
Known for his reliable track record, billbil-kun has revealed the upcoming controller will bear the name “Stormcloud Vapor”, initially codenamed Jemez, and is scheduled for release on August 8th. However, he emphasizes that this date is tentative and may change, as observed with certain other controllers launched this year.
Although no images or concrete specifications about the controller have surfaced yet, it’s slated to be priced at $69.99 or €69.99. Earlier conjectures from billbil-kun had pointed towards a limited-edition Forza Motorsport controller. But, with the frequency at which Microsoft has been releasing Xbox controller variants this year – like the Pizza-scented one – it’s quite plausible that the Stormcloud Vapor is an independent venture, unassociated with the game.
Microsoft has already impressed the gaming fraternity by unveiling six new Xbox controller designs in the past few months alone. The Stellar Shift controller, sporting a striking blue-purple theme, was announced and released in February. In March, it welcomed the Velocity Green controller, accompanied by the red and blue editions of the Xbox Elite Series 2. Meanwhile, the Sunkissed Vibes controller, showcasing a peach and pastel blue theme, was unveiled in May, followed by the limited edition Starfield controller in June.
While we anticipate an official announcement from Microsoft, it’s worth mentioning that billbil-kun has previously nailed predictions like the release dates of the GTA Trilogy on Steam and the Epic Games Store, among other things. Of course, his credibility mainly stems from consistently accurate leaks about the PS Plus Essential Games, cementing his status as a trusted leaker.
Considering Microsoft’s release trend this year, Stormcloud Vapor will most likely be the eighth new controller this year. A lot of fans are even speculating whether this mysterious new controller might introduce innovative features unseen in other controllers released so far as a response to PlayStation Access.
With the Starfield controller’s tremendous success, a feature akin to PlayStation’s haptic feedback is eagerly anticipated in the Stormcloud Vapor controller.
Forza Motorsports, expected to release on October 10 for Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PC, is one of the most awaited titles this year. If Stormcloud Vapor does indeed turn out to be a limited edition Forza Motorsport controller, it’d mark the second time this year of Microsoft is releasing a game-themed controller ahead of the actual game’s launch, following the Starfield Limited Edition controller release.
As we approach the speculated launch date, the anticipation only mounts for this potential new arrival in the thriving world of gaming.
Microsoft has had a lot of wins over the past month, highlighted by the “approval” of its purchase of Activision Blizzard. It’s only a matter of time before the deal pushes through and Diablo 4 as well as Call of Duty, among others, are brought to the Game Pass.
