8BitDo unveiled the following era of its flagship Ultimate controller collection at CES 2026–and it now is sensible why the producer hasn’t launched an Xbox model of the Ultimate 2. Formally licensed by Xbox, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E is a wireless modular controller for Xbox Sequence X|S, Xbox One, PC, Apple units, and Android. A agency launch date hasn’t been set, however the Ultimate 3E is at present slated for Q2 2026 (April-June).
In case you’re desperate to get your palms on 8BitDo’s first modular controller, be ready to spend significantly greater than you probably did on the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 or another conventional controller from the favored accent maker. The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E will retail for $150, inserting it squarely in competitors with Microsoft’s personal Elite Series 2 and different licensed Xbox controllers such because the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, Nacon Revolution X Unlimited, Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, Scuf Valor Pro, and GameSir G7 Pro.
Unsurprisingly, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E is essentially the most feature-rich and technologically superior controller in 8BitDo’s catalog. It has some options discovered on the Ultimate 2 and Pro 3 Controllers, however the absolutely modular construct means it has extra customization choices than any 8BitDo controller earlier than it. And when you definitely cannot check with a $150 controller as “budget-friendly,” it’s priced decrease many of the controllers listed above.
The Ultimate 3E is simply the second wi-fi 8BitDo controller for Xbox, following final 12 months’s Ultimate 3-Mode 40th Anniversary Edition, which is on sale for $80 (was $90) at Amazon.
The Ultimate 3E has quite a few options which might be brand-new to 8BitDo’s well-liked controller line. It is barely wider than the Ultimate 2 and has textured, silicone handles to enhance consolation and management. Just like the Elite Sequence 2 and different formally licensed third-party gamepads, the Ultimate 3E comes with a hardshell carrying case and a set of swappable elements.
Modular elements embrace the correct and left joysticks, D-pad, ABXY buttons, and the entrance faceplate. Two magnetic ABXY button modules–one customary, one microswitch–are included with the controller. That is the primary time we have seen swappable face buttons utilized to modify between conventional membrane inputs and speedy, clicky microswitches. The magnetic faceplate must be eliminated earlier than switching the ABXY modules.
Just like the Ultimate 2 and Professional 3, the Ultimate 3E has TMR anti-drift joysticks with customizable RGB gentle rings. Stick actions are registered by electromagnetic sensors and provide a smoother, extra exact really feel than Corridor Impact sticks. Along with a pair of conventional sticks, the accent equipment comes with 4 different choices: two tall, one dome, and one with a thicker steel ring to extend resistance.
You can too shortly swap between two types of directional pads. The default is a newly designed eight-way D-pad with a round form. In case you choose the traditional fashion, the choice is a four-way D-pad much like those discovered on different 8BitDo controllers. Each D-pad modules have magnetic connectors.
The modular design would not lengthen to the additional remappable buttons. Just like the Ultimate 2, the Ultimate 3E has two built-in again buttons and two further shoulder buttons (R4 and L4). The shoulder buttons might be remapped on the fly on the controller itself, whereas the again buttons and different inputs are remapped utilizing 8BitDo’s free Ultimate Software program app. Different settings equivalent to RGB lighting results and stick/set off sensitivity might be adjusted utilizing the app. Similar to different editions of the Ultimate, you’ll be able to create and retailer as much as three customized management layouts that may be cycled by by urgent the Profile button on the controller.
The Ultimate 3E is 8BitDo’s first licensed Xbox controller with set off stops. It has Corridor Impact Impulse Triggers with the haptic suggestions present in official Xbox Wi-fi Controllers. You’ll be able to toggle the switches on the again of the Ultimate 3E to actuate the triggers sooner. In the event that they work just like the Ultimate 2, the set off stops primarily flip RT and LT into shoulder buttons.
8BitDo says the 1400mAh battery affords as much as 18 hours of play and takes 4-5 hours to totally cost. The controller is bundled with a wi-fi charging dock that has “zero contact factors.” Outdoors of the charging pins/contacts, no a part of the controller touches the charging stand. The two.4GHz USB-C dongle is saved contained in the charging dock’s backside compartment.
Although the Ultimate 3E is an Xbox controller, it has a few PC-only options. Aggressive gamers shall be to listen to the Ultimate 3E is rated for as much as 1,000Hz polling charges in wi-fi and wired modes. PC gamers may also use customizable 6-axis movement controls when synced to the wi-fi dongle.
The Ultimate 3E is the most recent entry in 8BitDo’s impressive collection of controllers and other peripherals licensed by Xbox. As talked about, the one different standard 8BitDo wi-fi controller for Xbox consoles is the eye-catching Ultimate 3-Mode Uncommon fortieth Anniversary Version. That stated, there are a couple of different specialty 8BitDo wi-fi controllers for Xbox, together with the Wireless Arcade Stick, which is on sale for $90 (was $120), and the All-Button Arcade Controller for $80 (was $100). We have rounded up all the notable Xbox-licensed 8BitDo merchandise beneath, together with the retro-inspired transparent green gaming keyboard and mouse, each of that are discounted to nice costs.
Customizable controllers, keyboard/mouse, media remotes, and more
- 8BitDo All-Button Wireless Arcade Controller (Xbox, PC) — $80 (
$100) - 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Stick (Xbox, PC) — $90 (
$120) - 8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Keyboard — $96 (
$120) - 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse — $48 (
$60) - 8BitDo Rare 40th Anniversary Xbox Wireless Controller (Xbox, PC, Mobile) — $80 (
$90) - 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, Mobile)
- 8BitDo Pro 2 Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $36 (
$45) - 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller (iOS, Android) — $41.80 (
$50) - 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Mobile) — $36 (
$40) - 8BitDo M30 Sega-Inspired Wired Controller (Xbox) — $35
- 8BitDo Lite SE Wireless Accessibility Controller (Xbox, PC) — $50 (
$60) - 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $36 (
$45) - 8BitDo Ultimate C Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $29.74 (
$35) - 8BitDo Ultimate Mini Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $28 (
$35) - 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote (Short) — $19 (
$20) - 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote (Long) — $15 (
$25) - 8BitDo Xbox Controller Charging Dock — $25
- 8BitDo Xbox Dual Controller Charging Dock — $30 (
$45)
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