8BitDo’s string of thrilling accent releases made in partnership with Xbox continues this week with the reveal of a controller that has been noticeably absent from the producer’s lineup: a wi-fi controller. The producer’s debut wi-fi controller for Xbox could be an enormous improvement by itself, however that is notable for an additional purpose, too. The controller commemorates the 40th anniversary of Microsoft-owned studio Uncommon, the Sea of Thieves developer with a again catalog of classics like Donkey Kong Nation, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, and Excellent Darkish. The 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller: Rare 40th Anniversary Edition is obtainable in the present day for $90.
The original Ultimate 3-Mode Controller launched final spring in white and black. A transparent green model matching 8BitDo’s Retro 87 Keyboard and Retro R8 Mouse was added to the lineup in Could. The “3-Mode” moniker pertained to the $70 controller’s connectivity choices: 2.4GHz Wireless for PC, Bluetooth for cellular, and wired for Xbox. All of these modes nonetheless exist on the Uncommon 40th Anniversary Version, but it surely additionally has 2.4GHz Wireless on Xbox Collection X|S and Xbox One. Implementing Microsoft’s wi-fi protocol mixed with the special-edition theme explains the $20 worth leap.
$90 | For Xbox, PC, Apple, Android
The Uncommon 40th Anniversary Version is arguably the best-looking controller 8BitDo has created–and one of many standout special-edition Xbox controllers normally. It makes use of Rare’s longtime colours with a two-tone Royal blue shell accented by yellow-gold joystick rings, face button labels, triggers/bumpers, and two remappable again buttons.
8BitDo used gold-plated zinc alloy to create the tactile D-pad; that is the primary metallic D-pad within the Final collection. Rare’s 40th Anniversary brand is on the left deal with, whereas the darker Royal blue silhouettes are Easter Eggs referencing the studio’s historical past.
It comes with an identical charging dock with the studio identify on the entrance heart. The two.4GHz USB receiver is saved within the backside compartment on the dock. You will additionally discover a USB-C cable and a pair of silicone stick caps that includes the Sea of Thieves brand on one and a puzzle piece on the opposite. The jigsaw puzzle piece nods to the collectibles in Rare’s basic platformers, Banjo-Kazooie and DKC.
We have not examined the brand new version, so we won’t touch upon wi-fi efficiency on Xbox consoles, however exterior of that new characteristic, this is identical nice controller. The Final 3-Mode is constructed with premium parts and has stellar ergonomics. It is a versatile controller due to help for quite a few gadgets and built-in customization choices.
Take a look at the important thing specs for the Uncommon 40th Anniversary Version beneath:
- Platform help:
- Xbox Collection X|S & Xbox One – 2.4GHz Wireless | Wired
- Home windows – 2.4GHz Wireless | Wired
- Apple iOS & macOS – Bluetooth
- Android- Bluetooth
- Controls:
- Corridor Impact anti-drift sticks
- Corridor Impact impulse triggers (Xbox/PC)
- Microswitch bumpers
- Two remappable again triggers
- Tactile metallic D-pad (fabricated from zinc alloy)
- ABXY face buttons with gold labels
- Xbox Information | View | Menu | Star | Profile
- Mic and Enter switches
- Textured handles
- Equipment:
- Matching charging dock with 2.4GHz receiver
- Uncommon-themed silicone stick caps
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- Profiles: Save as much as 3 customized management layouts
- Battery: As much as 20 hours | Cost time: 4 hours
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack
- Vibration: Xbox and PC solely
- 8BitDo Final Software program for Xbox, PC, Apple, Android:
- Remap inputs
- Arrange customized profiles
- Create lifeless zones
- Regulate stick sensitivity
- Regulate set off sensitivity
- Regulate rumble depth
With support for PC, Mac, and mobile, the new controller will likely appeal to big fans of Rare who don’t even own or have a need for a wireless Xbox controller. That said, it’s worth emphasizing that the 3-Mode Controller does not have the latest and greatest tech found in 8BitDo’s flagship Ultimate 2 or upcoming Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad (releases August 12).
The Ultimate 2 has four remappable buttons, upgraded TMR sticks, RGB light rings, and adjustable trigger locks, among other improvements. The Ultimate 3-Mode, meanwhile, is essentially the same as the original Ultimate. A great controller, for sure, but not 8BitDo’s best. So PC players will also want to check out the Ultimate 2 for $60. In the event you even have a Nintendo Swap or Swap 2, the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth is $70.
8BitDo began working with Xbox a number of years in the past, however 2025 has actually been the most important 12 months for the partnership. Throughout the previous few weeks, 8BitDo launched a brand new model of its Final Cellular Controller licensed by Xbox Cloud Gaming in addition to a leverless wi-fi struggle stick. The controller cradles your iPhone or Android phone and is a bargain at $50. The All-Button Arcade Controller is the second Xbox-licensed 8BitDo arcade controller for preventing video games. The struggle sticks can join wirelessly to Xbox, as can the Lite SE Accessibility Controller and Xbox Media Remote. So whereas the brand new 3-Mode is the primary common 8BitDo controller with wi-fi help on Xbox consoles, the producer does have prior expertise with the wi-fi protocol.
We rounded up a listing of 8BitDo equipment licensed by Xbox, observe that numerous the merchandise aren’t truly for Xbox. The Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, as an example, is solely a part of 8BitDo’s collection of retro-inspired gaming keyboards. It is based mostly on a preferred particular version of the unique Xbox. It is a actually stable keyboard for the value, however you may truly seize it for simply $65 (was $120) at Amazon-owned retailer Woot proper now.
Customizable controllers, keyboard/mouse, media remotes, and more
- 8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard – Xbox Edition — $65 (
$120) | $106 at Amazon - 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse – Xbox Edition — $54 (
$60) - 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, Mobile)
- 8BitDo Pro 2 Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $40.49 (
$45) - 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller — $50
- 8BitDo All-Button Wireless Arcade Controller (Xbox, PC) — $100
- 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick – Black (Xbox, PC) — $92 (
$120) with coupon - 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick – White (Xbox, PC) — $91.19 (
$120) - 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Mobile) — $40
- 8BitDo M30 Sega-Inspired Wired Controller (Xbox) — $35
- 8BitDo Lite SE Wireless Accessibility Controller (Xbox, PC) — $60
- 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $28.34 (
$45) - 8BitDo Ultimate C Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $31.49 (
$35) - 8BitDo Ultimate Mini Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $28 (
$35) - 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote – Short Edition — $20
- 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote – Long Edition — $20 (
$25) - 8BitDo Xbox Controller Charging Dock — $25
- 8BitDo Xbox Dual Controller Charging Dock — $27 (
$45)