8BitDo, known for its strong partnership with Xbox in accessory development, has just unveiled its long-awaited first wireless controller designed for Xbox. This launch marks a significant milestone for the manufacturer, and it`s made even more special by commemorating the 40th anniversary of Rare. Rare, a Microsoft-owned studio renowned for titles like Sea of Thieves and classics such as Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, and Perfect Dark, is honored with this new device. The 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller: Rare 40th Anniversary Edition is now available for $90.
The initial Ultimate 3-Mode Controller, originally released last spring in white and black, later saw the addition of a transparent green variant in May, coordinating with 8BitDo`s Retro 87 Keyboard and Retro R8 Mouse. Its `3-Mode` designation referred to its $70 price point and connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless for PC, Bluetooth for mobile devices, and wired connectivity for Xbox. The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition retains all these modes but notably adds 2.4GHz wireless support for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. This inclusion of Microsoft`s proprietary wireless protocol, alongside its special-edition design, accounts for its $20 price increase.
The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition is arguably 8BitDo`s most visually appealing controller to date, standing out among special-edition Xbox controllers. It features Rare`s iconic color palette: a two-tone Royal blue casing with accents of yellow-gold on the joystick rings, face button labels, triggers, bumpers, and its two remappable back buttons. A unique feature is its tactile D-pad, crafted from gold-plated zinc alloy, marking it as the first metal D-pad in the Ultimate series. The left handle proudly displays Rare`s 40th Anniversary logo, complemented by subtle darker Royal blue silhouettes that serve as Easter eggs referencing the studio`s rich history.
The controller includes a matching charging dock, emblazoned with the studio`s name, which also conveniently stores the 2.4GHz USB receiver in its base compartment. Additionally, it comes with a USB-C cable and a set of silicone stick caps: one featuring the Sea of Thieves logo, and the other a jigsaw puzzle piece, a tribute to the collectibles found in Rare`s classic platformers like Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country. While this new edition hasn`t been tested for its wireless performance on Xbox consoles yet, aside from this new wireless capability, it maintains the excellent quality of the original. The Ultimate 3-Mode controller is constructed with premium components, boasts stellar ergonomics, and offers remarkable versatility through its broad device support and integrated customization options.
Check out the key specs for the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition below:
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Platform support:
- Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One – 2.4GHz Wireless | Wired
- Windows – 2.4GHz Wireless | Wired
- Apple iOS & macOS – Bluetooth
- Android – Bluetooth
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Controls:
- Hall Effect anti-drift sticks
- Hall Effect impulse triggers (Xbox/PC)
- Microswitch bumpers
- Two remappable back triggers
- Tactile metal D-pad (made of zinc alloy)
- ABXY face buttons with gold labels
- Xbox Guide | View | Menu | Star | Profile
- Mic and Input switches
- Textured handles
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Accessories:
- Matching charging dock with 2.4GHz receiver
- Rare-themed silicone stick caps
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- Profiles: Save up to 3 custom control layouts
- Battery: Up to 20 hours | Charge time: 4 hours
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack
- Vibration: Xbox and PC only
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8BitDo Ultimate Software for Xbox, PC, Apple, Android:
- Remap inputs
- Set up custom profiles
- Create dead zones
- Adjust stick sensitivity
- Adjust trigger sensitivity
- Adjust rumble intensity
Thanks to its compatibility with PC, Mac, and mobile devices, this new controller will likely attract many Rare enthusiasts, even those who don`t own or require a wireless Xbox controller. However, it`s important to note that the 3-Mode Controller doesn`t feature the advanced technology found in 8BitDo`s premium Ultimate 2 or the forthcoming Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, slated for an August 12 release. The Ultimate 2, for instance, includes four remappable buttons, enhanced TMR sticks, RGB light rings, and adjustable trigger locks, among other upgrades. In contrast, the Ultimate 3-Mode is fundamentally identical to its original version. While it remains an excellent controller, it isn`t 8BitDo`s most advanced offering. Therefore, PC gamers might also consider the Ultimate 2, priced at $60. For those with a Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Switch 2, the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth model is available for $70.
8BitDo Xbox-Licensed Gaming Gear
8BitDo`s collaboration with Xbox began several years ago, but the current year has undoubtedly been the most significant for this partnership. In recent weeks alone, 8BitDo has released an updated Ultimate Mobile Controller, officially licensed for Xbox Cloud Gaming, along with a leverless wireless fight stick. The mobile controller, which securely holds iPhones and Android phones, offers great value at $50. The All-Button Arcade Controller is 8BitDo`s second Xbox-licensed arcade controller designed for fighting games. Notably, various 8BitDo fight sticks, the Lite SE Accessibility Controller, and the Xbox Media Remote already offer wireless connectivity with Xbox. Thus, while the new 3-Mode controller is the first standard 8BitDo controller to feature wireless support for Xbox consoles, the company certainly has previous experience implementing Xbox`s wireless protocol.
While compiling a list of 8BitDo accessories licensed by Xbox, it`s worth noting that several products are not exclusively for Xbox use. For example, the Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is part of 8BitDo`s line of retro-themed gaming keyboards, inspired by a popular special edition of the original Xbox. It offers excellent value for its price and is currently available for just $65 (originally $120) at Woot, an Amazon-owned retailer.