✈ GameSky
8BitDo Reveals Ultimate 3E Modular Controller For Xbox And PC
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformNews
🎮 BitDo#News,Shopping,Tech

8BitDo Reveals Ultimate 3E Modular Controller For Xbox And PC

GameSpot » All News RSS Feed✍ Colette Bennett⏱ 12 min read(8 months ago)

Overview & Key Takeaways

8BitDo unveiled the next generation of its flagship Ultimate controller series at CES 2026--and it now makes sense why the manufacturer hasn't released an Xbox version of the Ultimate 2. Officially licensed by Xbox, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E is a wireless modular controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Apple devices, and Android. The controller is open for preorder now via Amazon and 8BitDo and comes out on August 31, 2026.

If you're eager to get your hands on 8BitDo's first modular controller, be prepared to spend considerably more than you did on the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 or any other traditional controller from the popular accessory maker. The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E will retail for $150, placing it squarely in competition with Microsoft's own Elite Series 2 and other licensed Xbox controllers such as the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, Nacon Revolution X Unlimited, Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, Scuf Valor Pro, and GameSir G7 Pro.

4629319-8bitdoultimate3econtroller.png

8BitDo Ultimate 3E Wireless Controller for Xbox/PC

$150 | Releases Q2 2026

See at Amazon

See at 8BitDo

Unsurprisingly, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E is the most feature-rich and technologically advanced controller in 8BitDo's catalog. It has some features found on the Ultimate 2 and Pro 3 Controllers, but the fully modular build means it has more customization options than any 8BitDo controller before it. And while you certainly can't refer to a $150 controller as "budget-friendly," it is priced lower most of the controllers listed above.

4629882-8bitdoultimate3emodular.png

8BitDo Ultimate 3E Controller

4542490-8bitdorare.png

8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Wireless Controller: Rare 40th Anniversary Edition

$80 (was $90) | For Xbox, PC, Apple, Android

See at Amazon

The Ultimate 3E is only the second wireless 8BitDo controller for Xbox, following last year's Ultimate 3-Mode 40th Anniversary Edition, which is on sale for $80 (was $90) at Amazon.

The Ultimate 3E has numerous features that are brand-new to 8BitDo's popular controller line. It's slightly wider than the Ultimate 2 and has textured, silicone handles to improve comfort and control. Like the Elite Series 2 and other officially licensed third-party gamepads, the Ultimate 3E comes with a hardshell carrying case and a set of swappable components.

Modular components include the right and left joysticks, D-pad, ABXY buttons, and the front faceplate. Two magnetic ABXY button modules--one standard, one microswitch--are included with the controller. This is the first time we've seen swappable face buttons utilized to switch between traditional membrane inputs and rapid, clicky microswitches. The magnetic faceplate needs to be removed before switching the ABXY modules.

Like the Ultimate 2 and Pro 3, the Ultimate 3E has TMR anti-drift joysticks with customizable RGB light rings. Stick movements are registered by electromagnetic sensors and offer a smoother, more precise feel than Hall Effect sticks. In addition to a pair of traditional sticks, the accessory kit comes with four alternative options: two tall, one dome, and one with a thicker metal ring to increase resistance.

4630224-8bitdoultimate3e.png

The Ultimate 3E is the second wireless 8BitDo controller for Xbox.

You can also quickly swap between two styles of directional pads. The default is a newly designed eight-way D-pad with a circular shape. If you prefer the classic style, the alternative is a four-way D-pad similar to the ones found on other 8BitDo controllers. Both D-pad modules have magnetic connectors.

The modular design doesn't extend to the extra remappable buttons. Like the Ultimate 2, the Ultimate 3E has two built-in back buttons and two extra shoulder buttons (R4 and L4). The shoulder buttons can be remapped on the fly on the controller itself, while the back buttons and other inputs are remapped using 8BitDo's free Ultimate Software app. Other settings such as RGB lighting effects and stick/trigger sensitivity can be adjusted using the app. Just like other editions of the Ultimate, you can create and store up to three custom control layouts that can be cycled through by pressing the Profile button on the controller.

The Ultimate 3E is 8BitDo's first licensed Xbox controller with trigger stops. It has Hall Effect Impulse Triggers with the haptic feedback found in official Xbox Wireless Controllers. You can toggle the switches on the back of the Ultimate 3E to actuate the triggers faster. If they work like the Ultimate 2, the trigger stops essentially turn RT and LT into shoulder buttons.

4630242-8bitdoultimate3ebumpers.png

R4 and L4 shoulder buttons can be remapped without Ultimate Software X.

8BitDo says the 1400mAh battery offers up to 18 hours of play and takes 4-5 hours to fully charge. The controller is bundled with a wireless charging dock that has "zero contact points." Outside of the charging pins/contacts, no part of the controller touches the charging stand. The 2.4GHz USB-C dongle is stored inside the charging dock's bottom compartment.

Though the Ultimate 3E is an Xbox controller, it has a couple of PC-only features. Competitive players will be interested to hear the Ultimate 3E is rated for up to 1,000Hz polling rates in wireless and wired modes. PC players can also use customizable 6-axis motion controls when synced to the wireless dongle.

The Ultimate 3E is the latest entry in 8BitDo's impressive collection of controllers and other peripherals licensed by Xbox. As mentioned, the only other conventional 8BitDo wireless controller for Xbox consoles is the eye-catching Ultimate 3-Mode Rare 40th Anniversary Edition. That said, there are a few other specialty 8BitDo wireless controllers for Xbox, including the Wireless Arcade Stick, which is on sale for $90 (was $120), and the All-Button Arcade Controller for $80 (was $100). We've rounded up all of the notable Xbox-licensed 8BitDo products below, including the retro-inspired transparent green gaming keyboard and mouse, both of which are discounted to great prices.

8BitDo Accessories Licensed by Xbox

Customizable controllers, keyboard/mouse, media remotes, and more

4531694-8bitdoxboxamazonhub.png

4531694-8bitdoxboxamazonhub.png

8BitDo Accessories Licensed by Xbox

Customizable controllers, keyboard/mouse, media remotes, and more

See at Amazon

Sign up for GameSpot's Weekly Deals Newsletter:

GameSpot's Weekly Deals, Straight to Your Inbox

Join GameSpot's Weekly Deals newsletter and get the top game and gear discounts every week.

Email Address

Sign Up

Check Out More Deals And Preorders

Show More Check Out More Deals And Preorders Links (1)

8BitDo unveiled the next generation of its flagship Ultimate controller series at CES 2026–and it now makes sense why the manufacturer hasn’t released an Xbox version of the Ultimate 2. Officially licensed by Xbox, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E is a wireless modular controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Apple devices, and Android. The controller is open for preorder now via Amazon and 8BitDo and comes out on August 31, 2026.

If you’re eager to get your hands on 8BitDo’s first modular controller, be prepared to spend considerably more than you did on the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 or any other traditional controller from the popular accessory maker. The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E will retail for $150, placing it squarely in competition with Microsoft’s own Elite Series 2 and other licensed Xbox controllers such as the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, Nacon Revolution X Unlimited, Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, Scuf Valor Pro, and GameSir G7 Pro.

4629319-8bitdoultimate3econtroller.png

8BitDo Ultimate 3E Wireless Controller for Xbox/PC

Unsurprisingly, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E is the most feature-rich and technologically advanced controller in 8BitDo’s catalog. It has some features found on the Ultimate 2 and Pro 3 Controllers, but the fully modular build means it has more customization options than any 8BitDo controller before it. And while you certainly can’t refer to a $150 controller as “budget-friendly,” it is priced lower most of the controllers listed above.

4629882-8bitdoultimate3emodular.png

8BitDo Ultimate 3E Controller

4542490-8bitdorare.png

8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Wireless Controller: Rare 40th Anniversary Edition

$80 (was $90) | For Xbox, PC, Apple, Android

The Ultimate 3E is only the second wireless 8BitDo controller for Xbox, following last year’s Ultimate 3-Mode 40th Anniversary Edition, which is on sale for $80 (was $90) at Amazon.

The Ultimate 3E has numerous features that are brand-new to 8BitDo’s popular controller line. It’s slightly wider than the Ultimate 2 and has textured, silicone handles to improve comfort and control. Like the Elite Series 2 and other officially licensed third-party gamepads, the Ultimate 3E comes with a hardshell carrying case and a set of swappable components.

Modular components include the right and left joysticks, D-pad, ABXY buttons, and the front faceplate. Two magnetic ABXY button modules–one standard, one microswitch–are included with the controller. This is the first time we’ve seen swappable face buttons utilized to switch between traditional membrane inputs and rapid, clicky microswitches. The magnetic faceplate needs to be removed before switching the ABXY modules.

Like the Ultimate 2 and Pro 3, the Ultimate 3E has TMR anti-drift joysticks with customizable RGB light rings. Stick movements are registered by electromagnetic sensors and offer a smoother, more precise feel than Hall Effect sticks. In addition to a pair of traditional sticks, the accessory kit comes with four alternative options: two tall, one dome, and one with a thicker metal ring to increase resistance.

4630224-8bitdoultimate3e.png

The Ultimate 3E is the second wireless 8BitDo controller for Xbox.

You can also quickly swap between two styles of directional pads. The default is a newly designed eight-way D-pad with a circular shape. If you prefer the classic style, the alternative is a four-way D-pad similar to the ones found on other 8BitDo controllers. Both D-pad modules have magnetic connectors.

The modular design doesn’t extend to the extra remappable buttons. Like the Ultimate 2, the Ultimate 3E has two built-in back buttons and two extra shoulder buttons (R4 and L4). The shoulder buttons can be remapped on the fly on the controller itself, while the back buttons and other inputs are remapped using 8BitDo’s free Ultimate Software app. Other settings such as RGB lighting effects and stick/trigger sensitivity can be adjusted using the app. Just like other editions of the Ultimate, you can create and store up to three custom control layouts that can be cycled through by pressing the Profile button on the controller.

The Ultimate 3E is 8BitDo’s first licensed Xbox controller with trigger stops. It has Hall Effect Impulse Triggers with the haptic feedback found in official Xbox Wireless Controllers. You can toggle the switches on the back of the Ultimate 3E to actuate the triggers faster. If they work like the Ultimate 2, the trigger stops essentially turn RT and LT into shoulder buttons.

4630242-8bitdoultimate3ebumpers.png

R4 and L4 shoulder buttons can be remapped without Ultimate Software X.

8BitDo says the 1400mAh battery offers up to 18 hours of play and takes 4-5 hours to fully charge. The controller is bundled with a wireless charging dock that has “zero contact points.” Outside of the charging pins/contacts, no part of the controller touches the charging stand. The 2.4GHz USB-C dongle is stored inside the charging dock’s bottom compartment.

Though the Ultimate 3E is an Xbox controller, it has a couple of PC-only features. Competitive players will be interested to hear the Ultimate 3E is rated for up to 1,000Hz polling rates in wireless and wired modes. PC players can also use customizable 6-axis motion controls when synced to the wireless dongle.

The Ultimate 3E is the latest entry in 8BitDo’s impressive collection of controllers and other peripherals licensed by Xbox. As mentioned, the only other conventional 8BitDo wireless controller for Xbox consoles is the eye-catching Ultimate 3-Mode Rare 40th Anniversary Edition. That said, there are a few other specialty 8BitDo wireless controllers for Xbox, including the Wireless Arcade Stick, which is on sale for $90 (was $120), and the All-Button Arcade Controller for $80 (was $100). We’ve rounded up all of the notable Xbox-licensed 8BitDo products below, including the retro-inspired transparent green gaming keyboard and mouse, both of which are discounted to great prices.

Sign up for GameSpot’s Weekly Deals Newsletter:

GameSpot’s Weekly Deals, Straight to Your Inbox

Join GameSpot’s Weekly Deals newsletter and get the top game and gear discounts every week.

Check Out More Deals And Preorders

Show More Check Out More Deals And Preorders Links (1)

Share:
✈ Read Original at GameSpot » All News RSS Feed← Back to All News

More in Xbox, Multi-platform

PlayStation and Xbox Sales Are in Big Trouble After Massive Price Hikes🎮 PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Multi-platform

PlayStation and Xbox Sales Are in Big Trouble After Massive Price Hikes

The game industry just hit its lowest hardware sales figures since the pandemic due to AI-driven price increases.

PolygonNewsabout 8 hours ago
Halo Co-Creator Has An Idea To Revive The Franchise, But Doubts Xbox CEO “Gives A Sh**”🟩 Xbox, Multi-platform

Halo Co-Creator Has An Idea To Revive The Franchise, But Doubts Xbox CEO “Gives A Sh**”

It's no secret that the Halo franchise is no longer Microsoft's crown jewel in terms of sales or prominence, and it hasn't been for some time. Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto has now weighed in with his idea for a new game and new development philosophies to help revive the Halo brand. However, Lehto went on to say his ideas are probably "fanciful," in part because he believes Xbox CEO Asha Sharma doesn't have a real interest in reviving the franchise. Posting on social media, Lehto said his pitch for a new Halo would be a project that does not aim to please all fans. Instead, he believes his idea for a "darker" and "more grounded" Halo game would not be embraced by many. "It would be a lot darker with a more grounded military feel," he said. "PvP would be the brains, PvE the heart and soul. It would not be 'everyone's' Halo." https://twitter.com/gamefabricator/status/2090175195390820456?s=46 Lehto went on to say that Halo's lore has "become too convoluted"(https://x.com/gamefabricator/status/2090280369379819685) and is now alienating players who might otherwise be interested in Halo. "My goal would be to carefully thread that lore through a new baseline that allows players the opportunity to experience Halo fresh and unencumbered," he said. "I would probably bench much of the current lore - respect it, but build a new future narrative for both the old and new audiences which makes much more sense," he added(https://x.com/gamefabricator/status/2090176084952400184). Lehto went on to say that Halo could have a bright future if management executes, but he thinks this might all be wishful thinking given the new leadership at Xbox these days. "I'm aware that it's fanciful and that I doubt Asha really gives a sh," he said. Lehto also suggested(https://x.com/gamefabricator/status/2090260733670105404) a new Halo game "must be built by a local team together, not outsourced around the globe to a group that has ZERO investment in making something great." Outsourcing development is a common strategy for game production today. Halo: Campaign Evolved, for example, was developed by numerous studios outside of Halo Studios. The game didn't get off to the best start(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-campaign-evolved-biggest-competition-on-pc-might-be-halo/), and some people didn't enjoy some of the creative decisions, while others were confounded by Microsoft's decision to release a Halo game with no PvP multiplayer. For his part, Lehto said, "Outsourcing killed the game."(https://x.com/gamefabricator/status/2090278774554468410) In another post(https://x.com/gamefabricator/status/2090265187756699986), Lehto said he could foresee a future where multiple teams work on parts of a game that they "own." However, Lehto said "the core game and experience has to come from a centralized cohesive team - no exceptions." This isn't the first time that Lehto has offered a spicy Halo take. Before this, Lehto called out(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-co-creator-calls-out-remake-for-pandering-to-new-era-of-players-with-0-attention-span/) Campaign Evolved for "pandering to a new era of players with 0% attention span." Overall, however, Lehto really loved the game's upgrades(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-co-creator-calls-out-remake-for-pandering-to-new-era-of-players-with-0-attention-span/). In other Halo news, it was recently reported that Microsoft could enlist Call of Duty developer Sledgehammer to make a new Halo game(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/a-call-of-duty-studio-could-work-on-halo-report-says/).

🎮 Halo🎮 Halo Co-Creator
GameSpotNewsabout 10 hours ago
US Video Game Spending Just Had One Of Its Worst Julys Ever🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platform

US Video Game Spending Just Had One Of Its Worst Julys Ever

After a few solid months(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/these-new-releases-gave-game-spending-a-much-needed-boost-in-march/1100-6539539/), it looks like video game spending hit a slump in July. That's according to new data by Circana, with the analyst firm saying that total video game spending in the US fell 10% year-over-year in July to $4.5 billion. New physical software sales also hit an all-time July low of $85 million--since tracking began in 1995 by Circana--and hardware sales dropped to their lowest July level since 2020. According to Circana, higher hardware prices driven by the components crisis have had a significant impact on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S console sales, and year-over-year metrics continue to suffer against the record-breaking June 2025 launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. "July video game hardware spending fell 29% when compared to a year ago, to $282 million, the lowest total for a July month since 2020 ($163 million)," Video Games at Circana senior director Mat Piscatella explained in the report. "Total hardware unit sales fell 39% versus July 2025, while the average selling price of a new unit of video game hardware jumped by 16%, to $542.  Unit sales were down on all console platforms when compared to a year ago. PlayStation 5 unit sales fell 6% versus July 2025, while Xbox Series dropped 18% and Switch 2 declined by 51%." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92NCgo5zce0 The PS5 still led the July hardware market in dollar sales, while the Switch 2 sold the most units overall last month. Having been on the market for 14 months, the Switch 2 is outselling the original Switch by 11% over the same period. Circana also noted that for the 2026 year-to-date period, physical game sales for PlayStation consoles accounted for 32% of total US consumer spending, while spending on physical games for Nintendo hardware sat at 63%. In terms of content, spending fell 9% in July when compared to a year ago, to $4.1 billion. Circana noted a decline in spending on mobile games as the primary driver of this drop, alongside a decrease in spending on console and PC games. For the video game highlights, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 was the best-selling game of July in dollar sales, thanks to a PS5/PS4 port of it and its predecessor. EA Sports College Football 27 was July’s second-best-selling individual title in full-game dollar sales. Monopoly Go also experienced a surge in popularity--thanks mostly to a crossover with The Simpsons, and was the biggest game when it came to consumer spending. Pokemon Go also hopped several places upward in the top ten on the back of its anniversary celebrations. "Pokemon Go was the biggest mover, climbing to third during its 10th anniversary month," Sensor Tower's Bryan Isagholian added. "Niantic ran boosted XP events, anniversary-themed Pokemon, and follow-up events through July, alongside larger real-world activations like Go Fest and a Times Square Mega Mewtwo raid. Revenue rose +230% month-over-month." Resident Evil Requiem(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/capcom-is-having-a-great-year-and-it-has-franchises-new-and-old-to-thank/) is still the best-selling game in the US for 2026, but it could drop a few places soon. As we draw closer to the busy holiday season, sports games like NBA 2K27 and AAA releases like Call of Duty usually emerge as the year's best-sellers. On top of that, early sales for GTA 6 are looking impressive(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-6-has-already-made-400-million-from-preorders-apparently/), reportedly bringing in $400 million before the game's launch in November. Top 10 Best-Selling US Video Games (July 2026) Based on combined physical and full-game digital dollar sales (7/5/2026 – 8/1/2026). Excludes mobile games and digital add-on content. 1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (Previous Rank: 67) 2. EA Sports College Football 27 (New) 3. Assassin's Creed: Black Flag: Resynced (New) 4. EA Sports MVP Bundle (2026) (New) 5. Call of Duty: Black Ops (Previous rank: 150) 6. Halo: Campaign Evolved (New) 7. Splatoon Raiders (New) 8. Echoes of Aincrad: Sword Art Online (New) 9. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (Previous Rank: 6) 10. 007 First Light (Previous Rank: 3) Top 10 Best-Selling US Video Games to date in 2026 Based on combined year-to-date physical and full-game digital dollar sales. Excludes mobile games and digital add-on content. 1. Resident Evil: Requiem (Previous Rank: 1) 2. 007 First Light (Previous Rank: 3) 3. Crimson Desert (Previous Rank: 2) 4. MLB: The Show 26 (Previous Rank: 4) 5. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Previous Rank: 130) 6. Forza Horizon 6 (Previous Rank: 5) 7. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (Previous Rank: 7) 8. Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight (Previous Rank: 6) 9. Pokemon: Pokopia (Previous Rank: 8) 10. EA Sports College Football 27 (Rank: New)

GameSpotNewsabout 10 hours ago
← Back to GameSky Home