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

8BitDo recently showed off the newest version of their popular Ultimate controller at CES 2026, and it now explains why they hadn’t released an Xbox version of the Ultimate 2. The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E is officially licensed by Xbox and is a wireless controller that can be customized. It works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PCs, iPhones/iPads, and Android devices. While a specific date hasn’t been announced, the Ultimate 3E is expected to be available between April and June of 2026.

The new 8BitDo Ultimate 3E controller will cost $150, making it more expensive than 8BitDo’s other controllers. It’s priced to compete with high-end controllers like the Microsoft Elite Series 2, Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, and options from brands like Victrix, Nacon, Turtle Beach, Scuf, and GameSir.

The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E is 8BitDo’s most advanced controller, packed with features. It builds on the technology of the Ultimate 2 and Pro 3, but its completely modular design allows for even more customization. While it’s a premium controller at $150, it’s actually more affordable than many of the other options available.

The Ultimate 3E is 8BitDo’s second wireless controller designed for Xbox. It follows the limited-edition Ultimate 3-Mode 40th Anniversary Edition released last year, which is currently available on Amazon for $80, reduced from its original price of $90.

The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E controller introduces several new features to the company’s well-known line of controllers. It’s a bit wider than the Ultimate 2 and includes comfortable, textured silicone grips for better handling. Similar to controllers like the Xbox Elite Series 2, it also comes with a protective carrying case and interchangeable parts, letting you customize your experience.

The controller is built from interchangeable parts, including the joysticks, directional pad, and all the action buttons (A, B, X, and Y), plus a removable front panel. It comes with two sets of ABXY buttons: a standard set and a set with faster, more responsive microswitches. This is the first controller that lets you easily swap between these button types. To change the buttons, you’ll need to take off the magnetic faceplate first.

Similar to previous models, the Ultimate 3E features advanced joysticks that prevent drifting and have customizable lighting. These joysticks use electromagnetic sensors, providing a smoother and more accurate experience compared to sticks using Hall Effect technology. The package includes standard joysticks, plus four extra options: two taller ones, a dome-shaped one, and one with a heavier metal ring for added control.

You can easily switch between two different styles of directional pads. The controller comes with a new, circular eight-way D-pad as the default. If you like the older feel, you can swap it out for a traditional four-way D-pad, similar to those on other 8BitDo controllers. Both D-pad options connect magnetically, making switching simple.

While the controller is generally customizable, the extra buttons aren’t as flexible. Similar to the Ultimate 2, the Ultimate 3E includes two built-in back buttons and two additional shoulder buttons (R4 and L4). You can quickly remap the shoulder buttons directly on the controller, but you’ll need to use 8BitDo’s free Ultimate Software app to customize the back buttons and other settings like RGB lighting and stick/trigger sensitivity. Like previous Ultimate controllers, you can save up to three different control setups and switch between them using the Profile button.

The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E is the company’s first Xbox controller made with official licensing, and it includes trigger stops. It features Hall Effect Impulse Triggers that provide the same haptic feedback as standard Xbox Wireless Controllers. Switches on the back allow you to shorten the trigger pull. Similar to the Ultimate 2 model, these trigger stops can effectively make the right and left triggers function like shoulder buttons.

8BitDo claims the controller’s 1400mAh battery lasts up to 18 hours on a single charge and takes 4-5 hours to recharge. It comes with a wireless charging dock designed so the controller doesn’t actually touch the stand while charging – only the charging pins connect. The USB-C dongle for a 2.4GHz wireless connection is conveniently stored in a compartment at the bottom of the dock.

The Ultimate 3E controller, designed for Xbox, also includes special features for PC gamers. Competitive PC players will appreciate its fast response time, with polling rates up to 1,000Hz in both wireless and wired connections. When connected via the included wireless dongle, PC users can also take advantage of customizable 6-axis motion controls.

The Ultimate 3E is the newest controller from 8BitDo, a company known for its high-quality Xbox accessories. Besides this, 8BitDo only offers one other standard wireless controller for Xbox – a special 40th Anniversary Edition. They do have other options like the Wireless Arcade Stick (currently $90, down from $120) and the All-Button Arcade Controller ($80, originally $100). We’ve gathered all of 8BitDo’s officially licensed Xbox products below, including a retro-style transparent green keyboard and mouse, both of which are currently on sale.

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2026-01-06 10:10