8BitDo’s New $50 iPhone Controller Is Officially Licensed By Xbox

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8BitDo has teamed up with Xbox to release a new version of their Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller, which is compatible with iPhones in addition to the Android support of the initial model launched during the last holiday season. We’ll soon be testing this updated model and will share our thoughts here. The features remain the same as the original model, and that controller has received high praise.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve come to expect affordable yet high-quality controllers from 8BitDo, and their Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth controller is no exception, priced at just $50. However, given that 8BitDo is renowned for delivering pro-style customizable controllers with premium performance at budget-friendly prices, the $50 price tag seems a bit surprising.

In contrast to other collaborations between 8BitDo and Xbox, such as their Series X|S controllers, arcade sticks, keyboards, and mice, which generally carry higher price tags due to the Xbox license, the Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth’s cost aligns with that of the Android version. The unique aspect here is that it supports not only Android devices but also iPhones.

The design tweak that sets this apart from other 8BitDo controllers is the swapping of the usual home button for an Xbox button, which can be utilized to summon the Xbox Cloud Gaming guide menu.

8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller with USB-C

This year, 8BitDo introduced a mobile controller which connects to your smartphone using USB-C. Despite being made in partnership with Viture, creators of XR glasses, it hasn’t received much attention. The see-through black 8BitDo Mobile Controller with USB-C is compatible only with Android devices and retails for $79. A version designed for iPhones, the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate, is on its way and should be available this year. While you don’t need Viture XR Glasses to use the USB-C controller, it’s worth taking a look at the XR glasses due to their impressive wearable display technology.

8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller vs. the competition for iPhone

The Mobile Bluetooth Controller, which is currently on sale, costs only half the price of the popular Backbone One. At this moment, you can find the 2nd Gen Backbone One for $70 (originally priced at $100) and the 1st Gen models for a mere $60. Personally, I found the original 8BitDo Mobile Controller for Android more appealing from a construction standpoint. However, Backbone’s app offers a console-like launcher that 8BitDo’s software doesn’t. The former connects to your phone’s USB-C or Lightning port, providing better input response times compared to Bluetooth, although many users might not perceive the difference. It’s worth mentioning that the Backbone One lacks back buttons and full-sized sticks; for these features, you would need to upgrade to the newly released Backbone Pro. Although it’s a fantastic controller (you can read our review here), it comes with a hefty price tag of $170.

Apart from being known for its gaming peripherals, Razer has ventured into mobile controllers compatible with USB-C devices such as iOS and Android. Notably, they recently introduced the Kishi V3 series, boasting three distinct models ranging from $100 to $200. The basic Kishi V3 model, retailing at $100, can be compared to the 8BitDo Ultimate or Backbone, offering impressive features like TMR electromagnetic sticks, customizable back buttons, and a high-quality construction.

For those willing to spend $150, there’s the Kishi V3 Pro, compatible with not only smartphones but also 8-inch tablets. This model offers additional features such as adjustable claw bumpers and Razer’s mecha-tactile buttons that mimic a mouse click.

Lastly, for larger tablet users, like those with an iPad Pro, there’s the Kishi V3 Pro XL priced at $200. This model is exclusively designed for tablets ranging from 11 to 13 inches.

Unlike its rival brands, 8BitDo’s Mobile Controller isn’t the most affordable option. A rapidly growing controller manufacturer, GameSir, offers multiple mobile controller choices for both iOS and Android devices, each with different shapes, connections, and price ranges. For example, their recently released GameSir X5 Lite retails at $35. It links up to iPhone 15/16 and compact tablets such as the iPad Mini via USB-C. Although it lacks back buttons, it boasts Hall Effect sticks. GameSir also offers an app called GameHub, featuring a user interface similar to Backbone. GameSir presents several other attractive mobile controller options, like the G8 Plus Galileo, a $80 Bluetooth controller that supports iOS, Android, and Nintendo consoles. Notably, it’s compatible with Switch 2 as well. At present, Walmart is selling the G8 Plus for just $50, but this offer is expected to end tonight (July 13).

More Xbox-licensed 8BitDo Gaming Gear

The recently launched Ultimate Mobile Controller is yet another joint effort between Xbox and 8BitDo. Previously this year, 8BitDo introduced a mechanical gaming keyboard and mouse modeled after the translucent green original Xbox console. To set the record straight, neither of these accessories are compatible with Xbox consoles, but they can be utilized on PCs and mobile devices. The keyboard/mouse were subsequently replaced by a corresponding transparent green Ultimate 3-Mode Controller. This specific controller is 8BitDo’s premium Xbox controller, but similar to all other conventional 8BitDo Xbox controllers, it requires a wired connection on Xbox. However, you can use it wirelessly on PC (2.4GHz) and Android (Bluetooth).

This month, the 8BitDo company will launch a new arcade-style controller without levers, available in two versions that can be preordered from Amazon. One of these editions retails for $100 and is officially licensed by Xbox. Similar to the initial 8BitDo Arcade Stick designed for Xbox, this wireless controller operates at 2.4GHz on Xbox consoles. Notably, the only other wireless controllers manufactured by 8BitDo are the Lite SE accessibility controller and the media remotes.

8BitDo produces various wired Xbox controllers in their lineup, such as the Pro 2 that mimics a PlayStation-like joystick arrangement, the M30 model reminiscent of the Sega Genesis design, and the affordable Ultimate C and Mini Controllers.

Recently, 8BitDo launched an Xbox variant of their highly favored SN30 Pro Controller. While the Xbox edition boasts a sleek appearance, it’s designed to function primarily with Android and iOS devices. On the other hand, the unlicensed model is compatible with both Switch and PC platforms, and has undergone an upgrade featuring Hall Effect sticks.

  • 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse (PC, Mac, Mobile) — $54 ($60) with coupon
  • 8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (PC, Mac, Mobile) — $110 ($120)
  • 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, Android) — $70
  • 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 | Releases July 25
  • 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick – Black (Xbox, PC) — $95.40 ($120) with coupon
  • 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick – White (Xbox, PC) — $96 ($120)
  • 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Mobile) — $36 ($40)
  • 8BitDo M30 Sega-Inspired Wired Controller (Xbox) — $31.49 ($35)
  • 8BitDo Lite SE Wireless Accessibility Controller (Xbox, PC) — $40.33 ($60)
  • 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $30 ($45)
  • 8BitDo Ultimate C Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $31.49 ($35)
  • 8BitDo Ultimate Mini Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $31.49 ($35)
  • 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote – Short Edition — $20
  • 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote – Long Edition — $25
  • 8BitDo Xbox Controller Charging Dock — $22.49 ($25)
  • 8BitDo Xbox Dual Controller Charging Dock — $30 ($45)

For more Xbox-licensed 8BitDo accessories, check out the Amazon hub we created below:

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2025-07-14 06:39