Xbox and PC gamers can save big on 8BitDo’s first wireless controller for Xbox Series X|S. The 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Rare 40th Anniversary Edition is on sale for $72 (was $90) at Amazon. Officially licensed by Microsoft, this special version of the Ultimate 3-Mode also comes with a matching charging dock, a metal D-pad, Hall Effect sticks, and remappable back buttons. Released in August in celebration of Rare Limited, the controller has a striking blue-and-gold color scheme with symbols and artwork nodding to the Microsoft-owned studio’s storied history. Though best known today as the studio behind Sea of Thieves, Rare has a back catalog of classics like Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, and Perfect Dark.
The only other time the controller has been discounted was during Black Friday, and that deal sold out before the sale expired. 8BitDo’s Ultimate 3-Mode Rare 40th Anniversary Edition Controller is a great alternative to Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller, which is on sale for $135 (was $200). The controller works wirelessly on Xbox consoles, PC, Apple devices, Android, and Steam Deck.
Amazon has deals on a bunch of other 8BitDo accessories licensed by Xbox, including the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard, the Retro R8 Mouse, the All-Button Wireless Arcade Controller, and the Ultimate Bluetooth Mobile Controller.
The original Ultimate 3-Mode Controller launched last 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 May. The “3-Mode” moniker pertained to the controller’s connectivity options: 2.4GHz Wireless for PC, Bluetooth for mobile, and wired for Xbox. All of those modes still exist on the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition, but it also has 2.4GHz Wireless on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. It’s also the only Ultimate 3-Mode Controller that comes with a charging dock.
$72 (was $90) | For Xbox, PC, Apple, Android
The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition is arguably the best-looking controller 8BitDo has created–and one of the standout special-edition Xbox controllers in general. It utilizes Rare’s longtime colors with a two-tone Royal blue shell accented by yellow-gold joystick rings, face button labels, triggers/bumpers, and two remappable back buttons.
8BitDo used gold-plated zinc alloy to create the tactile D-pad; this is the first metal D-pad in the Ultimate series. Rare’s 40th Anniversary logo is on the left handle, while the darker Royal blue silhouettes are Easter Eggs referencing the studio’s history.
It comes with a matching charging dock with the studio name on the front center. The 2.4GHz USB receiver is stored in the bottom compartment on the dock. You’ll also find a USB-C cable and a pair of silicone stick caps featuring the Sea of Thieves logo on one and a puzzle piece on the other. The jigsaw puzzle piece nods to the collectibles in Rare’s classic platformers, Banjo-Kazooie and DKC.
The controller looks even better up close, and wireless performance on Xbox is excellent. The zinc alloy D-pad feels great, too. The Ultimate 3-Mode is built with premium components and has stellar ergonomics. It’s a versatile controller thanks to support for numerous devices and built-in customization options.
Check out the key specs for the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition below:
- Platform support:
- Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One – 2.4GHz Wireless | Wired
- Windows – 2.4GHz Wireless | Wired
- Apple iOS & macOS – Bluetooth
- Android- Bluetooth
- 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
- 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
- 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
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 enhancements found in 8BitDo’s flagship Ultimate 2 or Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, which is on sale for an all-time low price at Amazon.
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 $47.69 (was $60). If you also have a Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth is discounted to $56 (was $70).
Check out a list of more Xbox-branded 8BitDo accessory deals at Amazon below.