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. A firm release date hasn’t been set, but the Ultimate 3E is currently slated for Q2 2026 (April-June).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Customizable controllers, keyboard/mouse, media remotes, and more
- 8BitDo All-Button Wireless Arcade Controller (Xbox, PC) — $80 (
$100) - 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Stick (Xbox, PC) — $90 (
$120) - 8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Keyboard — $96 (
$120) - 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse — $48 (
$60) - 8BitDo Rare 40th Anniversary Xbox Wireless Controller (Xbox, PC, Mobile) — $80 (
$90) - 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, Mobile)
- 8BitDo Pro 2 Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $36 (
$45) - 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller (iOS, Android) — $41.80 (
$50) - 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Mobile) — $36 (
$40) - 8BitDo M30 Sega-Inspired Wired Controller (Xbox) — $35
- 8BitDo Lite SE Wireless Accessibility Controller (Xbox, PC) — $50 (
$60) - 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $36 (
$45) - 8BitDo Ultimate C Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $29.74 (
$35) - 8BitDo Ultimate Mini Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $28 (
$35) - 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote (Short) — $19 (
$20) - 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote (Long) — $15 (
$25) - 8BitDo Xbox Controller Charging Dock — $25
- 8BitDo Xbox Dual Controller Charging Dock — $30 (
$45)
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