8BitDo's First Wireless Xbox Controller Celebrates Rare's 40th Anniversary

8BitDo’s string of thrilling accent releases made in partnership with Xbox continues this week with the reveal of a controller that has been noticeably absent from the producer’s lineup: a wi-fi controller. The producer’s debut wi-fi controller for Xbox can be an enormous improvement by itself, however that is notable for an additional cause, too. The controller commemorates the fortieth anniversary of Microsoft-owned studio Uncommon, the Sea of Thieves developer with a again catalog of classics like Donkey Kong Nation, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, and Excellent Darkish. The 8BitDo Final 3-Mode Controller: Uncommon fortieth Anniversary Version is offered right now for $90.

8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Wireless Xbox Controller - Rare 40th Anniversary Edition — 8BitDo Final 3-Mode Wi-fi Xbox Controller – Uncommon fortieth Anniversary Version

The authentic Final 3-Mode Controller launched final spring in white and black. A clear inexperienced mannequin matching 8BitDo’s Retro 87 Keyboard and Retro R8 Mouse was added to the lineup in Could. The “3-Mode” moniker pertained to the $70 controller’s connectivity choices: 2.4GHz Wi-fi for PC, Bluetooth for cellular, and wired for Xbox. All of these modes nonetheless exist on the Uncommon fortieth Anniversary Version, but it surely additionally has 2.4GHz Wi-fi on Xbox Sequence X|S and Xbox One. Implementing Microsoft’s wi-fi protocol mixed with the special-edition theme explains the $20 worth bounce.

$90 | For Xbox, PC, Apple, Android

The Uncommon fortieth Anniversary Version is arguably the best-looking controller 8BitDo has created–and one of many standout special-edition Xbox controllers typically. It makes use of Uncommon’s longtime colours with a two-tone Royal blue shell accented by yellow-gold joystick rings, face button labels, triggers/bumpers, and two remappable again buttons.

8BitDo used gold-plated zinc alloy to create the tactile D-pad; that is the primary metallic D-pad within the Final sequence. Uncommon’s fortieth Anniversary brand is on the left deal with, whereas the darker Royal blue silhouettes are Easter Eggs referencing the studio’s historical past.

It comes with an identical charging dock with the studio title on the entrance middle. The two.4GHz USB receiver is saved within the backside compartment on the dock. You may additionally discover a USB-C cable and a pair of silicone stick caps that includes the Sea of Thieves brand on one and a puzzle piece on the opposite. The jigsaw puzzle piece nods to the collectibles in Uncommon’s basic platformers, Banjo-Kazooie and DKC.

We’ve not examined the brand new version, so we won’t touch upon wi-fi efficiency on Xbox consoles, however outdoors of that new characteristic, this is similar nice controller. The Final 3-Mode is constructed with premium parts and has stellar ergonomics. It is a versatile controller because of assist for quite a few gadgets and built-in customization choices.

Try the important thing specs for the Uncommon fortieth Anniversary Version under:

Platform assist:
- Xbox Sequence X|S & Xbox One – 2.4GHz Wi-fi | Wired
- Home windows – 2.4GHz Wi-fi | Wired
- Apple iOS & macOS – Bluetooth
- Android- Bluetooth
Controls:
- Corridor Impact anti-drift sticks
- Corridor Impact impulse triggers (Xbox/PC)
- Microswitch bumpers
- Two remappable again triggers
- Tactile metallic D-pad (fabricated from zinc alloy)
- ABXY face buttons with gold labels
- Xbox Information | View | Menu | Star | Profile
- Mic and Enter switches
- Textured handles
Equipment:
- Matching charging dock with 2.4GHz receiver
- Uncommon-themed silicone stick caps
- USB-C to USB-A cable
Profiles: Save as much as 3 customized management layouts
Battery: As much as 20 hours | Cost time: 4 hours
Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack
Vibration: Xbox and PC solely
8BitDo Final Software program for Xbox, PC, Apple, Android:
- Remap inputs
- Arrange customized profiles
- Create useless zones
- Regulate stick sensitivity
- Regulate set off sensitivity
- Regulate rumble depth

The silicone stick caps are designed to offer better grip/control. — The silicone stick caps are designed to supply higher grip/management.

With assist for PC, Mac, and cellular, the brand new controller will possible enchantment to massive followers of Uncommon who do not even personal or have a necessity for a wi-fi Xbox controller. That stated, it is value emphasizing that the 3-Mode Controller doesn’t have the newest and best tech present in 8BitDo’s flagship Final 2 or upcoming Professional 3 Bluetooth Gamepad (releases August 12).

The Final 2 has 4 remappable buttons, upgraded TMR sticks, RGB mild rings, and adjustable set off locks, amongst different enhancements. The Final 3-Mode, in the meantime, is actually the identical as the unique Final. An important controller, for positive, however not 8BitDo’s greatest. So PC gamers can even need to take a look at the Final 2 for $60. In case you even have a Nintendo Change or Change 2, the Final 2 Bluetooth is $70.

The Ultimate 3-Mode's form factor is similar to the Xbox Wireless Controller. — The Final 3-Mode’s type issue is much like the Xbox Wi-fi Controller.

8BitDo began working with Xbox a number of years in the past, however 2025 has actually been the largest 12 months for the partnership. Throughout the previous few weeks, 8BitDo launched a brand new model of its Final Cell Controller licensed by Xbox Cloud Gaming in addition to a leverless wi-fi combat stick. The controller cradles your iPhone or Android cellphone and is a cut price at $50. The All-Button Arcade Controller is the second Xbox-licensed 8BitDo arcade controller for combating video games. The combat sticks can join wirelessly to Xbox, as can the Lite SE Accessibility Controller and Xbox Media Distant. So whereas the brand new 3-Mode is the primary common 8BitDo controller with wi-fi assist on Xbox consoles, the producer does have prior expertise with the wi-fi protocol.

We rounded up a listing of 8BitDo equipment licensed by Xbox, notice that various the merchandise aren’t truly for Xbox. The Retro 87 Wi-fi Mechanical Keyboard, as an illustration, is just a part of 8BitDo’s sequence of retro-inspired gaming keyboards. It is primarily based on a preferred particular version of the unique Xbox. It is a actually strong keyboard for the value, however you’ll be able to truly seize it for simply $65 (was $120) at Amazon-owned retailer Woot proper now.