8BitDo Unveils Ultimate 3E Modular Controller for Xbox and PC

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. The controller is open for preorder now via Amazon and 8BitDo and comes out on August 31, 2026. 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.

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 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. 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 Ultimate 3E is the latest entry in 8 BitDo'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).