8BitDo’s string of exciting accessory releases made in partnership with Xbox continues this week with the reveal of a controller that has been noticeably absent from the manufacturer’s lineup: a wireless controller. The manufacturer’s debut wireless controller for Xbox would be a big development on its own, but this is notable for another reason, too. The controller commemorates the 40th anniversary of Microsoft-owned studio Rare, the Sea of Thieves developer with a back catalog of classics like Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, and Perfect Dark. The 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller: Rare 40th Anniversary Edition is available today for $90.
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 $70 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. Implementing Microsoft’s wireless protocol combined with the special-edition theme explains the $20 price jump.
8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Wireless Controller: Rare 40th Anniversary Edition
$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.
We haven’t tested the new edition, so we can’t comment on wireless performance on Xbox consoles, but outside of that new feature, this is the same great controller. 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 and greatest tech found in 8BitDo’s flagship Ultimate 2 or upcoming Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad (releases August 12).
