TL;DR
8BitDo has introduced the Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox, its second officially licensed wireless Xbox gamepad and the company’s most expensive to date. The new controller swaps in higher-end components — including TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers — and adds swappable ABXY button switches while reducing visible branding.
What happened
8BitDo announced the Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox, described as the company’s second officially licensed wireless Xbox controller and its most costly gamepad so far. The model follows last August’s Ultimate 3-mode Controller for Xbox — Rare 40th Anniversary Edition — and brings a number of hardware changes. The new controller features tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks and Hall effect triggers with adjustable stops, and it introduces swappable ABXY button switches. The company also pared back external branding compared with the previous special-edition model. The brief excerpt accompanying the announcement highlights a notable price increase for the Ultimate 3E, though specific pricing and many other details are not included in the available source material.
Why it matters
- Officially licensed hardware signals continued third-party investment in Xbox-ecosystem accessories.
- Inclusion of TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers indicates a focus on higher-end input hardware.
- Swappable ABXY switches could change how players repair or customize face-button feel — not confirmed in the source.
- A marked price increase suggests 8BitDo is positioning this as a premium offering rather than a budget alternative.
Key facts
- Product name: 8BitDo Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox.
- Described as 8BitDo’s second officially licensed wireless Xbox controller.
- Reported to be the most expensive gamepad 8BitDo has released to date.
- Follows last August’s Ultimate 3-mode Controller for Xbox – Rare 40th Anniversary Edition.
- Uses tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks.
- Includes Hall effect triggers with adjustable stops.
- Adds swappable ABXY button switches.
- Less external branding compared with the prior special-edition model.
- Announcement accompanied by a notable price hike; specific price not provided in the source.
What to watch next
- Exact retail price and regional availability — not confirmed in the source.
- Compatibility details with Xbox consoles and PC (Bluetooth, wireless protocol, wired support) — not confirmed in the source.
- Release date, pre-order timing, and shipping windows — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- TMR joystick: A joystick sensor technology (tunneling magnetoresistance) used to detect stick position electronically; often cited for precision compared with some older potentiometer designs.
- Hall effect trigger: A trigger sensor that uses magnetic field detection to register input, typically allowing contactless detection and adjustable travel or stops.
- Swappable switches: Button or switch modules designed to be removed and replaced, enabling repairs or changes in button feel and response.
- Officially licensed: A product that has been approved by the platform holder (here, Xbox/Microsoft) to use platform branding and meet compatibility standards.
Reader FAQ
Is this 8BitDo’s first officially licensed Xbox controller?
No. The Ultimate 3E is described as 8BitDo’s second officially licensed wireless Xbox controller.
How much does the Ultimate 3E controller cost?
Not confirmed in the source.
When will the controller be available to buy?
Not confirmed in the source.
Does the controller support wired and wireless connections or PC compatibility?
Not confirmed in the source.
8BitDo's second officially licensed wireless Xbox controller is also its most expensive gamepad to date. The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox follows last August's Ultimate 3-mode Controller for Xbox…
Sources
- 8BitDo’s new wireless Xbox controller has swappable ABXY button switches
- 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Controller for Switch/Switch 2 …
- 8BitDo Unveils New 'Pro-Level' Xbox Wireless Controller …
- The Pro 3 is 8BitDo's first controller with swappable buttons
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