8BitDo’s New Xbox Controller Features Swappable Buttons
▼ Summary
– The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox is a new, officially licensed wireless controller announced at CES 2026 and set for a Q2 2026 launch at $149.99.
– It features high-end components including tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks and Hall effect triggers with adjustable stops for improved performance.
– The controller is highly customizable, offering swappable joysticks, a D-pad, and interchangeable ABXY button modules for different tactile feels.
– It includes features like remappable back buttons, motion controls for PC, RGB lighting on the joysticks, and an 18-hour battery life with a charging dock.
– Connectivity is via a bundled 2.4GHz dongle for Xbox, with Bluetooth for mobile devices and USB cable support, plus customizable software profiles through 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software X.
The latest premium offering from 8BitDo, the Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox, arrives with a suite of high-end features and a notable price tag. As the company’s second officially licensed wireless Xbox gamepad, it builds upon its predecessor with significant technical upgrades, including advanced Hall effect triggers and the standout ability to swap its entire ABXY button module. Announced at CES 2026 with a planned Q2 launch, this $149.99 controller positions itself directly against other high-performance options in the market.
A major selling point is its extensive customization. The controller ships with two standard joysticks, but users can replace them with taller sticks, a “thick-neck” variant, or a dome-capped option. The metal D-pad is also interchangeable with a circular design. The most innovative feature, however, is the swappable button system. Unlike earlier models that only allowed for cap changes, the Ultimate 3E includes two complete button modules: one with traditional, soft silicone membrane buttons and another with tactile, clicky micro-switches. This module is accessed by removing the controller’s faceplate, letting players choose their preferred tactile feedback.
Beyond the buttons, the controller is packed with performance hardware. It utilizes tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks for precision and Hall effect triggers with adjustable stops to fine-tune travel distance and improve reaction times. It features two pairs of shoulder buttons, remappable back bumpers, and six-axis motion controls, though the latter is functional only on PC. The joystick bases are encircled by customizable RGB lighting that reacts to in-game movements. Despite these power-drawing features, battery life remains robust, rated for approximately 18 hours of play when using the included charging dock.
Connectivity options are versatile, though it takes a specific approach for the Xbox console itself. Instead of using Microsoft’s native wireless protocol, the Ultimate 3E connects to Xbox via a bundled 2.4GHz USB dongle. It also includes Bluetooth for pairing with mobile devices like Apple and Android phones or tablets, and it supports a wired USB-C connection for PCs and consoles where minimal input lag is critical. Full programmability is handled through 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software X, a dedicated app that allows for deep customization. Players can remap controls, adjust performance settings like stick sensitivity, and save these configurations to custom profiles that can be swapped on-the-fly using a dedicated button on the controller itself.
(Source: The Verge)
