Xbox and PC gamers can save on the first 8BitDo wireless controller for Xbox Series X|S. 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode 40th Anniversary Rare Edition on sale on Amazon for $72 (was $90). This special edition of Ultimate 3-Mode, officially licensed by Microsoft, also comes with a matching charging dock, metal D-pad, Hall effect joysticks, and remappable back buttons. Released in August to celebrate Rare Limited, the controller features a vibrant blue and gold color scheme with symbols and designs that nod to the storied history of the Microsoft-owned studio. Although best known today as the studio behind Sea of ​​Thieves, Rare has a catalog of classic games like Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, and Perfect Dark.
The only time the controller was discounted was during Black Friday, and that deal sold out before the sale expired. Ultimate 3-mode controller 8BitDo Rare 40th Anniversary Edition from 8BitDo is a great alternative to the Microsoft controller Xbox Elite Series 2 controller on sale for $135 (was $200). The controller works wirelessly on Xbox consoles, PCs, Apple devices, Android devices and Steam Deck.
Amazon has discounts on many other 8BitDo accessories under Xbox license, including Mechanical keyboard Retro 87, Retro mouse R8, Full-button wireless arcade controllerAnd Best Mobile Bluetooth Controller.
original 3-mode Ultimate controller released last spring in white and black. A transparent green model correspondence Retro 87 Keyboard by 8BitDo And Retro mouse R8 was added to the roster in May. The name “3 modes” referred to the controller's connection options: 2.4 GHz wireless for PC, Bluetooth for mobile, and wired for Xbox. All of these modes still exist in Rare 40th Anniversary Edition, but Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One also feature 2.4GHz wireless. It's also the only three-mode Ultimate controller that comes with a charging dock.
$72 (was $90) | For Xbox, PC, Apple, Android
The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition is perhaps the best-looking controller 8BitDo has created, and one of the standout special edition Xbox controllers overall. It features Rare's longtime colors of a two-tone royal blue body accented with yellow and gold joystick rings, face button labels, triggers/bumpers, and two remappable back buttons.
8BitDo used gold-plated zinc alloy to create the tactile cross pad; This is the first metal cross in the Ultimate series. Rare's 40th anniversary logo is on the left handle, while darker royal blue silhouettes are Easter eggs that nod to the studio's history.
A matching charging dock is included with the studio's name front and center. The 2.4 GHz USB receiver is stored in the bottom compartment of the docking station. You'll also find a USB-C cable and a pair of silicone caps with the Sea of ​​Thieves logo on one and a puzzle piece on the other. This puzzle piece references collectibles from Rare's classic platformers Banjo-Kazooie and DKC.
The controller looks even better up close, and the wireless performance on the Xbox is excellent. The zinc alloy D-pad feels great too. Ultimate 3-Mode is built with premium components and excellent ergonomics. It's a versatile controller thanks to its multi-device support and built-in customization options.
Check out the main specs of Rare 40th Anniversary Edition below:
- Platform support:
- Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One – 2.4GHz Wireless | Wired
- Windows – 2.4GHz Wireless | Wired
- Apple iOS and macOS – Bluetooth
- Android Bluetooth
- Controls:
- Anti-drift sticks with Hall effect
- Hall effect triggers (Xbox/PC)
- Bumper microswitches
- Two reassignable rear triggers
- Tactile metal cross (zinc alloy)
- ABXY Face Buttons with Gold Labels
- Xbox Guide | View | Menu | Star | Profile
- Microphone and input switches
- Textured handles
- Accessories:
- Matching charging dock with 2.4GHz receiver
- Silicone caps with a rare theme.
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- Profiles: Save up to 3 custom control layouts.
- Battery: Until 20 o'clock | Charging time: 4 hours
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack
- Vibration: Xbox and PC only
- 8BitDo Ultimate Software for Xbox, PC, Apple, Android:
- Reassign inputs
- Setting up user profiles
- Create dead zones
- Adjust joystick sensitivity
- Adjust trigger sensitivity
- Adjust the rumble intensity
With support for PC, Mac, and mobile devices, the new controller will likely appeal to big Rare fans who don't even have or need a wireless Xbox controller. However, it is worth emphasizing that the 3-mode controller does not have the latest improvements introduced in Flagship Ultimate 2 from 8BitDo or Bluetooth Gamepad Pro 3What Selling at record low price on Amazon.
The Ultimate 2 features four remappable buttons, upgraded TMR joysticks, RGB light rings and adjustable trigger locks, among other improvements. Meanwhile, Ultimate 3-Mode is essentially the same as the original Ultimate. Of course, a great controller, but not the best among 8BitDo. So PC players will also want to check out Ultimate 2 for $47.69 (was $60). If you also have a Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, Ultimate 2 Bluetooth discounted to $56 (was $70)..
Check out the list of additional 8BitDo Xbox-branded accessory deals on Amazon below.
