8BitDo Unveils Xbox Pro Controller That Resembles the Elite Series 3 We Missed

The popular gaming accessory brand 8BitDo is set to launch a new, officially licensed Xbox Series X controller known as the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E. Just a year after the Ultimate 2 series hit the market, the Ultimate 3E appears to be aimed at more serious gamers.

This controller is packed with features that might even make some mistake it for the elusive Elite Series 3 controller that never materialized. With its classic Xbox design and a circular D-pad, it certainly has the look of an official Xbox product. However, it’s what’s under the hood that really excites me.

The Ultimate 3E boasts TMR thumbsticks and a semi-modular design, allowing you to swap out the face buttons, D-pad, and thumbstick tops to match your preferences. While a fully modular setup like the Victrix Pro BFG for Xbox would have been ideal, it’s great to see more brands exploring this customizable approach.

For those who prefer a quieter experience, 8BitDo offers smooth silicone or micro-switch face button modules. These modular components are cleverly hidden beneath a removable faceplate, maintaining a premium aesthetic.

If the circular D-pad isn’t your style, a traditional four-way D-pad is included in the Ultimate 3E’s carrying case. The extra components are impressive, featuring three types of thumbstick tops: a dome shape, a thick-neck variant, and a taller option. As is common with many of today’s top PC controllers, it also includes a charging stand and wireless connectivity.

In comparison to the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, the grip has been slightly elongated and broadened, steering it away from a Switch 2 feel towards a more classic Xbox shape.

Competitive players will appreciate the TMR thumbsticks, Hall effect Impulse triggers (complete with two-way trigger stop switches), two back buttons, and two additional bumper buttons. The controller supports a polling rate of 1,000Hz, gyro aiming, and 2.4GHz wireless play on both Xbox and PC, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired headsets.

Despite fan hopes for an official Elite Series 3 controller, it seems we’re not any closer to seeing one this generation. While a successor to the Elite Series 2 would be welcome, it appears Xbox is shifting its strategy. The upcoming 8BitDo Ultimate 3E isn’t alone in the pro controller space; other officially licensed options like the GameSir G7 Pro, Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, PowerA Fusion Pro, and Asus ROG Raikiri 2 are also raising the bar with their feature sets, including wireless play, swappable parts, and programmable buttons.

It’s clear that Xbox is collaborating with brands like Asus for its handheld devices, outsourcing hardware manufacturing while keeping it under the Xbox brand. This strategy allows fans to enjoy new products while minimizing manufacturing costs.

With rumors suggesting that the next Xbox may diverge significantly from traditional consoles and lean more towards a gaming PC model, it’s likely that a new controller will debut alongside it. Additionally, we never saw the FTC-leaked project Sebille controller that was supposed to prioritize haptic feedback. If a mid-generation refresh of the Xbox Series X were on the horizon, we might have expected to see it by now. Whether those features will be integrated into the next-gen console remains to be seen.

8BitDo has yet to announce a release date or price for the Ultimate 3E, but I’ll be keeping an eye out for updates throughout 2026.