Today, accessory manufacturer 8BitDo have announced their latest collaboration with the Xbox brand, this time coming in the form of a rare Rare 40th Anniversary Edition Ultimate 3-mode controller. Not only is this bit of hardware laden in the signature colours and markings of the ancient game developer, but this marks the first Xbox controller that can be used wirelessly on Xbox consoles. Prior 8BitDo controllers required a physical connection to the console despite sporting wireless capabilities for other devices, but this changes with the coming of the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition Ultimate 3-mode controller.
This unit is based on the Ultimate 3-mode controller that was released last year (and the one we reviewed!), sporting support for Xbox or Windows PC via a wireless 2.4G USB adapter/wired USB or Apple or Android devices via Bluetooth. A charging dock is also included, continuing the controller’s pristine blue and gold colours, symbolic patterns, game-inspired silhouettes, and playful Easter eggs—a tribute to the legacy Rare brought to life.
The Rare Ultimate 3-mode supports multiple custom profiles that can be configured via the 8BitDo Ultimate Software, two back paddles buttons, a 3.5mm audio jack, impulse triggers and vibrations, and features Hall Effect sensors and triggers like all the company’s other products. This unit uses a “golden” metal tactile d-pad, which 8BitDo says “greatly enhances the tactile experience”. You’ll also receive two swappable silicone joycaps for the analog sticks, featuring some familiar pirate adventuring and jiggy glyphs that Rare is totally not known for.
Lastly, the 1000mAh Li-on rechargeable battery is reported to last 20 hours on a full charge and takes four hours to fully charge up from zilch.
The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition Ultimate 3-mode Controller will retail for 89.99 USD. This article will be updated with pre-order information once made available, but you can hop to it by checking out 8BitDo’s official website for more details.
Full specifications can be found below:
