8BitDo kicked off CES 2026 by unveiling the next evolution of its popular controller lineup: the Ultimate 3E. This announcement finally explains why the manufacturer skipped releasing an Xbox-compatible version of the Ultimate 2, as the 3E is positioned as a significant premium upgrade, now officially licensed by Microsoft for use on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. The Ultimate 3E is designed as a fully wireless and modular controller, emphasizing customization options far exceeding any previous 8BitDo peripheral. Beyond the Xbox ecosystem, it maintains broad compatibility, supporting PC, Apple devices, and Android.
The Ultimate 3E controller comes with a noticeable jump in price, entering the high-end market segment at $150. This places 8BitDo in direct competition with other professional accessories, most notably Microsoft’s own Elite Series 2 and licensed alternatives like the Razer Wolverine and Victrix Pro BFG. While $150 is expensive for an 8BitDo product, the price point actually undercuts many rival elite controllers while offering what the company describes as its most feature-rich and technologically advanced design yet. Enthusiasts eager to get their hands on this premium controller should expect the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E to launch sometime in Q2 2026, targeting an April through June release window.