Review: 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller For Xbox

8BitDo has undoubtedly progressed significantly since the period of developing replicas of NES and SNES controllers – it has evolved into one of the most esteemed accessory manufacturers globally and has even released officially sanctioned sticks and pads for the Xbox console lineup.

The enterprise’s most recent product – and its inaugural wireless pad for Xbox – is the Ultimate 3-Mode Controller, featuring a distinctive Rare-themed design to commemorate the company’s 40th anniversary. I’ve been lucky enough to try out the controller, and the promising news is that it establishes a new benchmark in Xbox pads.

The overall structure of the controller will be immediately recognizable to anyone acquainted with 8BitDo’s prior ‘Ultimate’ controllers. The controller appears slightly smaller and more compact than the official Xbox pad, and although this requires some adjustment initially, I discovered that I actually preferred the design after several hours of gameplay.

The sticks are positioned in the ‘Xbox’ offset standard, while the cross-shaped D-pad represents a significant enhancement. I also genuinely appreciate the shoulder triggers; they seem to have less ‘throw’ in comparison to the official pad, which is particularly beneficial when playing titles like The Finals or ARC Raiders.

The Hall Effect sticks are equally exceptional, complete with a set of Rare-themed caps. After experiencing drift on various official Xbox pads (including my cherished Starfield edition), it’s incredibly reassuring to know that this controller should not suffer the same fate.

Lastly, two additional buttons are located on the back of the pad, positioned just beneath your fingertips, providing you with even more input options when needed. You can adjust such aspects of the controller through the 8BitDo Ultimate Software X application, accessible for Mac and PC.

As the product’s name suggests, three connectivity modes are incorporated here. You can utilize the previously mentioned 2.4G connection to connect with your Xbox or PC, while the Bluetooth mode is designated for gameplay on a smartphone or other compatible device. Somewhat confusingly, you’ll need to set the switch located on the rear of the pad to ‘PC / 2.4G’ and not to the ‘Xbox’ option if you intend to link it to your console using the included dongle – the ‘Xbox’ setting is for when you’re using a wired USB connection.

The internal rechargeable 1000mAh battery offers approximately 20 hours of gameplay on a single, four-hour charge, and a charging dock is included within the box. The charging dock hides the essential 2.4G dongle, which, as I previously indicated, is utilized to wirelessly link the pad to your Xbox.

If you connect the dock to your Xbox using the provided USB-C to USB-A cable, there’s no need to remove the dongle from the dock itself – however, if your dock and Xbox are situated in different areas, you’ll require plugging the dongle into the console’s USB port. This may be somewhat bothersome for some users – the blue dongle is quite conspicuous – but you adapt to it fairly quickly.

In summary, this is an outstanding pad for your Xbox system – and it boasts the added advantage of compatibility with other platforms as well. Although the Rare design may not cater to everyone’s preferences, as a long-time enthusiast of the British studio, I personally couldn’t be more satisfied with its aesthetic.

At £70 / $90, it isn’t inexpensive, but in my view, the added expense over a standard Xbox controller is entirely justified; not only does 8BitDo’s product function and feel superior, it comes with its own charging dock, drift-free sticks, pro-level paddles on the rear, and the capability to connect to various devices via Bluetooth.

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