Introduction
It is hard to make an Xbox controller stand out these days, especially one that is expensive, due to a wealth of great semi-affordable options. Still, 8BitDo’s $150 Ultimate 3E is a bold controller that holds its own against other feature-packed options. It is made for Xbox and PC gamers who want a deeper level of customization and a more refined design than Microsoft’s pricier Xbox Elite Series 2 and 8BitDo’s own $60 Ultimate 2.
8BitDo’s new Xbox Elite-style controller sets a high bar for customization
The retro controller maker’s first real swing at a premium controller feels great, but it does not earn its high price tag.
8BitDo’s Ultimate 3E has a refined design, but it shows wear easily.
Features and Performance
Basically every feature I am looking for in a controller is here, plus some, including drift-proof TMR joysticks, extra shoulder buttons, rear paddles, motion control support, modular buttons and joysticks, a 3.5mm audio jack for chat or private listening, and a 1,000Hz polling rate over a low-latency wireless connection when connected to a PC. It includes a carrying case and a wireless charging dock that you can stash the USB dongle within.
8BitDo’s first premium controller competes directly with other big names, like Razer, PowerA, SteelSeries, and rising star GameSir. But the Ultimate 3E is also among the most expensive of the bunch.
It does not take long for the Ultimate 3E to start looking a bit worn, particularly after a long gaming session.
Customization and Modularity
The Ultimate 3E’s modular design opens up more customization than a lot of other controllers I have tried. It includes two four-button modules, one with membrane buttons and another with clickier microswitch buttons, two directional pads, and three extra joysticks. That level of customization and included accessories should hopefully help it age more gracefully than cheaper alternatives.
Its TMR joystick mechanisms should not wear down, so you will only need to be concerned with replacing the joystick tops down the line, and the controller includes several to choose from. However, 8BitDo does not sell replacement accessories for the Ultimate 3E, as it does for many of its other controllers.
With three shoulder buttons, one of which has an adjustable stop, you have plenty of options.
The Ultimate 3E’s modularity also helps somewhat to make up for the high price tag. 8BitDo’s Pro 3 already lets you swap individual magnetically attaching buttons to accommodate different console layouts. The Ultimate 3E does not offer as much freedom of per-button placement as the Pro 3, likely due to being intended for use with Xbox and PC, but the joy of using its microswitch button module makes up for the limitation. They are sharp and clicky, although they have a bit more travel than I would like.
The faceplate is held in place magnetically, hiding the many customizable mechanisms beneath.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The clips that hold the face button module in place are very tight, and I found myself having to carefully use a plastic toothpick to pop them out. Similarly, swapping out joysticks requires a surprising amount of force. Even when set to their higher response point, the triggers feel a bit soft and, like the membrane buttons, have more travel than I prefer. The soft touch grips and back gather dust and gunk pretty quickly, but you can at least clean the joystick tops by removing them.
The Ultimate 3E’s dock uses wireless charging, meaning you do not have to align any pogo pins.
Competition and Verdict
It is a peculiar time to be releasing a new high-end Xbox controller. Assuming you are not content with the solid but basic Microsoft model that is around $50, it seems unwise to commit to spending well over $100 on one given the increased frequency of upcoming hardware leaks.
The GameSir G7 Pro and 8BitDo Ultimate 3E have similar feature sets but very different price tags.
As for how the Ultimate 3E stacks up to other great controllers, Microsoft’s Elite Series 2 is a poor value by comparison because it uses potentiometer joysticks that are likely to drift over time. I do not think anyone using 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2 should feel the urge to upgrade to the Ultimate 3E as there are not enough differences to make it worthwhile. However, there is also a non-modular 8BitDo Ultimate 3 for $99, which may end up being a sweet spot for more budget-conscious gamers.
Other alternatives like the GameSir G7 Pro offer a nearly identical set of features and specs to the 8BitDo at a lower price point.
Overall, the Ultimate 3E feels solid to use as an Elite-style controller, and that is impressive for a company that has not tackled pricier competition before. Whether you opt for the cheaper Ultimate 3 with mostly similar specs or the pricier, more customizable Ultimate 3E, 8BitDo’s high-end gamepads make a strong impression, but they are tough to recommend when cheaper alternatives exist.
