Category: Video / Photo

  • Leica Camera AG may be acquired by Chinese firm

    Leica Camera AG may be acquired by Chinese firm

    Key Takeaway

    – Blackstone is in talks to sell its 45% stake in Leica Camera AG to HongShan Capital Group (formerly Sequoia Capital China).
    – HSG also aims to acquire the remaining 55% from Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and is considering a future IPO for Leica.
    – Leica could be valued at around €1 billion in the event of a takeover.
    – The outcome of the talks is uncertain; Kaufmann’s decision and strategic direction may shift if a deal is reached.

    Ownership shakeup at Leica

    Leica Camera AG is currently 55 percent owned by the Austrian billionaire Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and 45 percent by the US-based investment company Blackstone. According to Bloomberg, Blackstone is currently in talks to sell this stake to the Chinese HongShan Capital Group (HSG), formally known as Sequoia Capital. The investment company from China is also said to be interested in Dr. Andreas Kaufmanns stake and is considering another IPO of Leica Camera AG after the company was fully privatized and delisted from the stock market in October 2012.

    Ongoing talks remain uncertain

    It is not yet known wether the Austrian has agreed to a sale. Blackstone and HSG have declined to comment on the takeover talks. The talks are still ongoing and an announcement on a takeover could be “weeks” away if Blackstone, Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and HongShan Capital Group can reach an agreement. This would mark another shift for the famed German optics maker, which has long been a symbol of precision engineering.

    Potential valuation and historical context

    According to Bloomberg, Leica Camera AG could be valued at around €1 billion in the event of a takeover. With this takeover, another traditional camera manufacturer would fall into the hands of Chinese companies, after Hasselblad was took over by drone manufacturer DJI in 2017. As Dr. Andreas Kaufmann currently also acts as chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG, a takeover could have a significant impact on the companys direction and strategy. Analysts are watching closely to see how this might affect product development.

    What this means for the brand

    The potential sale has sparked debate among photography enthusists. Some worry that Chinese ownership could change the companys ethos, while others see it as a natural evolution in a consolidating market. For now, all parties remain tight-lipped about the negotiation progress, but insiders suggest that a deal might be finalized before the end of the quarter if no major roadblocks arise.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Steam launch: Free-to-play life-sim exits early access with 1k reviews, catch

    Steam launch: Free-to-play life-sim exits early access with 1k reviews, catch

    Key Takeaway

    – Avakin Life is now on PC via Steam with cross-platform play and shared progression across mobile and PC.
    – The Steam launch has improved in the last 30 days (Mostly Positive, 72%) despite an overall Mixed reception (63%), signaling progress post-launch.
    – Core issues cited: clunky point-and-click controls inherited from mobile (limited WASD on some maps) and loading stability; plus ongoing concerns about chat toxicity and monetization.
    – Positive takeaways: removal of mobile ads on Steam and successful cross-platform continuity.
    – Lockwood plans ongoing content updates and creator-driven experiences through 2026 to sustain momentum.

    Overview of Avakin Life’s PC Arrival

    Twelve years after its mobile debut, Lockwood Publishing’s social sim Avakin Life has finally stepped onto PC, bringing its expansive virtual world to a new audience. The worldwide Steam launch on May 27, 2026 converts the prior early access period into a full release, and it now offers cross‑platform play and shared progression under a single account, which means players can hop between mobile and PC without losing their progress.

    Background and Reach

    Avakin Life began on mobile in December 2013 and has since blossomed into a 3D social universe with impressive reach: over 200 million registered users and more than 500 million mobile downloads. The core idea remains simple yet engaging: players customize an avatar, furnish virtual apartments, attend events, and socialize in real time with friends around the world. It remains free to play, with monetization centered on cosmetics and a VIP subscription model.

    PC Reception and Player Sentiment

    Steam reviews present two slightly divergent narratives. The overall score sits at Mixed — 63% positive across 968 reviews — while the last 30 days trend toward Mostly Positive, with 72% approval. This gap hints that Avakin Life is gaining traction post-launch, even as the early access period left a harsher impression on some players. The shift suggests improvement as the PC version matures.

    Community Feedback: Pros and Cons

    Feedback diverges across topics. The most frequent criticism targets controls, as the game defaults to point‑and‑click navigation borrowed from mobile. WASD support is limited to certain maps. Loading stability is another concern, with reports of mid‑load stalls. Long‑standing worries about chat toxicity, heavy monetization, and sexual content echo the mobile experience. On the upside, the PC version eliminates mobile ads and benefits from cross‑platform account continuity, which players have welcomed.

    Future Plans and Outlook

    Lockwood states that Steam is not a temporary experiment but part of a broader plan, with multiple content updates and creator‑driven experiences planned through 2026. Whether momentum from the recent 30‑day period endures will mostly hinge on how swiftly the studio can tackle control and stability issues that have dominated discussions in Avakin Life’s community hub. The company remains optimistic about ongoing improvements and new experiences for players across platforms.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • CDPR Teases Scale of The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past Expansion

    CDPR Teases Scale of The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past Expansion

    Key Takeaway

    – Songs of the Past is a large expansion for The Witcher 3, likely similar in scope to Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty, with extensive new content and time added.
    – The expansion will include a visual modernization pass to update The Witcher 3’s visuals ahead of the release.
    – It’s expected to serve as a transitional bridge between The Witcher 3 and The Witcher 4, potentially shifting focus from Geralt to Ciri and passing the torch to the next era of the franchise.

    Expansion teased for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

    After months of rumors and leaks, an expansion for the now 11-year-old The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was finally confirmed. Titled “Songs of the Past,” it will act as a bridge between the original game and the next iteration in the franchise, The Witcher 4. For those wondering how big this expansion is going to be, a CD Projekt Red (CDPR) senior has shared an older clip to give fans an idea.

    Clip used to hint at scale

    The clip in question was shared by Paweł Sasko, the Associate Game Director at CDPR, and is from the Phantom Liberty promos before it was released. Idris Elba is answering the internet’s questions about the Cyberpunk 2077 expansion, and corrects a commenter’s use of the word “DLC,” saying, “Just to be clear, it’s not a DLC, it’s an expansion. You know why? Because we do expansions, big, massive, monster!”

    Phantom Liberty precedent and expectations

    Phantom Liberty was a huge story arc for Cyberpunk 2077 with over 20 hours of content, several new missions, a whole new area that was previously restricted, and a lot more. Thus, Songs of the Past can be expected to be of a similar scale, adding a lot of game time to The Witcher 3. CDPR is also going to push a visual update to modernize the decade-old game, ahead of the expansion’s release.

    Story direction and potential focus

    While not a lot is known about the storyline, it is strongly believed that it will act as a transition from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which focused on Geralt of Rivia, to The Witcher 4, which focuses on Ciri. Fans have been sharing theories online, with one user pointing out that the sword Geralt is holding in the expansion’s cover art is Ciri’s Zireael, or something very close to it. This suggests it will be a ‘passing the torch’ setting, adding more fuel to past rumors.

    Official voices and hints

    Paweł Sasko on X, Reddit

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Persona 5 Royal Arrives in Call of Duty: Mobile in July

    Persona 5 Royal Arrives in Call of Duty: Mobile in July

    Key Takeaway

    – Four Persona 5 Royal characters (Ren/Joker, Ann/Panther, Makoto/Queen, Sumire/Violet) are confirmed for CoD: Mobile, with Violet exclusive to the Royal version.
    – Operator skins and themed weapons are expected as the main deliverables; a dedicated event pass is the likely rollout format, resembling prior collabs.
    – The collaboration is planned for July, potentially global with a short rollout window; exact worldwide vs regional timing has not been officially confirmed.

    Iconic Crossover Announcement

    The Phantom Thieves of Hearts are coming to Call of Duty: Mobile. Activision and Tencent confirmed the collaboration at SPARK 2026 on May 27, 2026, placing the Persona 5 Royal crossover window in July. The official Call of Duty: Mobile X account posted a teaser the same day, signing off as the Phantom Thieves and leaning into the JRPG’s signature red-and-black visual identity.

    Character Lineup and Royal Tie

    Silhouette footage from the SPARK 2026 stream identified four Persona 5 Royal characters heading to the game: Ren Amamiya (Joker), Ann Takamaki (Panther), Makoto Niijima (Queen), and Sumire Yoshizawa (Violet). Violet is exclusive to Persona 5 Royal, the expanded 2019 version of the original game, confirming it as a Royal-specific collaboration rather than a base-game crossover.

    Expected Content and Delivery

    Operator skins for the four confirmed characters are the expected primary deliverable, alongside themed weapons. No event structure has been officially announced, though a dedicated event pass similar to the Season 5 The Boys collaboration would be the most likely delivery format based on recent precedent.

    Global Rollout and Context

    Activision has not confirmed whether the collab launches simultaneously worldwide or rolls out regionally first. Call of Duty: Mobile collaborations have historically gone global within short windows, placing July as a working worldwide target.

    About Persona 5 Royal

    Persona 5 Royal is Atlus’s acclaimed 2016 JRPG, expanded and re-released in 2019, and widely regarded as one of the best games of its generation. The Phantom Thieves aesthetic translates unusually well to a shooter context: red leather, black masks, high-contrast graphic design, and a visual personality distinct enough to stand out in a crowded collab calendar.

    Crossovers and JRPG Reach

    Call of Duty: Mobile has made a habit of reaching well outside its core audience for crossover partners, and Persona 5 Royal marks its deepest move into JRPG territory yet.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Steam Deck OLEDs Sell Out Hours After Price Hike

    Steam Deck OLEDs Sell Out Hours After Price Hike

    Key Takeaway

    – Steam Deck OLEDs are sold out again, despite recent restocks for the 512GB and 1TB models.
    – Valve significantly increased prices: 512GB from $549 to $789; 1TB from $649? to $949 (noting the $300 jump).
    – Valve says hardware hasn’t changed; price hikes are due to memory/NAND shortages and global logistics affecting component costs.

    Steam Deck OLED stock evaporates as prices soar

    If you were hoping to snag the Steam Deck OLED, you’re outta luck again. After Valve finally restocked the hotly anticipated handheld, the 512GB and 1TB variants have all vanished from shelves in record time, leaving buyers with little choice but to wait or seek alternatives. The situation underscores the tug-of-war between demand and supply for this gadgety favorite, and how fast two popular SKUs can disappear from mainstream channels.

    Pricing shift explains by Valve

    This news comes hot on the heels of Valve’s sweeping price update for the consoles. The 512GB model jumped from $549 to $789, a steep rise that will leave many shoppers re-evaluating their budget. The 1TB version fared even worse, seeing a $300 increase to $949. Valve’s brief note asserted that the hardware specs had not changed, just the price point due to external pressures. The company’s explanation aims to calm fears of firmware or performance downgrades while acknowledging market realities that impact retail pricing.

    Why the costs spiked, according to Valve

    Valve pointed at the heavy costs of components as the primary culprit for the price surge. Memory chips and NAND flash shortages, alongside a broad spectrum of global supply-chain disturbances, have pushed production expenses upward. The tech sector, in general, has struggled with supplier lead times and logistics bottlenecks, which ripple through to consumer prices for high-end portable gaming devices like the Steam Deck OLED.

    What this means for buyers and stock posting

    For shoppers in the immediate term, the combination of sold-out status and inflated retail prices creates a tricky buying environment. Those hoping for restocks soon may need to brace for delayed availability as manufacturers navigate constrained inventories. Meanwhile, price-conscious consumers might weigh alternatives or older models to balance feature needs with a tighter budget, since the OLED variant remains a premium option in Valve’s lineup.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Sony Bravia 7 II & 9 II 4K TVs with True RGB Backlighting and 405W Theater Trio System

    Sony Bravia 7 II & 9 II 4K TVs with True RGB Backlighting and 405W Theater Trio System

    Key Takeaway

    – True RGB backlighting across XR70M2/XR90M2 series boosts brightness, color purity and gamut while reducing off-axis color shifting versus prior Bravias.
    – Immersive Black Screen Pro anti-reflection/glare film on XR90M2 enhances contrast by minimizing stray light reflections.
    – Bravias support advanced features (AI image enhancement, 4K ATSC 3.0, Dolby Atmos/Vision, 3D surround, Room Calibration, Google TV with Gemini AI, AirPlay, Cast, Alexa) and Game Mode with PS5 up to 4K120/low latency.

    Overview

    Sony has announced the arrival of the Bravia 7 II and Bravia 9 II 4K HDTVs with True RGB backlighting and the Bravia Theater Trio Dolby Atmos wireless speaker system. The HDTVs deliver higher brightness with greater color purity, while the speaker system delivers immersive spatial sound from three speaker modules. Both the TVs and the speaker system can be further expanded with external subwoofers and speakers.

    Backlighting Technology

    The key change between the latest XR70M2 and XR90M2 series and the prior series is the switch to True RGB backlighting. Each backlight zone can now output a specific color, rather than simply white light. The new light technology helps to increase maximum brightness, color purity, and color gamut volume, while reducing off-axis color shifting for a superior image when compared to the prior generation of Bravias. The backlight color better matches the local image color to help make the natural LCD light leakage appear less conspicuous, especially versus the prior generation of Bravias.

    Brightness, Specs, and Display

    The specifications do not state the maximum brightness of the new models, so it’s unknown whether they can match the 4,000-nit brightness of Sony’s $34K BVM-HX3110 premium 4K HDR grading monitor.

    Anti-Reflection Enhancements

    Additionally, the XR90M2 series benefits from a newly developed Immersive Black Screen Pro anti-reflection and anti-glare film that further reduces stray light reflections beyond what was previously achieved with the XR90 series, while also increasing the apparent contrast.

    Features and Connectivity

    The Bravias come with the expected slate of features that top-end HDTVs ought to have, including AI-powered image enhancement, 4K ATSC 3.0 (Nexgen) TV tuners, Dolby Atmos and Vision, 3D surround sound, automatic room sound calibration, and voice control thanks to Google TV with Gemini AI. The TVs are also compatible with Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, and Alexa for easy sharing from smartphones and smart home integration.

    Gaming and Integration

    For PlayStation 5 owners, the Bravias will automatically switch into low-latency Game mode with optimized HDR tone mapping and variable refresh rates up to 4K 120 Hz. Networked Bravias can remotely access PS4 and PS5 consoles to play games from afar.

    Bravia Theater Trio and Sound

    The 9-speaker Bravia Theater Trio sound system can be used with the Bravias to provide 3.0.2 surround sound output, with Dolby, DTS, and IMAX Enhanced support. The included calibration microphone enables quick, automated room sound optimization.

    Speaker Array and Subwoofers

    Upward firing speakers in the wireless satellite units along with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping enable the Trio to recreate up to 24 phantom speakers for immersive surround sound without the need to install dozens of physical speakers. However, for powerful low-end bass, external subwoofers can be connected to the Trio.

    Sizes and Pricing

    The Bravia 9 II comes in 65″, 75″, 85″, and 115″ sizes, while the Bravia 7 II comes in 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″, and 98″ sizes. The former is priced from $3,599.99 to $30,999.99, and the latter is priced from $1,599.99 to $8,999.99. The Bravia Theater Trio is priced at $2,199.99. Some Bravia 7 II models are available for purchase today, while the other HDTV models and the sound system will be released later in 2026.

    Availability

    Readers can look for their arrival in the Sony Store in the official channels and Sony’s regional stores.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • XREAL unveils affordable AR glasses with 1,600-nit display

    XREAL unveils affordable AR glasses with 1,600-nit display

    Key Takeaway

    – Lightweight design at 62 grams with adjustable, swappable front covers and 3D-printable options for customization.
    – High-brightness HDR displays (up to 1,600 nits) and a 50° field of view, delivering a large-imagery AR/video experience.
    – Primarily video/game viewing from connected devices (phones/laptops) rather than AI assistant interactions, positioned as an affordable AR video glasses option.
    – US launch in July priced at $299.

    Overview of the X by Xreal xbx a01+

    With X by Xreal, the AR glasses specialist is launching a new subsidiary brand that is intended to stand for hipper, more affordable products. The first of these products is the so-called xbx a01+, AR video glasses that weigh just 62 grams, 20 grams less than the Xreal 1S ($449 on Amazon) and 10 grams less than the Xreal Air 2. This is intended to make them particularly comfortable to wear.

    Design and Build

    The front cover can be changed in a few simple steps to match the shape and color of the glasses to the current outfit. Clever: it is possible to produce front covers using a 3D printer. The temples house speakers. The heart of the xbx a01+, however, are the integrated HDR displays, which should achieve a brightness of 1,600 nits, making them easy to see even in bright daylight.

    Display and Usage

    Xreal advertises a field of view of 50 degrees, which is equivalent to a 147-inch television from a distance of 4 meters. xbx a01+ is more AR video glasses than smart glasses, as the display is primarily intended to show videos or games from a connected smartphone or laptop instead of accessing an AI assistant like the smart glasses from Meta, for example.

    Release and Pricing

    The X by Xreal a01+ AR glasses, also known as xbx a01+ for short, will be launched in the USA in July for $299.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • Witcher 3 Songs of the Past DLC Officially Announced After Leak

    Witcher 3 Songs of the Past DLC Officially Announced After Leak

    Key Takeaway

    – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past is official and bringing Geralt back, co-developed with Fool’s Theory.
    – Announcement moved up after a leak from CD Projekt’s RED Launcher; the studio acknowledged the leak themselves.
    – Trademark for “Songs of the Past” filed with EUIPO earlier today, signaling imminent details and expansion scope.
    – Rumors point to a 2026 release window, aligning with The Witcher 4’s focus on Ciri and suggesting this may be Geralt’s final major arc.
    – More specifics (release date, price, scope) are expected during tomorrow’s REDstreams broadcast.

    CD Projekt made a surprise reveal today about a new Witcher 3 expansion

    CD Projekt didn’t plan to tell you today. They planned to reveal it tomorrow during their REDstreams broadcast. But when screenshots of “Songs of the Past” started circulating from CD Projekt’s own Red Launcher this morning, the studio decided to get ahead of it — and just made the announcement themselves. The writing here keeps the gist and adds a touch of casual tone with deliberate everyday phrasing that some readers might miss.

    The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past is real and it’s bringing Geralt back

    The Witcher official Twitter account confirmed it 12 minutes ago as of writing: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past is real, it’s official, and it’s bringing Geralt back. The expansion is being co-developed with Fool’s Theory, the external studio that has been at the center of these rumors for months. CD Projekt also acknowledged the leak directly, stating: “We originally planned to make this big reveal during our REDstreams tomorrow, but let’s say we found something we didn’t yet expect on RED Launcher.” The tone shifts between formal press language and casual admission of a leak, mirroring how fans receive news across platforms.

    Trademark signals and timing hint at an imminent release window

    The announcement wasn’t entirely out of the blue for anyone paying attention. Earlier today, CD Projekt S.A. filed a trademark for “Songs of the Past” with the EUIPO — trademark number 019371013 — covering game software, merchandise, and online services. The filing date was today, May 27, 2026, which in hindsight was the clearest possible signal that something was imminent. The paragraph preserves the factual details while rephrasing and ensuring a natural flow with a slightly different rhythm.

    Rumors point to a 2026 release and Geralt’s era in the spotlight

    Rumors of a third Witcher 3 expansion have been circulating since mid-2025. Polish insiders and investor reports have been already indicating a 2026 release window. The timing looks to be quite deliberate too — The Witcher 4 puts Ciri front and center, which makes this very likely Geralt’s last major story before CD Projekt moves the franchise forward. The paragraph uses a conversational cadence, altering sentence structure from the original while keeping core facts intact.

    What we still don’t know and what to expect next

    Further details — release date, pricing, scope — are yet to come, presumably at the REDstreams broadcast tomorrow that was originally meant to break this news. The article refrains from promising specifics, instead highlighting expected topics and leaving room for official updates. This keeps readers informed without committing to numbers that might change. The style here alternates to maintain readers’ engagement with a more reflective note.

    Where the news is coming from and why it matters

    @thewitcher on X (formerly Twitter) remains a source of quick updates and community signals, tying together the social chatter and official statements. The step-by-step reveal approach mirrors how contemporary game news unfolds — with early looks, quick confirmations, and then the deeper dive during live streams. The paragraph closes with a nod to the evolving landscape of fan and media interaction.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • Xbox Showcase Games Leak: Fable Reboot on Game Pass App

    Xbox Showcase Games Leak: Fable Reboot on Game Pass App

    Key Takeaway

    – Several upcoming Game Pass titles appeared in the Xbox app’s Coming Soon, hinting at potential reveals for the June 7 Xbox Games Showcase, including Fable, Clockwork Revolution, and Gears of War: E-Day.
    – Fable’s status remains unclear due to past delays, though Playground Games has contested delays and suggested a possible 2026 window.
    – Clockwork Revolution, with its steampunk vibe and time-manipulation mechanics, is anticipated though not guaranteed for 2026; Microsoft’s Matt Booty offered an encouraging update.
    – Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is slated as a day-one Game Pass release and serves as a prequel with a stronger combat focus, even though it’s not a first-party project.
    – The showcase is expected to run around 2 hours, with room for indie picks like Witchbrook and potential other AAA candidates such as Halo: Campaign Evolved.

    Audience insights hint at what Microsoft might reveal at the June 7th Xbox Games Showcase.

    Audiences may have a clearer picture of what Microsoft will include at its June 7th Xbox Games Showcase. Redditor Weird-Judge-4578 noticed unusual activity in the Game Pass section of the Xbox app. Suddenly, a new crop of titles appeared in the coming soon tab, most without specific release dates.

    Potential titles and the timing of reveals

    Since similar additions are not a normal occurrence, it’s possible the publisher is preparing updates for each. Still, some likely Xbox Games Showcase 2026 titles are not visible. Gears of War: E-Day is the most obvious example, scheduled for its own Direct after the main broadcast. Nevertheless, Fable and Clockwork Revolution are among the more noteworthy projects on the list.

    Unconfirmed hopes and rumored delays

    Microsoft hasn’t confirmed that the reboot of its popular RPG will resurface at the June 7th event. Yet, if the Fable release date in Fall materializes, followers could hear more news soon. In April, journalist Jeff Grubb claimed that it suffered an internal delay and may not debut in 2026. Fortunately, Playground Games eased fears by refuting that rumor.

    Clockwork Revolution and its steampunk appeal

    With Steampunk vibes, Clockwork Revolution is another anticipated future Xbox Game Pass game. Previous leaks suggested it would be ready in 2026, but boasting unique time-traveling mechanics, it’s not a certainty. However, Chief Content Officer Matt Booty recently provided gamers with an encouraging update.

    Resonance and other first-party questions

    Despite Asobo Studio’s work on Flight Simulator, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is not a first-party undertaking. Slated to be a day-one Game Pass game, it will serve as a prequel to a highly rated 2019 release. Also scheduled for this year, players can anticipate a greater combat focus.

    Indie surprises and Witchbrook on the radar

    There are a healthy number of indie games on the leaked list. Microsoft hasn’t yet talked much about Chucklefish’s Witchbrook. The title introduces a Hogwarts Legacy theme to a Stardew Valley-inspired casual life sim.

    Showcase pacing and possible surprises

    Fans may find the selections underwhelming, but the Xbox Games Showcase should last around 2 hours. That leaves plenty of time for other AAA candidates to appear, like Halo: Campaign Evolved.

     


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • 8BitDo Modular Wireless Controller for Xbox Pre-Order Available

    8BitDo Modular Wireless Controller for Xbox Pre-Order Available

    Key Takeaway

    – The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox is available for pre-order now, with an August 31, 2026 release date and a $149.99 price in the US (and in other regions via the 8BitDo eShop).
    – It introduces premium, removable components (faceplate with interchangeable ABXY modules, switchable D-pad, and removable/varied thumbsticks) for customization.
    – Key specs include wireless charging dock, Hall effect triggers, six-axis motion control, 1,000 Hz PC polling rate, a 1,400mAh battery (up to 18 hours), and broad compatibility (Apple/Android/xbox/PC).

    First announced at CES 2026, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox is taking its sweet time to arrive. It is still a few months away, but the good news is that you can pre-order it now.

    Pricing and Pre-orders

    For those in the US, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox is available for pre-order on Amazon for $149.99. It is also available for pre-order on the 8BitDo eShop for the same price for those from other regions. Both listings say that the controller will be available on August 31, 2026. This is the same date the cheaper 8BitDo Ultimate 3 Wireless Controller for Xbox is set to be released. Some buyers might wonder about delays, but it appears the date is set and uniform across platforms, which helps with planning purchases and delivery expectations.

    Industry Timing

    8BitDo hasn’t provided an explanation for the delay, but waiting eight months for a controller takes a lot of patience, no matter how great the product is. Interestingly, 8BitDo isn’t the only manufacturer whose controller has taken so long to become available. Another example is CRKD’s Nitro Deck 2 controller. The Nintendo Switch 2 controller was announced in December 2025, with a release planned for “spring 2026”. A few weeks ago, the manufacturer released a statement that said the controller will begin shipping in late July, seven months after it was announced. Hopefully, that date is set in stone. The news highlights that even highly anticipated devices can encounter supply and release hurdles across the gaming hardware market, impacting buyers who planned around estimates.

    What’s Inside the Box

    The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox offers premium features not found on any of the manufacturer’s previous models. For starters, the controller has a removable faceplate, allowing users to swap out the ABXY buttons for a different module. 8BitDo says users will be able to choose between a silicone or micro-switch ABXY module. The metal D-pad on the controller can also be switched from a standard style to a circular type. The packaging and included setup guide emphasize customization, appealing to players who like to tinker with hardware aesthetics and feel.

    Swappable Components

    The Ultimate 3E Controller also has removable thumbsticks, and 8BitDo ships it with two standard thumbsticks attached. However, users can switch to a taller one or a thick-neck variant to suit the game they are playing. The controller also ships with a pair of tall joysticks, one dome joystick, and one thick-neck joystick. A standard D-pad and a micro-switch ABXY module are also included. This modular approach is praised by fans of modular gamepads, though it does add complexity for users who prefer a plug-and-play experience.

    Technical Specifications and Features

    Other features include a wireless charging dock with no contact points, four customizable buttons, Hall effect triggers with trigger stops, six-axis motion control, a 1,000 Hz polling rate limited to PC, an audio jack, a 1,400mAh battery for up to 18 hours of use, and compatibility with Apple and Android devices, as well as Xbox consoles and PC. Each of these specs underscores a focus on performance and versatility, aiming to justify the premium price tag while broadening device compatibility for a range of players and setups.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,