Key Takeaways
1. 8BitDo’s first wireless Xbox controller is a special edition honoring Rare’s 40th anniversary.
2. The controller is priced at $90 and includes features like professional back buttons, a gold D-pad, and a charging dock.
3. It is compatible with Xbox, Windows, Android, and Apple devices via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth.
4. The design is similar to the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and was teased on the brand’s official X account.
5. Community reactions are mixed, with some excited about the collectible and others criticizing the timing due to Rare’s project struggles.
8BitDo’s first wireless Xbox controller has been leaked online ahead of its official launch, presenting a special edition model that honors the 40th anniversary of Rare, the famous studio known for games like Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark, and Battletoads.
Pricing and Features
The listing was found on Amazon US by a Reddit user named u/CyraxxFavoriteStylus in the r/xbox subreddit, and it shows the controller priced at $90. This device comes with professional back buttons, a gold D-pad made of zinc alloy, profile switching features, and a charging dock that reconnects automatically. It is compatible with Xbox, Windows, Android, and Apple devices through 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. The hardware also includes Hall effect joysticks and impulse triggers in the Xbox style.
Design and Confirmation
Previously, 8BitDo had teased the controller in a post on its official X account. The teaser video showcased a design reminiscent of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, featuring a magnetic charging dock, a lit Xbox button, and connectivity through 2.4 GHz.
Community Reactions
The response to the new partnership between Xbox and Rare has been mixed. Over on r/GamingLeaksAndRumours, some users were excited about the collectible, but a lot of others criticized the timing, pointing out that celebrating Rare’s 40th anniversary with this controller feels odd, especially since projects like Everwild and the Perfect Dark reboot have been scrapped. Many fans expressed frustration, noting the irony of commemorating Rare’s milestone with hardware while the studio’s upcoming projects are still in limbo.
8BitDo hasn’t officially announced when the controller will be available, but it was initially planned to be revealed on August 4, 2025, according to the teaser shared on the brand’s X account.
