option
Home
News
8BitDo Teams Up With Rare in Surprise Xbox Wireless Controller Launch

8BitDo Teams Up With Rare in Surprise Xbox Wireless Controller Launch

January 12, 2026
137

8BitDo, in collaboration with Microsoft-owned studio Rare, has launched its inaugural wireless Xbox controller. This officially licensed device boasts a distinctive gold and blue color scheme, packed with hidden references to commemorate Rare's four-decade legacy.

Priced at $89.99, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3-mode Controller for Xbox — Rare 40th Anniversary Edition connects to Xbox consoles using either a 2.4GHz wireless dongle or a USB-C cable. Notably, it does not use Microsoft's proprietary Xbox Wireless protocol. Bluetooth is also available for pairing with mobile devices.

Rare fans will spot the Easter eggs on this controller.
Rare fans will spot the Easter eggs on this controller.
Image: 8BitDo

This special edition is essentially a wireless iteration of 8BitDo's existing Ultimate three-mode controller. It retains hall-effect joysticks and impulse triggers, and includes two swappable silicone thumbstick caps. One features a Sea of Thieves skull, while the other is a jigsaw piece familiar to Banjo-Kazooie fans. A tactile, zinc-alloy D-pad complements the gold finish.

The controller supports three user-customizable profiles, allowing you to program its two rear buttons. All adjustments are made through 8BitDo's Ultimate software, which enables button remapping, trigger sensitivity and motor intensity calibration, vibration control, and stick customization for precision.

The controller includes a charging dock in the box.
The controller includes a charging dock in the box.
Image: 8BitDo

Powered by a built-in 1,000mAh rechargeable battery, it offers an estimated 20 hours of gameplay and requires about 4 hours for a full charge. The package includes a charging dock that automatically re-pairs the controller when removed.

It's noteworthy that Rare, an Xbox studio, partnered with 8BitDo for this anniversary controller instead of Microsoft producing one internally. This collaboration arrives as Microsoft's own Xbox Design Lab custom controller service has been paused for months, with no announced return date.

The 8BitDo Rare 40th Anniversary Xbox controller is available now for $89.99.

Related article
Microsoft, Azure and AI Tech Combat California Wildfire Risks Microsoft, Azure and AI Tech Combat California Wildfire Risks Microsoft invests in AI-driven wildfire detection, with Juan Lavista Ferres, CVP and Chief Data Scientist, discussing strategies to mitigate environmental damage.According to NASA, climate change impacts everyone on Earth, manifesting as rising tempe
Microsoft CEO Slams AI Labs Over Distillation Microsoft CEO Slams AI Labs Over Distillation Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, calls out AI labs for hypocrisy regarding distillation criticism, a remark widely interpreted as targeting Anthropic. Credit: Getty ImagesMicrosoft CEO Satya Nadella challenges AI developers for limiting model distilla
Roblox’s AI assistant gains agentic tools to plan, build, and test games Roblox’s AI assistant gains agentic tools to plan, build, and test games Roblox is rolling out new agentic capabilities to streamline how developers plan, build, and test games on its platform, the company revealed exclusively to TechCrunch. The company is upgrading Roblox Assistant, its natural language AI tool for game
Related Special Topic Recommendations
Video creation AI Short-Form Video Hook Generators for Reels, Shorts, and Product Launch Campaigns
AI Short-Form Video Hook Generators for Reels, Shorts, and Product Launch Campaigns

2026 Latest Best AI Short-Form Video Hook Generators for Reels Shorts and Product Launch Campaigns! XIX.AI curates top-rated powerful game-changing tools that deliver must-try results through real-world tests. This weekly updated page offers free vs paid comparison rankings to help you find the perfect solution for boosting content creativity and productivity. Explore now to Unlock your AI edge!

11 tools
xix.ai
writing AI Article Outline Tools for Long Form Writing
AI Article Outline Tools for Long Form Writing

2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Article Outline Tools for Long Form Writing! This curated collection features powerful, game-changing tools that deliver accurate, structured outlines with real-world tests to boost writing efficiency significantly. XIX.AI is part of this elite selection. Get a free vs paid comparison to help you choose the perfect tool. Explore now and Unlock your AI edge!

9 tools
xix.ai
chatbot Best AI Roleplay Chat Apps for Language Practice, Interview Prep, and Daily Fluency
Best AI Roleplay Chat Apps for Language Practice, Interview Prep, and Daily Fluency

2026 Latest Best Top-rated AI Roleplay Chat Apps for Language Practice, Interview Prep, and Daily Fluency! XIX.AI curates a powerful game-changing collection that offers free vs paid comparison, real-world tests, and updated rankings weekly. These must-try tools help you boost writing skills, overcome fluency challenges, and improve communication efficiency across all daily scenarios. Explore now to discover your perfect tool for language growth!

10 tools
xix.ai
Music composition AI Stem Separation Tools for Remix Production, Sampling Prep, and Karaoke Masters
AI Stem Separation Tools for Remix Production, Sampling Prep, and Karaoke Masters

2026 Latest Best Top-rated AI Stem Separation Tools Curated for Remix Production, Sampling Prep, and Karaoke Masters. These powerful game-changing tools offer real-world tests to deliver precise audio isolation, boosting productivity significantly. XIX.AI provides a weekly updated free vs paid comparison guide to help you find the must-try solution that suits your needs. Explore now to unlock your AI edge.

8 tools
xix.ai
Data Analysis AI SQL Copilots for Revenue Dashboards, Funnel Analysis, and Product Metrics
AI SQL Copilots for Revenue Dashboards, Funnel Analysis, and Product Metrics

2026 Latest Best AI SQL Copilots Ranked Top-Rated! XIX.AI curates a powerful game-changing collection for weekly updated real-world tests. These must-try tools help you generate accurate revenue dashboards, analyze sales funnels, and track product metrics swiftly, boosting productivity massively. Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for data-driven decision making! 238 characters

9 tools
xix.ai
Music composition Best AI Melody Writing Tools for Song Drafts
Best AI Melody Writing Tools for Song Drafts

2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Melody Writing Tools for Song Drafts! XIX.AI has curated a highly powerful game-changing collection that goes through rigorous real-world tests to deliver the best writing experience. You can find detailed free vs paid comparisons, accurate rankings, and must-try options designed to help you create stunning song drafts effortlessly and boost your creative productivity significantly. Explore now to discover your perfect tool!

8 tools
xix.ai
Comments (1)
0/500
BruceClark
BruceClark February 17, 2026 at 9:00:28 PM EST

このコントローラー、色合いがレア社のゲームを彷彿させるね!🎮 でも隠された要素って何だろう?全部見つけるの大変そう… コレクター向けなのは分かるけど、機能面では既存のXboxコントローラーと変わらないのかな?価格が気になる!

OR