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

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January 12, 2026

DanielMiller

# Xbox # News # Tech # Gaming

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.

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.

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.

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