On August 4, Xbox and 8BitDo jointly announced the launch of their exclusive 8BitDo Ultimate 3-mode Wireless Controller, designed to honor the 40th anniversary of Rare, the legendary game studio behind iconic titles like Sea of Thieves, Killer Instinct, and Banjo-Kazooie. Priced at $89.99, this premium controller supports wired and wireless connectivity for Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, along with Bluetooth compatibility for mobile gaming.

This collaboration arrives during a challenging period for Rare and Microsoft, following significant layoffs in July 2025 that led to the cancellation of anticipated projects like Perfect Dark and Everwild. The departure of Gregg Mayles, a veteran developer with 35 years at Rare and the creative force behind Banjo-Kazooie, marked a poignant moment for the studio as it celebrated four decades in the industry.

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The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition of the 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Wireless Controller is now available for pre-order, featuring a striking blue chassis with yellow accents, gold-painted D-Pad, and Rare’s anniversary logo embossed on the grip. As an officially licensed Xbox accessory, it includes advanced features like Hall Effect joysticks and triggers for enhanced durability and drift resistance, alongside customizable paddles via the 8BitDo Ultimate Software X app.

The controller ships with a USB-C charging dock (8.2 ft cable) and retains a 3.5mm audio jack for headsets. Unlike 8BitDo’s previous Jade model, this edition supports 2.4GHz wireless for Xbox consoles in addition to PC, while Bluetooth remains an option for mobile devices. Its ergonomic design and premium materials make it a standout choice for both casual and competitive gamers.

Alongside the controller release, Rare is commemorating its anniversary with in-game events in Sea of Thieves throughout August. Fans are encouraged to secure the limited-edition controller quickly, as stock is expected to be scarce.