8Bitdo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller, Hall Effect Joysticks, Pro Back Buttons, Wired Only for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One, Compatibility with Apple, Windows & Android, Officially… by 8Bitdo

I game on pc often, but grew up playing console and find a lot more joy in gaming with a controller than mouse and keyboard. That doesn’t mean I’m not competitive, just that I have to try extra hard when I game since I’m at a slight disadvantage. For this reason I’ve tried multiple controllers and was a little skeptic about a wireless controller since they usually have input lag. Let me first answer a question I had before buying, yes it connects to your pc via usb. I thought about this before buying it, but you won’t need to use it that way since it’s 2.4Ghz feature means there’s NO input lag!

This is great, but I was also concerned about the feel and quality of the controller. If you’re wondering too, It’s amazing! The controller is a tad on the smaller side for me since I have long fingers, but the design is so well made that it doesn’t affect gaming in the slightest. The buttons are an amazing quality and although well under the $100 mark it’s incredibly responsive and doesn’t feel like other controllers I’ve tried of around the same price tag (I thought I was downgrading from my power a fusion).
I did have to play with my settings for a bit before finding my comfort zone because it has a different feel from other controllers I used, but I quickly realized that it was because it’s smoother and the buttons are flushed with the body of the controller which makes it feel like they’re almost not there. It’s incredibly functional and feels like your fingers glide through the buttons and analog sticks when you’re playing at the right settings.
I think it’s an understatement to say it’s an amazing value for the money considering how high quality the controller feels and how they managed to make a wireless controller at this price point have pretty much no lag (none that I could notice at least, I know technically there’s some quintessimal of a second that’s basically imperceivable). I wish I could talk about the life span of it, but I wrote this review pretty early after getting it cause I want to spread the word on how much I’ve enjoyed using it since yesterday!! I just finished up an awesome gaming session and I’m genuinely impressed at this controller.

If anything were to happen to it, I’d definitely buy again! GGs everyone!

Introduction:
I purchased the 8Bitdo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller specifically for use with my Xbox, but this controller is also very flexible and also offers Bluetooth connectivity for Android and iOS, and a 2.4G wireless option for Windows PC (dongle included). As a long-time gamer, I can confidently say this is the best third-party wired controller I have purchased and used on with my Xbox Series X to date. Its official Xbox authorization, advanced features, and exceptional setup software set it apart from the competition.

Key Features & Strengths (Pros):

Hall Effect Joysticks & Triggers: This is a major selling point for me. Unlike standard controllers plagued by stick drift and wear, the Hall Effect technology in both the joysticks and triggers uses magnetic sensors, promising superior durability and long-term performance. This feature alone solves a persistent problem I’ve had with multiple official Xbox controllers over the years where the joysticks internal mechanism has broke several times or stick drift is present and unfixable.

Advanced Customization & Software: The controller’s software is a standout feature. It’s intuitive, easy to use, and available for free on the Windows App Store as well as Google Play and Apple App Store. The software allows for comprehensive remapping of almost every button, including the two back paddles, with the ability to save up to three distinct profiles outside of the default. For me, the ability to disable the right joystick click (a frequent accidental press for me in FPS games) and remap it to a back paddle was a game-changer.  

On-Board Audio Controls: The controller includes a 3.5mm audio jack with a unique and highly practical feature set. You can adjust game and party chat volume using the D-pad and even mute your microphone instantly with a dedicated physical switch. This is a convenient and well-executed feature.

Back Buttons (Paddles): The two easily accessible back buttons are fully remappable and provide a significant competitive advantage. They can be assigned to any button, allowing for faster and more efficient actions without taking your thumb off the joystick.

Drawbacks (Cons):

Physical Size & Ergonomics: This controller is notably smaller than the original Xbox One controller, which may be a concern for users with larger hands.  However, it may be similar in size to the Xbox Series X/S controller, but I have not measured to see and neither this controller or the Xbox Series X/S controllers fit my large hands very well.    Its compact design feels more suited for small to medium-sized hands. This also leads to a minor ergonomic issue for me, as my thumb occasionally and accidentally presses the small screenshot button located too close to the right joystick during intense gameplay which is unfortunately not one of the buttons that can be re-mapped or turn off.  If it could be turned off this would solve my issue and possibly others who may have the same issue.

Wired-Only for Xbox: While understandable due to Microsoft’s third-party restrictions, the lack of a native wireless connection for Xbox consoles is a notable limitation. It requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, and the included 10-foot cable may not be long enough for all setups, requiring the purchase of a longer third-party cable.

Conclusion:

Despite its smaller size and the wired-only connection for Xbox, the 8Bitdo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller is an exceptional piece of hardware. Its Hall Effect components address the common issue of stick drift, while its powerful and user-friendly software offers unparalleled customization. For gamers seeking a highly durable, feature-rich, and customizable controller—especially those frustrated with the longevity of official controllers—this is a compelling and worthwhile investment.  I will update this review over time to see what the long term quality is of this controller and report back.

Der Controller überzeugt bereits auf den ersten Blick durch sein hochwertiges Design. Die ergonomische Form liegt angenehm in der Hand und ist auch bei langen Gaming-Sessions komfortabel. Die Tasten und Sticks sind präzise und gut positioniert, was die Handhabung intuitiv und flüssig macht. Was mich allerdings etwas stört ist das “klick Geräusch” der Schultertasten und das die Beleuchtung der Ladestation nicht anpassbar ist.

Hall Effect Sticks
Ein herausragendes Merkmal dieses Controllers sind die Hall Effect Sticks. Im Gegensatz zu herkömmlichen Sticks, die auf physischem Kontakt basieren, nutzen diese eine magnetische Technologie zur Bewegungserkennung. Das Ergebnis ist eine beeindruckende Präzision und Langlebigkeit, da es keine mechanische Abnutzung gibt. Dies sorgt für ein dauerhaft konsistentes Spielerlebnis, frei von den gefürchteten Drift-Problemen, die bei anderen Controllern auftreten können.

Zusatzfunktionen
Der 8Bitdo Ultimate 3 Mode Controller bietet auch zahlreiche Zusatzfunktionen, die das Spielerlebnis weiter verbessern. Dazu gehören programmierbare Tasten, Turbo-Funktion und eine umfassende Software-Suite, die eine detaillierte Anpassung der Controller-Einstellungen ermöglicht.

It’s very good but I would recommend buying the black one instead.