Microsoft has yet to launch its new “Elite” gamepad, and the current model is the Xbox Elite Series 2, which was released back in 2019. Since then, many third-party manufacturers have begun producing more powerful and sophisticated devices. 8-Bitdo Ultimate 3E will be released on August 31st – a gaming controller that the developers themselves call “built for serious gamers”. Now the first review has appeared online, in which the controller is compared to the Xbox Elite Series 2.
8Bitdo Ultimate 3E review highlights
- Materials and build quality. The front panel is made of matte plastic and the handle is rubberized. Some components may look and feel like metal, but they are actually made of plastic.
- Modular design. The game controller can replace the front panel, direction keys, joysticks and ABXY button blocks. The kit includes several additional items.
- TMR joint. The controller is equipped with a 12-bit TMR stick. The author in the video notes that these are “the best joysticks of all 8Bitdo controllers,” and he also praises their performance in shooters.
- Arrow keys. The transom is equipped with a tactile switch with a short stroke, noticeable pressure but relatively quiet. There are 2 D-pad options to choose from, each with a slightly different feel when pressed.
- ABXY button. Membrane module comes standard; there is an additional option with micro switch in the box.
- trigger. The trigger has a travel limiter that puts it into a shorter pressing mode.
- Additional buttons. The Ultimate 3E has 2 additional buttons on the top and 2 additional buttons on the back.
- vibration. In my opinion, the Ultimate 3E’s vibrations feel richer and less buzzy than the standard Xbox controller, although the original controller more accurately conveys some events, such as ABS in racing.
- settings. This proprietary app lets you reassign buttons, create profiles, adjust dead zones and stick curves, vibrations, triggers, RGB backlighting, and more.
- frequency. Initially, the controller’s polling rate is 250 Hz, with tournament mode increasing it to 500 Hz. Auto notes that an update is now available that increases the polling rate to 1000 Hz for both wireless and wired connections.
- Equipment and price. The kit includes a controller, a docking station, a hard case, a 3-meter-long cable, additional modules (ABXY, direction keys, joystick), and 1-month Game Pass. The device sells for $150.
Comparison to Xbox Elite Series 2
- price. The author points out that the Ultimate 3E sells for $150, while the Xbox Elite Series 2 is currently officially priced at $180, which means 8BitDo is $30 cheaper.
- buttons and arrow keys. In my opinion, Ultimate 3E has better D-pad and ABXY buttons, and the add-on mod with micro switches provides another option for using them. Elite Series 2 cannot change the ABXY button type.
- joint The author calls them one of the main advantages of 3E. The 8Bitdo controller uses TMR rods, while the Elite Series 2 uses classic potentiometer rods.
- Additional buttons. The Elite Series 2 has 4 rear paddles, while the Ultimate 3E has a different layout – 2 extra buttons on the top and 2 buttons on the back. As a result, the total number of additional buttons is still 4, but in different locations.
- trigger. The author particularly praises the implementation of the trigger limiter. Despite the lack of a microswitch, in short mode the trigger feels like a digital click with little to no characteristic click.
