What you need to know
- 8Bitdo just announced the Ultimate Wired Controller.
- The wired controller features fully customizable buttons and works with Xbox consoles, iOS, Android, and Windows.
- You can preorder the 8Bitdo Ultimate Wired Controller for $45 through Amazon.
8Bitdo just unveiled its Ultimate Wired Controller. Featuring customizable buttons, the new controller works with the Xbox Series X, Series S, and Xbox One. It can also connect to devices running Android, iOS, or Windows.
The Ultimate Wired Controller is the latest device from 8Bitdo that's designed for Xbox consoles. The company already has a media remote for the Series X and S as well as a mobile controller designed for Xbox Cloud Gaming. Unfortunately, the mobile controller received middling reviews due to its lack of balance and tiny form factor that made it difficult to play on. The Ultimate Wired Controller appears to have a more natural size that should fit well in hand.
In addition to the standard buttons you'd expect on an Xbox controller, 8Bitdo's new controller features two rear-facing paddle buttons. Those, as well as all of the controller's buttons, are completely remappable. You can also adjust the ranges and motor sensitivity of the controller's triggers.
The biggest drawback of 8Bitdo's Ultimate Wired Controller is that it only works through a wired connection. The product's page on 8Bitdo's website does not mention any form of wireless connectivity. The Amazon listing for the controller mentions connecting wirelessly to iOS and Android. It's unclear which is accurate.
We'll have to wait for the device to ship before we can judge it against the best Xbox controllers.
You can preorder the Ultimate Wired Controller from 8Bitdo in black or white for $45 through Amazon. The controllers should start shipping on May 31, 2022.
Sean Endicott is the news writer for Windows Central. If it runs Windows, is made by Microsoft, or has anything to do with either, he's on it. Sean's been with Windows Central since 2017 and is also our resident app expert. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com.
