8BitDo's cheapest Ultimate 3 series controller has adjustable TMR sticks and triggers for $40

The 8BitDo Ultimate 3 series of controllers made its debut at CES 2026 with the launch of the Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox. Then in May, 8BitDo launched the slightly cheaper Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox (Lavender Edition), which is also available in Mossy Lagoon and a Tomb Raider 30th Anniversary Edition. Now, a third model has arrived, and while it is significantly cheaper than its siblings, it still packs features available on premium controllers.

The new controller is the 8BitDo Ultimate 3C+ Wireless Controller and it arrives as a successor to the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller. Compatible with Windows and Android devices, the new controller has a wider grip angle than its predecessor, which 8BitDo claims makes it more comfortable to hold.

With respect to features, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3C+ Wireless Controller comes with TMR joysticks with adjustable tension. 8BitDo calls it Dual Force Ring, and it is available on the Ultimate 3, too. The feature allows users to adjust the tension to match the game they are playing.

In addition, the Ultimate 3C+ Wireless Controller also boasts triggers that can be changed from Hall Effect to non-linear triggers with a switch. There are also dual back buttons with locks; and the included 2.4G dongle, which has a USB-A connector, now attaches magnetically to the back of the controller. The controller has Bluetooth 5.4 for connecting to Android devices.

Other features of the controller are remappable bumpers (R4 and L4 buttons), a 1,000Hz polling rate (2.4GHz and wired modes), turbo function, synchronized trigger and grip vibration, and 8BitDo 8Speed wireless technology for stable 2.4G connection with latency as low as 1ms. The Ultimate 3C+ has a 500mAh battery capacity that should provide up to 20 hours of use in 2.4GHz mode and up to 32 hours in Bluetooth mode. It charges via USB-C and a full charge takes about 2 hours.

Available in Avocado Green, Frost White, and Stealth Black, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3C Wireless Controller costs $39.99 and is available to pre-order on Amazon and on the 8BitDo eShop, ahead of its release on October 30. This is significantly cheaper than the $99 Ultimate 3 wireless controller for Xbox and the $149.99 Ultimate 3E wireless controller for Xbox. The new Ultimate 3C+ controller comes with a cable, 2.4GHz adapter, and a DIY controller stand made of cardboard.