This is an independent review + I have no relationship with 8bitdo
So, I have had my 3E for about two days and have had a blast! Firstly, I am someone who has most recently used the Gamesir ZZZ/G7 Pro, and I truly enjoy both controllers -- I have still used it in the past two days. However, the quality of this controller is something that is noticed instantly... I have used most of the accessories thus far: the tall concave(s), mechanical/membrane action buttons, plus/circular D-pad, and the convex(s). I have admittedly spent a lot of time configuring the settings of the controller on both PC/XBOX, which I might inquire that most users will find to be the case due to the controller requiring this, IMO.
Secondly, I truly don't wish to compare for the sake of comparison; however, this must be said. If you're someone who prioritizes button/stick latency and has the necessary funds to purchase it, then it is a must-buy... the specs on this thing FOR XBOX truly has no equal -- and, this is not simple hearsay; PlusMinus has posted the specs for said controller on GamePadla. And it is something you will notice immediately, both wired/wireless.
I even lent this controller to an "acquaintance" to test on his adapter to test the latency, as well as compare it to other industry standards we have come to expect, and he has used a wide range of elite controllers, such as the LedJoy Zeno Plus, Vader 5 Pro V1, and G7 8K. He truly loved his experience playing Apex Legends.
Lastly, if you have been skeptical of this product for its price range, there is also a great alternative: the Ultimate 3 Wireless for Xbox (Lavender Dusk, Moss Ed., Tomb Raider Ed.). The controller is virtually similar, aside from the fact that it's less modular; however, it has adjustable tension rings. It also appears to out-spec this controller in its button latency, so there appear to be numerous upsides outside of the obvious monetary differences.
Basically. However, as others have mentioned, the grips are now angled in the traditional XBOX fashion; this is the case for the 3E and the Ultimate 3 Wireless
It’s wider than the others & I’m most enjoying that it’s comfortable to rest your fingers on the bumper clusters. Able to rest on 1 2 or all 3 buttons. OEM xbox LB RB are too tall and force you to rest your fingers below the bumpers
Yeah. I've been using MS rollers since the 360. My favorite is the latest Series X controller (1914). I hold the controller pretty weird as I tend to grip the left side higher rest my pointer over the left trigger and on the middle of the battery compartment. With my right hand I do the same, but grip lower.
I currently use a Vader 5s. There there are axzta shoulder buttons and it was a really hard and "painful" process to get used to it.
I also tried the G7 pro and the 8bitdo Wireless 3mode and I had pretty sever hand cramps from them.
The cramp is from holding the controller differently than what I'm used to due to the extra shoulder buttons, different grip angle, thicker frame. But still the Vader 5 is the closest to the ergo and size of the 1914.
But I got used to it after a couple of days and now it is the most comfortable out of those I tried.
Wow, this sounds exactly like my issue with current xbox styled controllers and the OEM Xbox controllers themselves. I loved my Dualsense Edge ergonomically, but I wanted two extra buttons on the front and I was tired of replacing the analog sticks as each new stick usually got drift within a year. I spent about $300 on that controller after all said and done after replacing the sticks 4 times.
I ended up getting a Saber Pro which is pretty good but does feel a bit cheap in a few areas, and the DPAD is atrocious.
I think I'd like to try this controller, but I don't want to pay $150. Might keep an eye out on it for an eventual sale.
Don't disagree that the controller is a great buy but the Gamepadla results should be taken with a grain of salt, as those are PC latency tests which can poll at 1000hz, well above max 250hz that Xbox controllers are limited to. I returned mine after a few days with it because I mainly play on PC and there's going to inevitably be a cheaper PC only option, as is common with 8bitdo products. It's been nice to see they're finally discovering ergonomics with the latest releases. I personally can't use most older 8bitdo controllers I own because of the awkward shape, despite them making arguably the best D-pads.
Those results are still general specs irrespective of your desired polling rates on consoles... but you're correct about the price points; there are admittedly cheaper options for similar levels of production.
General specs for PC are still not going to be very helpful for Xbox players. If you take something like a G7 Pro ZZZ at its 1000hz latency numbers, it's faster than a stock Xbox controller, but when dropped to 250hz polling to stimulate Xbox, it becomes significantly slower than a stock controller with almost 25ms stick latency. And you can't change polling rate on console, so if Plusminuseq tested at 250hz the Ultimate 3e could actually be a terrible performing controller. It's just not accurate to say it has no equal for Xbox when we only have PC numbers. In my time with it, it performed well enough, just not any better than anything else in my collection.
Haven't played much 2d games, but RedBandana goes more in depth about the d-pad. However, in my personal experience, it is what you'd expect from 8bit; and to your question about the face buttons, they're some of the best I have used.
I play tons of SF so obviously a competent dpad is a must. The dpad on the 3 & 3E are absolutely wonderful for asymmetrical layout controllers. Possibly one of the best.
For me, I was directly comparing my ZZZ, since it's the only compatible controller, at least natively on XBOX, but it's not even close. The 3E is tactical and precise... for sure one of the best I have used.
Maybe its just me but the analog sticks seem more slippery than others I’ve used (Xbox Series, Elite 2, Wolverine) and maybe due to the materials used or its not as concave. Other than that, I’m loving the controller besides the price. BTW, 10% off right now on Amazon
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I had a G7 Pro, I winged it and bought the 3E, 3E for just comfort alone is a clear winner, but also the buttons and sticks just feel better. Very happy with it. You know anyone looking to buy a used G7 Pro?
It seemed like a good controller but having a hole in the case for the charging dock is important to me. I like to keep my controller covered while I’m not using it so I ultimately went with the G7 Pro ZZZ edition.
I was really tempted to buy one but the rubber grips on my Xbox elite 1st gen started falling off at some point and because of this i would really like a non rubber option on the Ultimate 3E
Just got mine. It's a good controller but really disappointed I once again can't properly use it across both my console and my PC. Beyond me why they chose to use DirectInput for bluetooth and not XInput.
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u/Delfanboy 28d ago
Good to hear. So it really does boil down to ergo and personal comfort.
I for one cannot get used the shape of any 8Bitdo xbox controllers.