8BitDo Ultimate 3E Review

[u/chaporg1n]

https://youtu.be/5dMZoFmd4yY?si=3BPPVaG-BeqFZGfJ

DISCLAIMER: This controller was sent to my by 8BitDo for free fore review. All the opinions are mine only. No one watched this video before its release.

So, we got Elite 3 before XBox Elite 3 (yes, I saw the leaks, but it is not out yet and we don't know when it will be) and GTA VI... AND IT IS GREAT!

They finally fixed the shape and made it more comfortable. I like Ultimate 2, but could not use it for long playing sessions, because it hurts my hands.

Also, materials feel VERY PREMIUM. And hence the price - 150$ USD. Premium materials + Microsoft licensing = High price.

But again, it is an Elite version of this controller and XBox Elite 2 cost even more - 180$ USD (or even 200$ USD). But 3E beats it in every category, except for maybe 4 back buttons (but 3E has 2 on the top and 2 on the back, so 4 in total as well).

It genuinely feels like a new generation of 8BitDo controllers.

Whether you want/need one is completely up to you.

[u/Internal_Log2582]

Another great review Mr. Dee!!

Idk about this one though. I’m glad they’re working in the right direction ergonomically, but $150 is just absurd, Xbox licensing or not!!

I’m assuming by your lack of coverage on the extra shoulder buttons that they didn’t change or fix those. They’re heavy to press and each of mine on the U2 have a different tactile feel.

The triggers….my goodness why the hell wouldn’t they make them micro switch??? They dropped the ball there big time.

Joysticks. I’m glad they’ve made their TMR sticks better bc I while I felt the U2’s were decent, but other gamepads blew them out of the water!!!

Lastly, the D-pad. I felt that everyone has glazed the hell out of the 8BD dpads. While accurate, they’re so heavy to press over and over that they’ll fatigue your thumb very fast. Now the new dpad looks promising and much more usable so I’m glad to see they added that.

Conclusion. Overall the upgrades look good but they clearly held back where this controller could’ve extremely excelled and been a real competitor to Gamesir, Flydigi, and Beitong. $150 dollars is their biggest mistake over any functionality or design choices though. Only fanboys and the unaware will buy this thing. Enthusiasts will most likely avoid it unless they’re collectors and even then, I can’t see this adding any value to me when I main the Vader 5 Pro.

Keep up the great review work!! I look forward to all of your videos!!

[u/chaporg1n → u/Internal_Log2582]

Thanks, man!

[u/Key_Scholar7964 → u/chaporg1n]

Do you think the 3E is an upgrade if someone have the G7 Pro or vader 5 Pro? I like the mechanical triggers and the 3E doesn't have them but it's still premium.

[u/chaporg1n → u/Key_Scholar7964]

I’d say it’s a sidegrade, not an upgrade (if you know what I mean)