Thirty years of Tomb Raider calls for something a little more distinctive than another black gamepad. 8BitDo’s anniversary collection gives the Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox and Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad a Lara Croft-inspired makeover, complete with matching accessories. Both build on familiar 8BitDo designs, so you’re getting established controller layouts dressed for the occasion.
The Ultimate 3 anniversary edition costs $119.99, while the Pro 3 anniversary edition is $79.99. These themed versions carry a premium over their standard counterparts, and each supports a different mix of gaming platforms. Start with the systems you play on, then pick your piece of Tomb Raider history. The official anniversary collection page links to preorder options.
Two Designs Inspired by Tomb Raider’s History
The Ultimate 3 for Xbox celebrates Lara Croft’s changing appearance throughout the franchise. Its gold-colored shell features silhouettes representing different eras of the character, accompanied by black controls and a gold-colored zinc-alloy directional pad. The matching charging dock incorporates Tomb Raider symbols and anniversary branding.
The Pro 3 takes inspiration from Lost Valley, a memorable location in the original 1996 Tomb Raider. Its sandstone-colored shell features vegetation, ancient symbols, and geometric patterns, while the matching dock continues the theme. The package also includes interchangeable joystick caps that complement the anniversary design.
Both controllers preserve the general layouts of their standard counterparts, pairing familiar controls with anniversary artwork and matching accessories.
Ultimate 3 for Xbox Offers Adjustable Controls
The Ultimate 3 is designed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs. It supports wired and 2.4GHz wireless connections on those systems, while Bluetooth extends compatibility to supported Android and Apple devices.
Its TMR analog sticks use magnetic sensing instead of conventional contact-based potentiometers. This reduces one source of electrical contact wear, although it does not eliminate every possible cause of stick drift or mechanical failure.
Price: $119.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
Adjustable joystick tension allows players to change stick resistance, while Hall-effect impulse triggers include selectable stops for shorter or longer travel. These adjustments accommodate different control preferences, including gradual trigger inputs in racing games and shorter trigger movement in shooters.
The anniversary edition features a gold-colored zinc-alloy directional pad and a Dual Force Ring joystick mechanism. 8BitDo describes the silicone ring as a soft stop beneath the joystick. We have not independently tested how the D-pad and cushioning affect comfort or control.
Two programmable rear buttons and additional L4 and R4 shoulder buttons provide extra inputs. On compatible Windows PCs, the controller supports polling rates of up to 1,000Hz, although that maximum does not apply to every supported platform.
The package includes a matching wireless charging dock, 2.4GHz adapter, USB cable, and manual. Its rechargeable 1,000mAh battery is rated for up to 20 hours of use, with actual endurance depending on settings and usage. A 3.5mm headset jack supports compatible wired audio accessories.
Pro 3 Bluetooth Supports Nintendo and PC Gaming
The Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad supports Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Windows, SteamOS, Android, and compatible Apple devices. Connection methods and available functions vary by platform, making it important to check compatibility before purchasing.
Its symmetrical analog stick arrangement and prominent directional pad provide a different layout from the Xbox-oriented Ultimate 3. This configuration may appeal to players accustomed to Nintendo-style controllers or those who prefer using a directional pad for platformers and retro games.
The Pro 3 also features TMR analog sticks and Hall-effect triggers. Selectable trigger modes allow users to switch between linear travel and a more tactile response, while two rear buttons and additional shoulder inputs provide customizable controls.
Price: $79.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
Interchangeable magnetic ABXY buttons allow users to adjust the button arrangement for supported layouts. Six-axis motion controls are available on compatible Nintendo Switch and Steam platforms, providing another input method for games that support motion features.
The anniversary package includes a matching charging dock, 2.4GHz wireless adapter, USB cable, ABXY button puller, two themed joystick caps, and two ball-top caps.
What Does the Anniversary Premium Buy?
The Tomb Raider editions cost more than their standard counterparts. The regular Ultimate 3 for Xbox is priced at $99.99, making the anniversary version $20 more expensive. The standard Pro 3 costs $69.99, placing its themed counterpart $10 higher.
The Ultimate 3 anniversary edition combines exclusive artwork with a gold-colored zinc-alloy directional pad and 8BitDo’s Dual Force Ring joystick mechanism. The Pro 3’s premium primarily reflects its Lost Valley artwork and themed accessories, while retaining the standard model’s essential control hardware.
Compatibility remains the more important consideration. The Ultimate 3 supports Xbox consoles, while the Pro 3 supports Nintendo systems and several other platforms but not Xbox consoles. Neither model lists native PlayStation 5 compatibility.
Which 8BitDo Tomb Raider Controller Should You Buy?
The Ultimate 3 is suited to Xbox and Windows players who want adjustable joystick tension, programmable inputs, and a controller celebrating Lara Croft’s history. It includes a metal directional pad and cushioned stick mechanism, although its $119.99 price makes it the more expensive of the two anniversary models.
The Pro 3 is aimed at Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and multiplatform users who prefer symmetrical sticks. At $79.99, it offers a more affordable anniversary design, with Lost Valley artwork that directly references the original Tomb Raider.
Both controllers combine collectible presentation with modern control features. For longtime Tomb Raider fans, the exclusive designs provide a reason to consider either model. Buyers primarily interested in functionality can save money with the standard versions, particularly the Pro 3, which retains the same core gaming features.
