The holiday season is a prime time for gamers to upgrade their setups, and it seems accessory maker 8BitDo is ensuring it has a new option under the tree. Fresh off the heels of their recent 40th-anniversary celebrations for the NES, the company appears to have a new, budget-friendly wireless controller in the works, slated for a December release.
The news comes from renowned gaming deal hunter Wario64, who often gets early looks at upcoming products. Through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, he provided the first glimpse of the unannounced peripheral, which is currently listed on Amazon under the simple, placeholder name "8BitDo Controller."
While details are still officially under wraps, the Amazon listing has already revealed several key specifications that point to another compelling value proposition from the brand.
What We Know So Far: Connectivity, Platform, and a New Color
A deep dive into the Amazon listing page provides a solid foundation for what to expect from this mysterious new gamepad.
- Wireless Connectivity for PC and Android: The listing confirms the controller is wireless and compatible with both Android devices and PCs. For those familiar with 8BitDo's product lineup, this specific wording strongly suggests the controller will support dual connectivity modes: a 2.4GHz dongle for a lag-free experience on PC and Bluetooth for seamless pairing with Android phones, tablets, and potentially the Steam Deck.
- Sleek New Black Finish: The provided product images show the controller sporting a sleek, all-black color scheme. This is a notable departure from the company's recent Ultimate 2C Wireless controller, which launched in a variety of vibrant colors like yellow, green, and purple, but not a standard black option. This new model could be the go-to choice for gamers seeking a more subdued, classic look.
- Competitive Price Point: Perhaps the most exciting detail is the price. Amazon has listed the controller with a launch price of $29.99. This positions it directly alongside 8BitDo's popular Ultimate 2C series, cementing its role as an affordable, high-value entry in the company's portfolio.
Is This an Ultimate 2C Refresh or Something New?
The $29.99 price tag and core feature set naturally lead to comparisons with the existing Ultimate 2C model. However, it is still too early to confirm if this is a simple color variant or a subtle hardware refresh. The minimalist "8BitDo Controller" name could be a placeholder, with a more marketing-friendly name like "Ultimate 2C Black Edition" likely to be revealed closer to launch.
The timing is also strategic. With a listed release date of December 8, 2025, 8BitDo is positioning this controller perfectly for the holiday shopping rush. This gives the company ample time to build hype, with a formal announcement and marketing campaign expected to begin in late November or early December.
For gamers on a budget or anyone looking for a reliable, multi-platform controller, this new device is already shaping up to be a compelling option. Its potential dual-mode connectivity covers the two most popular gaming platforms outside of consoles, and the classic black design offers a versatile look for any setup.
As we await an official announcement from 8BitDo, you can keep an eye on the product page for yourself to be among the first to order when it goes live.
Stay tuned for more details as they develop.
