Thirty years after Lara Croft first stepped into the spotlight, Tomb Raider remains one of gaming’s most recognisable names. To celebrate the milestone, 8BitDo has given two of its existing controllers an archaeological makeover, with official anniversary editions heading to UK retailers in November.
First unveiled in September, the collaboration comprises the Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad and Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox. Rather than introducing entirely new controller platforms, 8BitDo has reworked the appearance of familiar hardware around two different interpretations of Lara Croft’s legacy.
Two controllers, two sides of Lara Croft
The Pro 3 looks back to the original 1996 adventure. Its sandstone palette, ancient patterns and jungle-inspired details draw on Lost Valley, the memorable setting of Tomb Raider’s early dinosaur encounter. The themed charging dock continues the weathered-relic aesthetic, while interchangeable joystick caps and magnetic ABXY buttons offer practical customisation alongside the nostalgia.
The Ultimate 3 for Xbox takes a broader view, with a golden shell featuring silhouettes of Lara Croft from different periods in the series. Its matching charging dock and gold-toned D-pad give the controller a distinctly commemorative appearance.
8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth: a tribute to Lost Valley
Underneath the anniversary design, the Pro 3 offers TMR joysticks, Hall-effect triggers, two rear buttons, additional remappable bumpers, a tactile D-pad and interchangeable magnetic face buttons. Six-axis motion control is supported on Switch and Steam, and the included dock provides a convenient place to charge the controller between sessions.
Compatibility includes Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Windows, SteamOS, Android and Apple devices, although available connection methods vary by platform. For example, Windows supports the included 2.4GHz adapter or USB, while Switch offers Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and wired options.
Explore the Pro 3’s official specifications and photography at 8BitDo.
Ultimate 3 for Xbox: celebrating Lara through the decades
The Ultimate 3 edition is aimed at players who prefer an Xbox-style controller layout. Its features include TMR sticks, Hall-effect triggers with selectable stops, rear buttons and a matching charging dock. It supports Xbox consoles and Windows PCs via wired or 2.4GHz connections, with Bluetooth compatibility for supported mobile devices.
The central distinction is visual: where the Pro 3 evokes a specific location from Lara’s first adventure, the Ultimate 3 celebrates the character’s evolution across the franchise.
UK release date and pricing
| Controller | UK MSRP | Expected UK availability |
|---|---|---|
| Pro 3 Bluetooth, Tomb Raider 30th Anniversary Edition | £69.99 | 13 November 2026 |
| Ultimate 3 for Xbox, Tomb Raider 30th Anniversary Edition | £94.99 | 13 November 2026 |
European distributor Game Outlet Europe has confirmed these recommended retail prices and the expected 13 November availability across UK and European retailers. Actual stock and retailer delivery dates may vary.
Why Tomb Raider still matters thirty years on
When Tomb Raider arrived in 1996, its mixture of exploration, environmental puzzles and cinematic ambition helped define an era of 3D gaming. Lara Croft became a recognisable figure well beyond the games themselves, and the series has since passed through multiple creative reinventions.
Anniversary merchandise can sometimes feel like a logo applied to an existing product. Here, at least, the two designs attempt something more specific. The Lost Valley details will resonate with players who remember the original adventure, while the Ultimate 3 acknowledges that Lara’s identity has changed considerably over three decades.
The Coloured Static Press perspective
These are commemorative versions of existing controllers, not a new generation of 8BitDo hardware. That matters when considering the asking prices. Buyers are paying for established controller features and the licensed anniversary finish, not a new performance breakthrough.
On paper, the Pro 3 may be the more interesting option for players moving between PC, Nintendo platforms and handheld gaming, while the Ultimate 3 offers a more natural fit for Xbox users. The designs are certainly appealing, but comfort, button feel, wireless reliability and value deserve hands-on testing before either receives a recommendation from us.
For now, this is an attractive celebration of one of gaming’s longest-running adventure franchises, and a reminder of just how far Lara Croft has travelled since 1996.
Sources: 8BitDo’s official anniversary collection, Pro 3 product specifications and Game Outlet Europe’s UK and EU distribution announcement. Coloured Static Press has not yet tested either anniversary controller.