8BitDo transforms controllers into stunning Tomb Raider artifacts
It’s hard to believe that we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Tomb Raider franchise. For anyone who grew up with Lara Croft, this milestone feels like a lifetime of adventures packed into a single memory. But the celebration doesn’t stop at the nostalgia; it extends into the realm of cutting-edge gaming hardware, as 8BitDo has released stunning anniversary editions of their controllers that are truly worthy of the legacy.
These special editions are more than just color schemes; they are a deep dive into the history of the series. 8BitDo has partnered with the classic legacy to release two official reskins of their best PC controllers: the Ultimate 3 and the Pro 3, each designed to pay tribute to different eras of the legend.
The Ultimate 3 controller is designed for the modern adventurer. It features striking gold details and designs that celebrate Lara Croft’s iconic presence, spreading dark golden silhouettes across the gamepad. This controller perfectly captures the contemporary spirit of the franchise, ready to face the next challenges in the world of gaming.
In contrast, the Pro 3 offers a more rugged, artifact-inspired aesthetic. This controller pays homage to the original games, specifically harkening back to the fearsome environment of the Lost Valley. Its charging stand is especially eye-catching, mimicking a stone plinth holding up a valuable relic, further solidifying its status as a collector’s item.
Beyond the aesthetics, these controllers deliver high-end performance. Both models incorporate advanced features crucial for serious gaming, including TMR sticks, hall-effect trigger buttons, remappable bumper buttons, and seamless Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless support. This ensures that while the designs are steeped in history, the functionality remains firmly rooted in modern, high-performance gaming standards.
For the enthusiast, the choice often comes down to preference. If you favor the modern, stylized appeal, the Ultimate 3 anniversary edition is a showstopper. If you prefer a design that channels the raw history of the franchise, the Pro 3, with its nod to the original PlayStation controller shape and interchangeable caps, offers a deeper sense of retro authenticity.
No matter which controller you choose, the result is a truly stunning blend of nostalgia and innovation. These anniversary editions prove that you don’t need to be an expert Tomb Raider adventurer to unearth the best gaming peripherals on the market. They are a perfect way to celebrate three decades of iconic exploration, offering collectors and gamers alike a piece of gaming history wrapped in brilliant, gold-plated detail.