Microsoft Loosens Restrictions on Wireless Xbox Controllers; 8BitDo Launches First Licensed Fight Stick for Xbox

Microsoft seems to be loosening its restrictions on the use of the proprietary wireless technology behind the Xbox controllers. Sources from Windows Central report this. At the same time, 8BitDo comes with the first licensed, wireless fight stick for the Xbox.

8BitDo’s fightstick is only the second unofficial wireless controller licensed for the Xbox One and Series. Recently came also PowerA with a wireless third-party Xbox controller. Before that, the landscape of wireless third-party Xbox controllers consisted only of the offer from Razer, and that’s the standard Microsoft hardware with just a different imprint. Microsoft seems to have recently opened the doors to such third-party wireless controllers for Xbox consoles. That anonymous sources from Windows Central also agree. Before the advent of the PowerA controller, players could only choose from the Official Controller, the Elite Controller, and the Adaptive Controller.

The 8BitDo fight stick therefore also supports that wireless protocol of the Xbox One and Series at 2.4GHz, but can also connect to the console or a Windows PC via USB-C. The battery should last 30 hours without headphones connected and 20 hours with. The 1000mAh battery must be charged in 4 hours.

Furthermore, the standard functions of more expensive 8BitDo hardware are present. For example, there is support for the Ultimate software, in which button mappings and profiles can be adjusted. In addition, the buttons and the stick can be replaced by other hardware if desired. There are models in white and black. 8BitDo does not yet mention availability and a price. The company is currently only linking to Amazon US for preorders, but they are not open yet.