Rare’s 40th Anniversary Xbox Controller Leaked

A new Xbox controller designed for Rare‘s 40th anniversary has surfaced, listed on Amazon, ahead of its official announcement. While this special hardware, which pays tribute to the renowned game studio’s history, has not yet been confirmed by Microsoft or Rare, it is expected to become official with an announcement from the controller’s manufacturer, 8BitDo, in the near future.

A New Rare-Themed Xbox Controller on the Way

According to leaked information, this 40th-anniversary Xbox controller is not Microsoft’s own hardware. The controller was developed by 8BitDo and is the company’s first 2.4G wireless Xbox controller. The device will be compatible with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Android, and iOS platforms.

Features like Hall Effect analog sticks and “Pro Back Buttons” are noteworthy, while the design pays homage to Rare’s classic gaming heritage. While images of the controller have been leaked on Amazon, an official announcement hasn’t been released yet. However, 8BitDo’s announcement last week on social media that it would unveil its “first Xbox wireless controller” today has drawn attention to the product.

Rare’s long-standing preference for August 4th for anniversary celebrations suggests the leak may be accurate. For example, five years ago, an event for Sea of Thieves began on this date, and ten years ago, the retro collection Rare Replay was released on this day. Therefore, this date holds significant significance for Rare.

However, this celebration came on the heels of internal turmoil within the company. Microsoft’s mass layoffs in July also affected Rare. The long-developed Everwild project was canceled, and key figures like game designer Gregg Mayles, with over 35 years of experience, and producer Louise O’Connor left the company. The controller’s launch will come at a time that is both nostalgic and emotional.

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