The Tomb Raider franchise is hitting a major milestone this year, marking three decades since Lara Croft first graced our screens. While fans are busy looking ahead to the 2027 releases of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst, 8BitDo is giving us a reason to look back at the classics. The peripheral manufacturer has officially teased a pair of special edition controllers designed to commemorate the series' 30th anniversary.
Following a partnership announcement earlier this year, 8BitDo dropped a cryptic 23-second teaser video. The clip captures the nostalgic aesthetic of playing the original title on a bulky CRT television before panning out to reveal the silhouettes of two upcoming gamepads. While the brand has kept the specific colorways and branding under wraps, the hardware outlines and associated hashtags make it clear which models are receiving the anniversary treatment.
Which Controllers Are Getting the Tomb Raider Makeover?
The teaser confirms that the tribute will be built upon two of 8BitDo's most popular current-gen platforms. The first is an iteration of the 8BitDo 3, a controller that has already earned a reputation for its versatility and drift-resistant hall-effect sticks. Currently retailing for $99.99, the 3 is a solid foundation for a collector's item, and we expect the Tomb Raider edition to feature unique shell motifs or color schemes inspired by Lara's iconic gear.
The second controller in the lineup is the 8BitDo Pro 3, which is priced at $59.98. Since its release last year, the Pro 3 has been available in four standard colors, making this the first time the model is receiving a game-specific special edition. For fans of the Pro 3's retro-inspired layout, this marks a significant shift, as the company is finally leaning into licensed aesthetics for its newer hardware.
What to Expect Regarding Availability
8BitDo has not yet provided a concrete release date or pricing for these anniversary editions, but the community is hoping for a swift rollout. Historical context suggests a need for patience, however. Earlier this year, the company announced the 8BitDo 3E at CES, only to delay its market arrival until late August.
Given that the 30th-anniversary celebration is currently in full swing, it is likely that these controllers will drop in the coming months to capitalize on the milestone. Whether you are a die-hard Tomb Raider completionist or simply in the market for a high-quality, third-party controller with a bit of extra flair, these gamepads are shaping up to be a standout addition to any retro-gaming shelf.
