CES 2026: Game Controllers Will Go Modular This Year.

Game controllers are one of those things I really love to collect, but living in a small New York City apartment, you can only have so much. At CES this year, I saw three new controllers that look like they’ll be the last ones I’ll ever need (at least for specific systems). Modularity seems to be trending, and all three devices aim to meet all your needs. However, they haven’t yet decided which approach is best.

GameSir x Hyperkin X5 Alteron

The GameSir x Hyperkin X5 Alteron controller is perhaps the cutest on this list, especially if you grew up playing on a GameCube or Nintendo 64. It’s essentially a telescopic mobile controller that extends to fit your phone or small tablet, but the cool thing is that all the buttons and thumbsticks come as interchangeable modules that can be freely combined to create different configurations.

You can use the standard Xbox-style layout. You can also choose symmetrical PlayStation-style thumbsticks. You can also use the GameCube or Nintendo 64-style button configuration, which is a unique feature. There are even options with a six-button arcade layout or a Steam Deck-style touchpad.

Essentially, if done correctly, this thing will suit any of your mobile gaming needs. You can even get creative and set up a GameCube layout for your left hand and a Nintendo 64 layout for your right.

The various configurations are easy to install and remove, yet they don’t feel wobbly while using the controller. There are also additional features, such as rear paddles and trigger stops, for additional buttons and faster response. The sticks are also capacitive, which essentially means they shouldn’t drift, but they also won’t cause magnetic interference like Hall-effect or TMR sticks (other popular anti-drift technologies).

What’s the catch? While it’s not yet a concept, pricing and availability haven’t been determined yet. GameSir also told me that they’re still working out distribution details, so it’s unclear how many control modules will come with the controller, whether they’ll be available for purchase separately, and how much they’ll cost. The company has stated that it plans to release the game for $100, but that could change, and they’re still deciding how to implement it.

Another issue, of course, is that this is a mobile-only device, although GameSir has stated that a more traditional version may be released in the future. This isn’t the first controller with quick-swappable modules, but others are typically professional-grade and don’t offer as many options as the X5 Alteron.

8BitDo Ultimate 3e

8BitDo is one of my favorite controller companies, especially retro-style ones. Last year, they tried their hand at modular design with the 8BitDo Pro 3. It was a PlayStation-style controller that allowed you to customize any of the four primary buttons on the face, arranging them in any order you like, making it easy to switch between Xbox (ABXY) and Nintendo (BAYX) layouts. Now, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3e takes this concept to the next level.

Officially licensed by Xbox but also compatible with PC and mobile devices, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3e controller looks like a standard Xbox controller at first glance, but features a removable faceplate that opens up a variety of options. Once removed, you can remove the thumbsticks, D-pad, or face buttons and replace them with buttons with different tactile sensations.

The overall control scheme remains the same—there’s no way to emulate the GameCube, change the ABXY button order, or reposition the joystick. However, you can choose between a four-way or circular D-pad, as well as joysticks of varying lengths and grip types. ABXY button modules are also available in both silent silicone and clicky microswitch versions.

These are very comprehensive control options, and they complement the 8BitDo Ultimate controller’s standard features, such as the included charging dock, extra macro buttons, trigger travel stops, a gyro sensor, and 1000Hz polling.

According to 8BitDo, the Ultimate 3e controller will cost $150 and come with all necessary control options. Shipping is scheduled for later this year.

New models for MCON

When I reviewed the MCON magnetic game controller late last year , I really wanted to like it. It was my favorite product from last year’s CES , but when it launched, I had a few issues that made me feel like it wasn’t quite finished. Well, it’s still in the prototype stage, but OhSnap, the MCON’s maker, is currently working on two new MCON models that aim to address almost all of my issues with the original device.

These versions of the device, dubbed MCON Slim and MCON Lite, are significantly smaller and should be significantly cheaper than the version currently on the market, while retaining nearly all of its features. This required some compromises, but ultimately, it seems like a step in the right direction.

First, both the MCON Slim and MCON Lite have manual slide-out controls. This means the controls are usually tucked behind the phone, but here they can be pulled out, like on an old Android keyboard. I actually prefer this. The original MCON uses a spring-loaded slide-out mechanism, which is quite stiff and can knock the phone over if you’re not careful.

Secondly, when I say they’re smaller, I mean it. If the original MCON felt like plugging a MagSafe power bank into your phone, these feel much more like using a MagSafe wallet. The size of the original model didn’t bother me too much, but what’s truly impressive is how much thinner it is in the new models.

Finally, while pricing hasn’t been finalized yet, I was told at MCON that the new models will cost between one-third and one-half the current price. That’s a huge discount compared to the pricey $150 original model, even though these new models address some of my concerns with it.

Honestly, you’re missing out a bit here, but not much. The MCON Slim and MCON Lite still have stand mode and a full button layout, but the shoulder buttons and joysticks are arranged differently. Both the Slim and Lite have “row” shoulder buttons, meaning the L1/R1 and L2/R2 buttons are arranged horizontally next to each other, rather than stacked. This isn’t a big deal for me, but some may prefer a console-style button layout. The more significant differences lie in the joysticks.

The MCON Slim uses circular 3DS-style joysticks instead of the Switch’s analog sticks, which is what makes it so big. I’m not a huge fan of them, but I’ve never had any issues using them. The MCON Lite, on the other hand, uses dual trackpads instead of analog sticks. This makes it even smaller than the Slim, but I’ve never had a good experience using trackpads for analog input. It might be useful for games that require a mouse, though.

So, what makes them modular? Besides expanding the model selection and retaining the detachable stand feature of the original MCON, one of the reasons for their thinness is the use of custom back panels designed for specific phone models, whereas the original model used a bulkier, one-size-fits-all solution.

The MCON Slim and MCON Lite are the most conceptual devices on this list, but OhSnap assured me that at least one of them will hit the market, hopefully this year. Apparently, the company is still debating whether to release a model with a touchpad.

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