If you're a gamer who loves to collect controllers but finds yourself running out of space, the latest innovations from CES 2026 might just offer the solution you've been searching for. This year, the focus is squarely on modularity, with several new gaming controllers aiming to be the last ones you'll ever need. While the approach to achieving ultimate customization varies, the trend is clear: gaming controllers are going modular.
The Rise of the Modular Controller
For years, gamers have sought personalized experiences, and controller design is no exception. The concept of a single controller adapting to various playstyles and preferences is no longer a distant dream. At CES 2026, several manufacturers are showcasing groundbreaking modular designs that promise to cater to a wide spectrum of gaming needs, from retro enthusiasts to competitive players.
GameSir x Hyperkin X5 Alteron: A Chameleon for Your Hands
Leading the charge in extreme customization is the GameSir x Hyperkin X5 Alteron. This telescopic mobile controller is designed to fit around smartphones and small tablets, but its true magic lies in its hot-swappable face buttons and analog sticks. Imagine a controller that can transform its layout on the fly to mimic classic consoles or modern standards.
This innovative device allows users to mix and match modules to create virtually any configuration. Want an Xbox-style symmetrical layout? Done. Prefer PlayStation's offset thumbsticks? Easy. The X5 Alteron even offers modules for classic GameCube or Nintendo 64 button layouts, a unique nod to retro gaming history. For those who lean towards PC gaming on the go, a Steam Deck-style trackpad module is also available, alongside a six-button arcade layout.
The flexibility extends to truly unconventional setups, such as assigning a GameCube layout to the left hand and an N64 layout to the right. The modules click into place securely, offering a stable feel during intense gameplay, and feature additional enhancements like back paddles and trigger stops for competitive advantages. Furthermore, the capacitive analog sticks are designed to prevent drift without causing magnetic interference, a common issue with other anti-drift technologies like Hall Effect or TMR sticks.
While the X5 Alteron is not a concept, its final pricing and availability are still being determined. GameSir is working through distribution challenges, and it remains unclear how many modules will be included, if they'll be sold separately, and at what cost. The company is targeting a $100 price point, but this is subject to change. Currently, this modular marvel is mobile-exclusive, though a traditional console version is being considered for the future. It stands out from other modular controllers by offering a significantly wider array of configuration options.
8BitDo Ultimate 3e: Refined Customization for Xbox Fans
8BitDo, a company renowned for its high-quality retro-style controllers, is enhancing its modular offerings with the Ultimate 3e. Building on the foundation of last year's 8BitDo Pro 3, which allowed for individual face button swapping, the Ultimate 3e takes modularity a significant step further.
Officially licensed by Xbox and compatible with PC and mobile devices, the Ultimate 3e presents a familiar Xbox aesthetic. However, its removable faceplate unlocks a world of customization. Players can easily swap out analog sticks, the D-Pad, and face buttons to tailor the feel and functionality to their exact preferences. This allows for personalization such as choosing between a four-way or circular D-Pad, or selecting sticks with different lengths and grip textures.
The ABXY button modules themselves come in two distinct styles: a quiet, silicone version for stealthy gameplay and a tactile, clicky micro-switch version for satisfying feedback. While the overall layout remains consistent with a standard Xbox controller--you won't be repositioning sticks or changing button order dramatically--these subtle modifications can significantly impact comfort and performance. For instance, gamers who prefer a more pronounced click can opt for the micro-switch buttons, enhancing their tactile experience during long gaming sessions.
Beyond its modular capabilities, the Ultimate 3e boasts 8BitDo's signature features, including a charging dock, programmable macro buttons, trigger stops, a gyroscope, and a 1,000Hz polling rate for ultra-responsive input. 8BitDo plans to release the Ultimate 3e later this year with a price tag of $150, which will include all available customization options.
MCON Slim and Lite: Streamlined Mobile Gaming Solutions
OhSnap, the creators of the MCON magnetic gaming controller, are addressing feedback from their initial product with two new, more compact models: the MCON Slim and MCON Lite. These prototypes aim to fix issues found in the original MCON, which, despite being a favorite from a previous CES, had some market-ready shortcomings.
Both the Slim and Lite versions feature manual sliding mechanisms for their controls, a departure from the original's spring-loaded system. This manual slide is less jarring and reduces the risk of accidentally launching your phone. The most striking improvement is their size; these new models are significantly smaller, feeling more like a MagSafe wallet than the original's MagSafe battery pack-like bulk. This reduction in size is impressive, especially considering they retain most of the original's functionality.
While pricing is not yet finalized, OhSnap expects the new models to cost between one-third and half the price of the original $150 MCON. This substantial price reduction, coupled with the addressed usability issues, makes these new MCONs highly appealing. For example, the ability to easily slide controls out when needed and tuck them away when not significantly improves the everyday portability of a gaming-equipped phone.
Compromises have been made to achieve the smaller form factor. Both models include a kickstand and a full set of buttons, but the shoulder buttons and thumbsticks are implemented differently. They feature "inline" shoulder buttons, meaning L1/R1 and L2/R2 are placed horizontally side-by-side, which might not appeal to those accustomed to a console-style stacked layout. The thumbstick implementation also differs: the MCON Slim uses 3DS-style circle pads, which are compact but may not offer the same precision as traditional thumbsticks for all users. The MCON Lite goes even smaller by using dual trackpads instead of thumbsticks, potentially useful for mouse-driven games but less ideal for analog control.
The modularity of the MCON Slim and Lite is partly achieved through custom backplates designed for specific phones, allowing for a slimmer profile compared to the original's universal, bulkier solution. OhSnap is confident that at least one of these models will reach the market, with hopes for a release this year. Debates continue internally regarding the viability of the trackpad version, suggesting that the MCON Slim might be the more likely candidate for release.
The Future is Modular
CES 2026 is clearly signaling a significant shift in the gaming controller market. The emphasis on modularity across different brands and product types--from mobile-first solutions to console-adjacent designs--suggests a future where gamers can truly tailor their hardware to their unique needs. Whether it's the extreme customization of the GameSir x Hyperkin X5 Alteron, the refined approach of the 8BitDo Ultimate 3e, or the streamlined mobile focus of the MCON Slim and Lite, the trend towards ces 2026: gaming controllers that adapt to the player, rather than the other way around, is undeniable. This evolution promises a more personalized and potentially more accessible gaming future for everyone.
