CES 2026: Gaming controllers are going modular this year

At CES 2026, several companies highlighted modular gaming controllers, including GameSir x Hyperkin's X5 Alteron and 8BitDo's Ultimate 3e, while OhSnap showed MCON Slim and MCON Lite prototypes aimed at smaller, lower-cost designs.

At CES 2026, multiple controller makers presented designs that emphasize modular parts and user-configurable layouts. The devices range from phone-focused stretch controllers to full-size pads with removable faceplates. Some products are shipping later this year while others remain prototypes still being refined. Pricing and exact availability vary by product and remain partly undecided. Key details: - GameSir x Hyperkin X5 Alteron is a telescoping mobile controller with hot-swappable face buttons and sticks that can be mixed into layouts such as Xbox, PlayStation-style, GameCube, Nintendo 64, and arcade configurations; it uses capacitive sticks and the company said it is targeting a $100 price but distribution and final pricing are not settled. - 8BitDo Ultimate 3e is officially licensed by Xbox and compatible with PC and mobile; it has a removable faceplate for swapping sticks, D-pad, and face buttons, and includes features from 8BitDo's Ultimate line such as a charging dock, extra macro buttons, trigger stops, a gyroscope, and 1,000 Hz polling, with a stated price of $150 and ship timing later this year. - OhSnap's MCON Slim and MCON Lite are prototype updates to the original MCON that use manual sliding mechanisms rather than a spring system, are much smaller, and are expected to cost between one-third and one-half of the current $150 model; design trade-offs include inline shoulder buttons and different thumb-input approaches (Slim uses circle pads, Lite uses dual trackpads). - Some elements remain undecided: GameSir's module bundling and pricing, OhSnap's internal debate over the trackpad model, and final release plans for at least one MCON variant. Summary: Modular designs were a clear trend at CES 2026, shown across mobile-focused and full-size controllers. Commercial details such as final prices, module bundles, and broad availability are still being worked out by the companies, and some models remain at the prototype stage.