Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Lightweight and cozy design
- Works on Windows, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch
- Hall-effect thumbsticks for long-term reliability
- Full remapping and customization help in 8BitDo app
Cons
- Includes charging dock with 2.4GHz adapter
- Nintendo Switch button structure could be complicated
- Bluetooth is buggy on Windows
- More costly than Xbox controller at $70
Our Verdict
The 8BitDo Ultimate is a good controller for Switch homeowners who additionally need to recreation on a PC.
Price When Reviewed
$69.99
Best Prices Today: 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller
$69.97
Most recreation controllers ape the Xbox controller, which is supported equally nicely on the Xbox consoles and Windows. The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller, nevertheless, borrows equally from the Xbox and Nintendo Switch Pro gamepads to create a sturdy, feature-rich controller that may very well be good for all of your gaming endeavors—offered you will get previous the training curve.
Further studying: See our roundup of the best Xbox controllers for PC to find out about competing merchandise.
8BitDo Ultimate Controller design and construct high quality
The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller has an attention-grabbing combination of design parts. It’s the identical approximate measurement and form because the Xbox Series S/X controller, providing a extra hand-friendly really feel than the Switch Pro controller. The chassis is clean matte plastic, aside from the underside of the grips, which have a effective bumpy texture just like the Xbox controller. There are not any uncovered screws, however there are a couple of unpleasant seams.
There are buttons in all of the locations you’d count on, however this controller has the Switch button structure as a substitute of the Xbox one. The the rest of the structure is lavatory normal for Windows and Switch controllers. There are two asymmetrical thumbsticks, a d-pad, and the shoulder buttons and triggers up high. The 8BitDo Ultimate Controller additionally has face buttons for choose/begin, turbo, menu, and profile swapping. Flip the machine over, and also you’ll see two extra buttons on the grips. These are absolutely customizable within the 8BitDo app.
underside is house to 2 customizable buttons, a change for Bluethooth / 2.4GHz choice, and contacts for the included dock.
Ryan Whitwam / Foundry
The thumbsticks stand out from the gang with their “Hall effect” sensing mechanism. Most gamepads use electrical resistance to trace thumbstick place, however the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller makes use of magnets. This makes the {hardware} resistant to drifting—a typical sort of {hardware} failure that causes thumbsticks to register motion at relaxation.
Dead heart on the again are two necessary {hardware} options: a change to flip the controller between Bluetooth and a couple of.4GHz, and a trio of contacts that join the controller with the included dock. The dock costs the controller and has built-in 2.4GHz help when linked to a PC over USB. There can also be a USB-C port on the highest fringe of the Ultimate Controller, however the dock is a way more handy technique to preserve it topped up.
8BitDo Ultimate Controller options and hands-on expertise
The 8BitDo Ultimate Controller is likely one of the most snug wi-fi controllers we’ve examined due to the compact type issue and low mass. You can inform as quickly as you choose up the 8BitDo that it’s on the sunshine aspect—228g, to be exact. That’s a giant drop from the Xbox controller at greater than 300g with batteries.
The d-pad doesn’t have the helpful dish form of Microsoft’s newer controllers, however the plain cross-shaped management is extra secure and correct than the Switch Pro Controller. The ABXY buttons have a pleasant, tactile really feel, too. However, you’ll have to regulate to the Switch button structure. All the system buttons are clustered towards the center of the controller, making them simple to achieve however protecting them out of vary of unintended presses.
makes use of the Switch structure.
Ryan Whitwam / Foundry
We’re fairly smitten with the thumbsticks, that are buttery clean and absolutely customizable, due to the Hall-effect sensors. In 8BitDo’s Ultimate software program, you may management the dimensions of the useless zones, flip instructions, and extra. That similar freedom extends to the remainder of the controls, that are absolutely configurable within the app. This can also be the place you may map buttons to the paddle buttons.
The Ultimate software program is general good when you get the dangle of it. The interface is typically inconsistent, but it surely’s serviceable to map buttons and alter profiles. However, it’s important to use USB or 2.4GHz to sync—we had common points with Bluetooth help on Windows. You’ll need to depart it in 2.4GHz mode for PC gaming and change to Bluetooth for Switch and cellular.
8BitDo claims 22 hours of play time per cost. We didn’t get fairly that a lot, however with a mixture of Bluetooth and a couple of.4GHz, the 8BitDo Ultimate made it over 18 hours earlier than dying. An Xbox controller will final you longer, however the 8BitDo Ultimate has a built-in 1,000mAh battery, whereas Microsoft’s base mannequin controller nonetheless wants AAs or an add-on rechargeable pack. Regardless, the 8BitDo Ultimate lasts greater than lengthy sufficient, and the charging dock makes it simple to maintain it juiced up.
Even in case you don’t have a Switch, the 8BitDo Ultimate is likely one of the greatest PC controllers by way of {hardware} and options.
8BitDo Ultimate Controller compatibility
8BitDo makes two very comparable Ultimate controllers. The Bluetooth model we’re testing has the widest compatibility. With a USB-C port, it’s simple to attach the controller to a PC or console the old school method in case you so select. This model retails for $70, and the non-Bluetooth is $50. That model solely has 2.4GHz help for PC gaming—no Switch or cellular Bluetooth help.
For wi-fi mode, you’ll need to keep on with 2.4GHz on Windows, which works a lot better than Bluetooth. If you employ Steam, there are some settings for controlling how non-Xbox controllers are used. For cellular units or the Nintendo Switch, Bluetooth is the way in which to go. If you’re a Switch proprietor, this machine affords a giant improve over the Joy-Cons. It even has a gyroscope inside, so that you’ll get the complete Switch expertise.
The button structure would be the greatest compatibility situation. Depending on the settings and button mapping, your in-game controls may not match the legends on the buttons, or the ABXY button order can be completely different. In both case, switching to this controller will include a little bit of a studying curve. If you aren’t already dedicated to the usual Xbox structure, then it’ll be simple to adapt.
appropriate with a wide range of units.
Ryan Whitwam / Foundry
Is the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller price it?
The 8BitDo has so much going for it with the Ultimate Controller. The compact, light-weight design makes it snug to carry for lengthy durations, and the Hall-effect thumbsticks must be completely clean for years to return. We additionally like having a full customization app to regulate controller settings, together with the choice to assign controls to the rear paddle buttons.
The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller has large compatibility, together with Windows, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. The possibility to make use of 2.4GHz and Bluetooth is appreciated, however it will be good if Bluetooth wasn’t buggy on Windows. On the upside, 8BitDo features a charging dock with the controller, and it has a 2.4GHz dongle built-in. So, you might need to toggle the wi-fi mode, however we’ve had no bother utilizing the Ultimate Controller on our units.
You can pay slightly extra for this controller—it’s $70 versus about $60 for the usual Xbox gamepad. However, 8BitDo’s controller has an built-in rechargeable battery and extra sturdy {hardware}. The greatest situation for PC avid gamers would be the button structure, which follows the Switch association.
If you play video games on each Switch and PC, this controller is a no brainer. Even in case you don’t have a Switch, the 8BitDo is likely one of the greatest PC controllers by way of {hardware} and options.