Update: The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth controller is on sale for an ideal worth at Amazon. The black mannequin is all the way down to $59.50 (click on the coupon field), and the white mannequin is $63. Both variants include a charging dock that doubles as a show stand. The Ultimate is our choose for the perfect PC controller in 2023, and it is the perfect Pro controller various for Switch. It’s additionally a pleasant alternative for Steam Deck homeowners. With stellar ergonomics, very good customization choices, and assist for each 2.4GHz wi-fi and Bluetooth, the 8BitDo Ultimate is a high-performing pro-style controller with a funds worth.If you wish to be taught extra concerning the 8BitDo Ultimate, try our full evaluate under (initially printed in November 2022).Third-party controller producer 8BitDo has launched no scarcity of nice controllers for Nintendo Switch and different platforms, however a lot of them fall into the class of “situational” choices–controllers that are perfect for sure video games and genres. The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Switch controller is a distinct beast. Not solely does it have very good ergonomics, pro-style options, and customization galore, nevertheless it additionally comes with a charging stand and may join through Bluetooth or 2.4GHz.The sturdy function set makes the 8BitDo Ultimate the priciest conventional gamepad from the producer but at $70. Yet, that is the identical worth as Nintendo’s official Pro controller. For the primary time for the reason that Switch launched 5 years in the past, there is a controller for docked mode that surpasses the Pro controller. If you are in search of a brand new Switch controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate is the one to purchase.One of the apparent the reason why the 8BitDo Ultimate is a superb various to the Switch Pro controller is its kind issue and button structure. The Ultimate has the identical common structure with offset sticks and ergonomic handles. Prior to the Ultimate, 8BitDo’s premium Switch controllers (such because the Pro 2) had aligned joysticks like PlayStation controllers. The Pro 2 was and nonetheless is nice for a lot of forms of video games, however its kind issue made it excel significantly with retro video games. The Ultimate is barely extra compact than Nintendo’s Pro controller, although it nonetheless feels pure to make use of, at the same time as somebody who has spent 5 years with the Pro controller. That mentioned, when you have massive fingers, it might take some getting used to or really feel a bit cramped in comparison with the Pro controller and even an Xbox controller.The 8BitDo Ultimate comes with a charging dock.The face buttons have a dome design that make them really feel nearly precisely like Xbox controller inputs. Meanwhile, the shoulder buttons and triggers aren’t as broad as those on the Pro controller, however they’re chunkier. Beyond simply extending the triggers again additional, they’ve an extended pull distance, which makes them higher suited to first-person shooters.The Ultimate additionally has two rear buttons which can be positioned throughout the curves of the handles on the again. My center fingers relaxation completely on the buttons with out having to change my grip in any respect. If you have not used an 8BitDo controller with rear buttons earlier than, they’re low profile, so they are surely buttons fairly than triggers.The joysticks use Hall Effect sensors, which imply that inner elements don’t rub collectively as you progress the sticks. Instead, it makes use of a magnetic sign to register inputs. The Hall Effect sticks on the Ultimate have a tighter really feel than the sticks on the Pro controller. It’s additionally vital to notice that Hall Effect expertise eliminates the likelihood for dreaded stick drift.Two remappable buttons are positioned on the again of the controller.Gallery Even if the controller’s fundamental perks had been merely higher sticks and again buttons, it’d nonetheless be price a glance over the Pro controller. But the place the Ultimate really excels is with customization. 8BitDo has a proprietary app known as Ultimate Software, which may be put in on iOS, Android, and PC. The app syncs up with the controller through Bluetooth and lets you alter settings on the fly. On a fundamental stage, you should use the app to remap inputs and create profiles (as much as three). You also can alter stick rigidity, set off sensitivity, rumble depth, and arrange macros. As talked about already, the Ultimate has triggers with an extended pull distance and tighter sticks, so fine-tuning rigidity/sensitivity works exceedingly properly and actually lets you personalize the expertise to your liking.The controller charging stand appears like an added bonus to an already great controller. It matches the controller–either white or black–and has a USB-C port on the again. It connects to the USB port in your Switch or PC through the included cable. On the underside of the stand, there is a compartment that stows the two.4GHz adapter. You have the choice to attach the controller through Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wi-fi. The Bluetooth setting was very steady for me, with no noticeable enter lag, however the choice is there.You’re most likely questioning should you’d be lacking any of the quirks of Nintendo’s controllers by going with a third-party controller? Yes, however solely a few small issues. The Ultimate has rumble, nevertheless it does not have Nintendo’s “HD rumble.” That mentioned, you’ll be able to alter the vibration depth, so it is good on this entrance. The Ultimate does have movement controls, too, in case you might be keen on waving your Pro controller round. What it does not have, nevertheless, is NFC assist for Amiibo figures. That’s most likely not a dealbreaker, however no third-party Switch controllers have this function.You can customise settings on the fly with the Ultimate SoftwareAlthough I’ve nearly solely talked concerning the Ultimate as a Switch controller as a result of it surpassing the (superior) Pro controller, it is also totally appropriate with PC. Of course, PC gamers have extra choices already, together with Xbox and DualSense controllers, however the Ultimate is a superb controller for PC gamers, too.On that be aware, it is price mentioning that 8BitDo created two variations of the brand new Ultimate controller. The $70 version is appropriate with Switch and PC. There’s additionally a budget-friendly $50 model that solely affords 2.4GHz wi-fi and is appropriate with PC, Raspberry Pi, and Android. Functionally the identical controller, those that need it for PC ought to most likely go for the cheaper version–unless you propose on grabbing a Switch sooner or later. Plus, this model additionally affords a Pastel Pink colour choice and the face buttons are labeled like an Xbox controller, not a Switch controller. The solely fundamental distinction outdoors of compatibility is that the Switch controller can final for 22 hours, whereas the two.4GHz-only mannequin runs for 15 hours between expenses.Regardless of which mannequin you go along with you, you are getting a well-made controller with distinctive customization options that put it on the prime of its class, particularly at this worth level. 8BitDo has been the perfect third-party controller producer for years, and the Ultimate controller is simply the newest instance of that.
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