Third-party controller producer 8BitDo has launched no scarcity of nice controllers for Nintendo Switch and different platforms, however lots 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, but it surely additionally comes with a charging stand and may join by way of 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 value 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 plain explanation why the 8BitDo Ultimate is a superb various to the Switch Pro controller is its type issue and button format. The Ultimate has the identical common format 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 kinds of video games, however its type issue made it excel notably 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 stated, when you’ve got massive palms, it could 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 virtually precisely like Xbox controller inputs. Meanwhile, the shoulder buttons and triggers aren’t as large 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 fitted 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 slightly than triggers.The joysticks use Hall Effect sensors, which imply that inner parts 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 essential to notice that Hall Effect know-how eliminates the chance for dreaded stick drift.Two remappable buttons are positioned on the again of the controller.Gallery Even if the controller’s primary perks have been merely higher sticks and again buttons, it’d nonetheless be price a glance over the Pro controller. But the place the Ultimate actually 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 by way of Bluetooth and lets you alter settings on the fly. On a primary stage, you need to use the app to remap inputs and create profiles (as much as three). You may alter stick stress, 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 stress/sensitivity works exceedingly nicely 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 by way of 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 by way of 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 in case 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, but it surely does not have Nintendo’s “HD rumble.” That stated, 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’re 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 virtually solely talked in regards to the Ultimate as a Switch controller attributable to it surpassing the (superior) Pro controller, it is also totally suitable 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 word, it is price mentioning that 8BitDo created two variations of the brand new Ultimate controller. The $70 version is suitable with Switch and PC. There’s additionally a budget-friendly $50 model that solely gives 2.4GHz wi-fi and is suitable 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 intend on grabbing a Switch sooner or later. Plus, this model additionally gives a Pastel Pink coloration choice and the face buttons are labeled like an Xbox controller, not a Switch controller. The solely primary distinction exterior of compatibility is that the Switch controller can final for 22 hours, whereas the two.4GHz-only mannequin runs for 15 hours between costs.Regardless of which mannequin you go together 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 value 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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