8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller assessment: The total package

Best Prices Today: 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller

Most sport controllers ape the Xbox controller, which is supported equally effectively on the Xbox consoles and Windows. The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller, nonetheless, borrows equally from the Xbox and Nintendo Switch Pro gamepads to create a sturdy, feature-rich controller that might be excellent for all of your gaming endeavors—supplied you may get previous the educational curve.

Further studying: See our roundup of the most effective Xbox controllers for PC to study competing merchandise.

8BitDo Ultimate Controller design and construct high quality

The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller has an fascinating combination of design components. 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, apart from the underside of the grips, which have a fantastic bumpy texture just like the Xbox controller. There aren’t any uncovered screws, however there are just a few ugly seams.

There are buttons in all of the locations you’d count on, however this controller has the Switch button format as a substitute of the Xbox one. The the rest of the format is lavatory commonplace 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 gadget over, and also you’ll see two extra buttons on the grips. These are totally customizable within the 8BitDo app.

Ryan Whitwam / Foundry

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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 standard sort of {hardware} failure that causes thumbsticks to register motion at relaxation.

Dead middle on the again are two essential {hardware} options: a change to flip the controller between Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz, and a trio of contacts that join the controller with the included dock. The dock expenses the controller and has built-in 2.4GHz assist when related to a PC over USB. There can be a USB-C port on the highest fringe of the Ultimate Controller, however the dock is a way more handy solution to hold it topped up.

8BitDo Ultimate Controller options and hands-on expertise

The 8BitDo Ultimate Controller is likely one of the most comfy wi-fi controllers we’ve examined due to the compact type issue and low mass. You can inform as quickly as you decide up the 8BitDo that it’s on the sunshine facet—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 steady 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 format. All the system buttons are clustered towards the center of the controller, making them simple to succeed in however protecting them out of vary of unintended presses.

Ryan Whitwam / Foundry

We’re fairly smitten with the thumbsticks, that are buttery clean and totally customizable, due to the Hall-effect sensors. In 8BitDo’s Ultimate software program, you possibly can management the dimensions of the useless zones, flip instructions, and extra. That identical freedom extends to the remainder of the controls, that are totally configurable within the app. This can be the place you possibly can map buttons to the paddle buttons.

The Ultimate software program is total good when you get the cling of it. The interface is typically inconsistent, but it surely’s serviceable to map buttons and regulate profiles. However, it’s important to use USB or 2.4GHz to sync—we had basic points with Bluetooth assist on Windows. You’ll wish 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 pair 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.

8BitDo Ultimate Controller compatibility

8BitDo makes two very related 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 for those who so select. This model retails for $70, and the non-Bluetooth is $50. That model solely has 2.4GHz assist for PC gaming—no Switch or cellular Bluetooth assist.

For wi-fi mode, you’ll wish to persist 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 best way to go. If you’re a Switch proprietor, this gadget presents a giant improve over the Joy-Cons. It even has a gyroscope inside, so that you’ll get the total Switch expertise.

The button format would be the greatest compatibility concern. Depending on the settings and button mapping, your in-game controls may not match the legends on the buttons, or the ABXY button order shall 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 format, then it’ll be simple to adapt.

Ryan Whitwam / Foundry

Is the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller value it?

The 8BitDo has quite a bit going for it with the Ultimate Controller. The compact, light-weight design makes it comfy to carry for lengthy intervals, and the Hall-effect thumbsticks needs to 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 extensive compatibility, together with Windows, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. The choice to make use of 2.4GHz and Bluetooth is appreciated, however it could 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 may need to toggle the wi-fi mode, however we’ve had no bother utilizing the Ultimate Controller on our units.

You can pay a bit of 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 concern for PC avid gamers would be the button format, which follows the Switch association.

If you play video games on each Switch and PC, this controller is a no brainer. Even for those who don’t have a Switch, the 8BitDo is likely one of the finest PC controllers when it comes to {hardware} and options.