The highly-acclaimed 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller, compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, original Switch, and PC, is currently available at a discounted price of $60 (originally $70) on Amazon for a limited period. This premium controller comes in black and white models, each accompanied by a matching charging dock. A vibrant yellow edition is also offered at $63, accessible via an Amazon coupon.
For users whose primary platform is PC, Mac, or Android and who don`t require Nintendo Switch compatibility, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 2.4GHz Wireless Controller is available. The purple variant is priced at $52.19 (down from $60), with black, white, and green options also available for $54 (originally $60).
Why the Ultimate 2 Stands Out
The Ultimate 2 is widely regarded as the top-tier controller within 8BitDo`s flagship Ultimate series. It integrates premium components with extensive customization options, making it our prime recommendation for Nintendo Switch 2 (and Switch) owners. It is even suggested as a superior alternative to the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, which retails for $90. Both editions of the Ultimate 2 also rank among the best pro-style controllers for PC gaming.
It is important to note that for optimal connectivity with Switch 2, a firmware update for the controller may be necessary. This controller has proven to be the most impressive we`ve tested with Nintendo Switch 2 support, surpassing even the performance of the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
Advanced Design and Technology
The Ultimate 2 features an enhanced button layout, incorporating four additional programmable buttons: two remappable back triggers and two extra shoulder buttons. A significant technological advancement is the adoption of TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) analog sticks. This innovative technology, which uses electromagnets, delivers exceptionally smooth and precise movements while virtually eliminating the common issue of analog stick drift, offering a notable improvement over traditional Hall Effect technology. These advanced sticks are complemented by customizable RGB lighting rings.
Additionally, the controller includes trigger locks, a popular feature among pro-style gamepads. These allow users to instantly adjust the throw distance of the triggers, converting them to quicker, more responsive inputs with a simple flick of a switch on the back of the controller.
Customization and Connectivity
Full customization is possible through 8BitDo`s proprietary Ultimate Software V2, compatible with PC, Mac, and mobile devices. This comprehensive software enables users to:
- Remap button inputs
- Create and save up to three custom profiles
- Set up dead zones for sticks
- Adjust sensitivity for motion controls, sticks, and triggers
- Modify rumble intensity
- Customize RGB lighting effects
Connectivity has also seen considerable improvements with 8BitDo`s `8Speed` 2.4GHz Wireless technology, which boasts near-seamless input recognition and an impressive 1ms latency. Both the 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wired connections achieve a 1,000Hz polling rate. The Bluetooth edition offers both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity for Switch 2 and Switch, whereas the PC edition`s Bluetooth support is limited to Android devices.
The Ultimate 2 includes a matching USB-C charging dock with a convenient compartment for storing the USB dongle. Equipped with a 1,000mAh battery, it offers up to 25 hours of battery life, though actual battery performance may vary based on connection type and settings, such as the use of RGB lighting.
Other 8BitDo Controller Options
While the Ultimate 2 represents a significant upgrade, the original 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller remains a solid choice. A bundle including the original Ultimate Bluetooth controller, a charging dock, and an 8BitDo carrying case is currently available for $40.49 (originally $70) for the white version, and $45 (originally $70) for the black version.
For those who prefer controllers with aligned thumbsticks, the recently launched 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad is a compelling alternative. It shares many technological enhancements with the Ultimate 2, including trigger locks, four remappable buttons, and TMR thumbsticks. A distinctive feature of the Pro 3 is its swappable magnetic face buttons, allowing users to effortlessly switch between Nintendo and Xbox control layouts. It also comes with an additional set of unlabeled Super Nintendo-themed buttons, extra ball-top stick caps, and its own matching charging dock. The Pro 3 launched on August 12 for $70.
8BitDo Wireless Controllers Compatible with Switch 2
8BitDo offers a comprehensive range of wireless controllers that support the Nintendo Switch 2. Key models include:
- 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller
- 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller
- 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller + Case
- 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller
- 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller
- 8BitDo All-Button Arcade Controller
- 8BitDo USB Adapter 1 & 2 (adds support for Xbox, PlayStation, and other Bluetooth controllers)