As Amazon`s Prime Big Deal Days draw near, significant discounts are now available on 8BitDo`s Ultimate 2 controllers. Gamers can find the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller, designed for Nintendo Switch and PC, marked down to $60 from its original price of $70. The white edition currently holds this $60 price point, while the black and bright yellow versions are available for $63 with an applied coupon. For those who primarily game on PC and mobile devices and do not require Nintendo console compatibility, the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller is on sale for $53, a reduction from its $60 retail price, and comes in three different colors.
Current Deals on 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controllers
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8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (Nintendo Switch, PC):
- White: $60 (originally $70)
- Black: $63 (originally $70) with coupon
- Yellow: $63 (originally $70) with coupon
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8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller (PC, Apple, SteamOS, Android):
- Purple: $53 (originally $60)
- White: $53 (originally $60)
- Black: $53 (originally $60)
- Green: $54 (originally $60)
- Wuchang Edition: $58.50 (originally $65)
- Honkai: Star Rail Edition: $70 (available October 23)
The Ultimate 2 represents the latest and most advanced controller in 8BitDo`s distinguished Ultimate series. Boasting premium components and a wealth of customizable features, it stands as a top recommendation for Nintendo Switch users, even over the more expensive official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Both versions of the Ultimate 2 are also highly regarded as excellent pro-style controllers for PC gaming. If you`re using the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth for a Switch, a firmware update might be necessary for seamless connectivity.
Deep Dive into the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller
This controller offers versatile wireless syncing options for Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth or its included 2.4GHz USB-C dongle. It also provides 2.4GHz Wireless support for PC, and Bluetooth compatibility for Apple devices, Android, and SteamOS. The Bluetooth edition is priced higher due to its broader compatibility with Nintendo consoles. It`s important to note that motion controls and rumble functionality are exclusive to Nintendo consoles with this specific model.
Key Features of the Bluetooth Edition:
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Connectivity:
- Nintendo Switch: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless (USB-C receiver), Wired (USB-C)
- PC: 2.4GHz Wireless + USB-C wired
- Apple: Bluetooth + USB-C wired
- Android & SteamOS: Bluetooth
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Advanced Hardware:
- TMR electromagnetic joysticks for enhanced precision and drift prevention.
- Switchable trigger types: Hall Effect Triggers or non-linear Microswitch Triggers.
- Two remappable back triggers and two additional remappable shoulder buttons.
- Dedicated profile button to store three custom layouts.
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad.
- Textured grips for comfortable play.
- Customizable RGB lighting rings.
- 1,000Hz polling rate for 2.4GHz and wired connections.
- 6-axis motion controls (Switch only).
- Dual rumble motors (Switch only).
- Turbo button.
- Up to 25 hours of battery life.
- Includes a matching USB-C charging dock.
Exploring the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller (PC, Apple, SteamOS, Android)
For users who don`t require Nintendo console compatibility, the original Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, tailored for PC and mobile devices, comes at a more affordable price. This version uniquely supports motion controls and rumble on PC. Its overall feature set and customization options are otherwise consistent with the Bluetooth edition. On PC, the Ultimate 2 Wireless connects via 2.4GHz Wireless (using the USB-C dongle) or through a wired USB-C connection. Bluetooth connectivity is supported for Apple, Android, and SteamOS.
Key Features of the Wireless Edition:
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Connectivity:
- PC: 2.4GHz Wireless (USB-C dongle) or Wired (USB-C)
- Apple, Android, SteamOS: Bluetooth
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Advanced Hardware:
- TMR electromagnetic joysticks.
- Switchable trigger types: Hall Effect Triggers or non-linear Microswitch Triggers.
- Two remappable back triggers and two additional remappable shoulder buttons.
- Profile button to store three custom layouts.
- Turbo button.
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad.
- Textured grips.
- RGB lighting rings.
- 1,000Hz polling rate for 2.4GHz and wired connections.
- 6-axis motion controls.
- Dual rumble motors.
- 1,000mAh battery.
- Available in White, Black, Purple, Green, with Special Editions (Honkai: Star Rail / Wuchang: Fallen Feathers).
- Includes a matching USB-C charging dock.
Enhanced Customization with 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2
Both Ultimate 2 models benefit from 8BitDo`s proprietary Ultimate Software V2, available on PC, Mac, and mobile. This comprehensive application allows for extensive personalization:
- Remap button inputs.
- Create and save up to three custom profiles.
- Define dead zones for analog sticks and triggers.
- Adjust sensitivity for motion controls, sticks, and triggers.
- Modify rumble intensity.
- Control RGB lighting effects.
The Ultimate 2 was pioneering in its series for integrating four additional buttons, a design element recently adopted by the Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad. 8BitDo effectively blended the design philosophies of the original Ultimate with aspects of the Ultimate 2C, their latest budget-friendly wireless controller. This fusion resulted in two remappable back triggers (from the Ultimate) and two extra shoulder buttons (from the Ultimate 2C).
8BitDo has evolved its joystick technology, transitioning from Hall Effect sticks to TMR sticks in the Ultimate 2. Similar to Hall Effect technology, TMR utilizes electromagnets to deliver a smoother feel with superior accuracy and precision, significantly reducing the risk of analog stick drift. While both technologies are effective, TMR is generally considered an advancement. These innovative analog sticks are beautifully complemented by customizable RGB lighting rings. Furthermore, the Ultimate 2 introduces another pro-style feature: trigger locks. The Hall Effect analog triggers can be instantaneously converted into linear, microswitch buttons with a simple flick of switches located on the back of the controller.
8BitDo has also refined its 2.4GHz Wireless technology, now marketed as `8Speed.` When connected wirelessly via the included USB-C dongle, the Ultimate 2 boasts remarkably low latency, ensuring near-seamless input recognition with a response time of just 1ms. Both 2.4GHz wireless and wired USB-C connections feature an impressive 1,000Hz polling rate. While the original Ultimate already provided a stable wireless connection, this new model delivers even greater reliability and a smoother experience. Notably, it`s the first Ultimate Controller to utilize a USB-C dongle rather than USB-A. The Bluetooth edition offers wireless connectivity to the Switch via both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, while the PC edition`s Bluetooth support is limited to Android devices.
In line with 8BitDo`s other premium controllers in its flagship line, the Ultimate 2 comes with a matching USB-C charging dock that includes a convenient compartment for storing the USB dongle. Powering the controller is a robust 1,000mAh battery, which more than doubles the 480mAh capacity of the original Ultimate. Users can expect up to 25 hours of battery life, though actual duration may vary depending on the connection type and settings, as features like RGB lighting rings can deplete the battery more quickly.
Consider the Original Ultimate or the Pro 3 Gamepad
While the Ultimate 2 offers significant enhancements, the original Ultimate Bluetooth controller remains an excellent choice. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Amazon is currently offering a compelling bundle: the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth controller, complete with a charging dock and an 8BitDo carrying case, for just $40.49 (a substantial discount from its original $70 price). A black version of this bundle is also available for $45 (originally $70).
If you prefer a controller with aligned thumbsticks, the 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad shares many technological advancements with the Ultimate 2. The Pro 3 includes trigger locks, four remappable buttons, and TMR thumbsticks. A unique feature of the Pro 3 is its swappable magnetic face buttons, allowing users to effortlessly switch between Nintendo and Xbox control layouts. An additional set of unlabeled buttons in the classic Super Nintendo color scheme is provided, along with extra ball-top stick caps and a matching charging dock. This controller launched on August 12 with a retail price of $70.
8BitDo Wireless Controllers with Nintendo Switch Compatibility
Here is a list of 8BitDo controllers that offer wireless compatibility with Nintendo Switch:
- 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad – $63 (originally $70)
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller – $60 (originally $70)
- 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller – $40
- 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller + Case – $40.49 (originally $70)
- 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller – $46 (originally $50)
- 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller – $40.49 (originally $45)
- Genki x 8BitDo Pocket Pro Wireless Controller – $60
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller – $30
- 8BitDo All-Button Arcade Controller – $81 (originally $90)
- 8BitDo USB Adapter 1 & 2 – $20 (adds support for Xbox, PlayStation, and other Bluetooth controllers)