Donkey Kong Bananza has been available for a short while, and many players, including myself, find themselves constantly smashing DK`s fists to uncover fossils, treasure chests, and hidden zones containing Golden Bananas (or Banandium Gems). The joy of hearing “Oh! Banana!” and seeing DK`s delight after collecting countless bananas is amusing. However, while Donkey Kong`s fists are mighty, our thumbs are not. The repetitive button pressing required to dig tunnels can become quite fatiguing, especially for older players. If you`re experiencing thumb soreness, a Switch 2 controller equipped with a turbo button, and ideally remappable buttons, would be highly beneficial.
For those unfamiliar, a turbo button simulates rapid button presses simply by holding it down. In Donkey Kong Bananza, activating turbo allows you to hold the Y button, transforming DK into an efficient “power drill” as he repeatedly swings his fists. While I haven`t frequently used turbo features before, it proves to be a remarkably useful addition for a game that often demands intense button mashing.
A wide array of Nintendo Switch 2-compatible controllers offer turbo functionality. Unfortunately, the improved Switch 2 Pro Controller lacks this feature. While many excellent options are not officially licensed by Nintendo, the Horipad Turbo for Switch 2 stands out as a licensed exception. It includes the new C button for GameChat, a feature exclusive to first-party or licensed controllers. Priced at $40, the Horipad Turbo is a wired controller, similar to its original Switch predecessor (which costs $21, down from $30) and also functions with Switch 2, albeit without the C button.
For many Switch users, including myself, 8BitDo controllers are a preferred third-party choice. All of their Switch 2-compatible wireless models include versatile turbo functions assignable to any button, with easy on/off toggling. I`ve spent a significant portion of my time with Bananza using the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller, which I consider my top choice for Switch 2 overall. The Ultimate 2 boasts four remappable additional buttons, high-quality TMR joysticks, hybrid Hall Effect and microswitch triggers, and support for the 8BitDo app, allowing configuration of up to three custom control profiles. This makes it 8BitDo`s most advanced controller to date. It retails for $63 (originally $70) and includes a charging dock.
While the Ultimate 2 represents a significant advancement, the original Ultimate Bluetooth still offers essential customization features beneficial for Bananza, such as a turbo button, two back buttons, custom profiles, and comprehensive button remapping. This makes it a great cost-saving alternative. The black Ultimate Bluetooth is priced at $46.79 (down from $60), and a white version bundled with a carrying case is available for only $45 (originally $70). Both include matching charging docks.
For those who prefer PlayStation-style, symmetrical thumbsticks, the 8BitDo Pro 2 offers the same core features as the original Ultimate. It`s currently on sale for $42.49 (originally $50) in a retro gray. Bundles including a Pro 2 and a carrying case are also discounted to $45 (originally $60) and come in three different color options.
Before purchasing the Pro 2, note that the 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad launches on August 12. It features the enhanced joysticks and triggers, along with four additional buttons, found on the Ultimate 2. A notable innovation is its magnetic face buttons, allowing users to physically remove and rearrange the ABXY buttons with an included tool. This functionality is primarily for matching Xbox controller layouts when playing on PC and other platforms, but it also proves beneficial for Switch games. For example, while Bananza permits swapping jump and punch buttons, the Pro 3 allows remapping and physically swapping X/Y buttons for a truly personalized layout that aligns with on-screen prompts.
While the Pro 3 lacks the Ultimate 2`s RGB lighting, it includes an additional set of joystick caps designed like arcade stick ball-tops. Priced at $70, the Pro 3 is offered in three color options, including a distinct GameCube-inspired purple variant with a corresponding charging dock. Although we haven`t yet reviewed the Pro 3, the Pro 2 is a solid controller, and the significant new features are already effectively integrated into the Ultimate 2.
Two additional 8BitDo controllers compatible with Switch 2 offer turbo capabilities: the economical Ultimate 2C and the retro SNES-style SN30 Pro. However, these models lack back buttons, custom profiles, and full button remapping, making them less ideal for Donkey Kong Bananza. Despite this, the Ultimate 2C, with its two extra remappable shoulder buttons and a price point of only $30, remains an excellent value.
Available 8BitDo Controllers with Turbo Functionality:
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8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller
- Black: $63 (originally $70)
- White: $63 (originally $70)
- Yellow: $66.49 (originally $70)
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8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller
- White + Travel Case: $45 (originally $70)
- Black + Travel Case: $55 (originally $70)
- White: $46.79 (originally $60)
- Black: $46.79 (originally $60)
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8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller
- Gray: $42.49 (originally $50)
- Black: $42.49 (originally $50)
- Gray + Travel Case: $45 (originally $60)
- Black + Travel Case: $45 (originally $60)
- G Classic + Travel Case: $45 (originally $60)
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8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad (Releases August 12)
- GameCube Purple: $70
- Gray: $70
- G Classic: $70
- 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller: $40.49 (originally $45)
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller: $30
It`s important to note that purchasing any of the aforementioned controllers may require installing the latest firmware to ensure compatibility with Switch 2. All these controllers also offer wireless connectivity across various platforms, including PC, Mac, Steam Deck, and mobile devices. Specifically, the Ultimate 2, Ultimate, and Pro 3 support both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections, whereas the other models are limited to Bluetooth.
Beyond its turbo capabilities, the Ultimate 2 offers additional features I found highly valuable for Donkey Kong Bananza. Crucially, both the Ultimate 2 and the Pro 3 feature four remappable buttons, doubling the two found on their predecessors and the standard Switch 2 Pro Controller. Alongside two ergonomically positioned back triggers, two small shoulder buttons complete a set of six top-mounted buttons. This increase from two to four bonus buttons is significant, enabling you to map core actions like ABXY to the back or shoulder buttons. This setup allows your thumb to remain consistently on the right stick, which is essential given Bananza`s winding tunnels that require constant camera adjustments. Indeed, one of my three custom control profiles is specifically designed to eliminate the need for traditional face button presses.
The innovative dual trigger modes on the new 8BitDo controllers greatly complement alternative control setups. By default, the Hall Effect triggers function as conventional analog triggers. However, by engaging switches on the rear, they transform into responsive microswitch buttons. Given the comprehensive input remapping available via the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 (for PC, Mac, and Android), these triggers can be assigned to frequently used actions in Bananza, like jumping or punching. The software further allows for fine-tuning trigger/stick sensitivity, rumble intensity, and adjusting RGB lighting rings for aesthetic customization.
It`s worth noting some limitations when using unofficial controllers like 8BitDo`s. They typically lack the new C button for GameChat and NFC support for Amiibo. Furthermore, while their adjustable rumble motors are satisfactory, Nintendo`s HD Rumble technology offers a more refined experience. If these specific features are crucial for your gameplay, the Switch 2 Pro Controller would be a more suitable choice. Otherwise, for me, the Ultimate 2`s extensive customizable features make it superior to Nintendo`s official controller.
Other Notable Switch 2 Controllers with Turbo Functionality
8BitDo is not the sole third-party manufacturer producing customizable controllers equipped with turbo buttons. The following section highlights several other turbo-enabled Switch 2 controllers from popular brands like EasySMX and GuliKit.
While I haven`t personally tested every controller listed, I can confidently recommend the NYXI Warrior Lite and ManbaOne. The Warrior Lite is a high-quality, GameCube-inspired wireless controller offering extensive customization, including back buttons, trigger locks, interchangeable Hall Effect sticks, and microswitch face buttons. The ManbaOne distinguishes itself with a built-in display for configuring inputs, crafting custom profiles, and adjusting various control settings, also featuring Hall Effect sticks and triggers, along with microswitch face buttons.
Additional Turbo-Enabled Switch 2 Controllers:
- EasySMX D10: $51 (originally $60)
- EasySMX D05: $39.59 (originally $45)
- GuliKit KK2 T: $50
- GuliKit KK3: $30 (originally $40)
- GuliKit Elves 2 Pro: $50
- ManbaOne: $66.50 (originally $70)
- NYXI Warrior Lite (GameCube form factor): $50
- NYXI Master P1: $45 (originally $50)