8BitDo Reveals Its New "Pro 2" Bluetooth Controller, Compatible With Switch

Oh, I heard the other one was good, but I never got it. Might get this one. Those back buttons are a nice addition (insert general grievous meme).

The SN30 Pro+ is the best 3rd party controller I ever purchased, so I have no doubt in my mind that the Pro 2 will be wonderful.

Why not a third party controller with all the bells and whistles of the joycons (amiibo, hd rumble, gyro) but more affordable and less prone to drift?

I’d like something with convenient turbo toggle

@GameOtaku Because Nintendo own the patent and they make more money if you have to buy new controllers due to drift.

My current older version of this controller is the only controller I use, and it has worked beautifully since launch. I will definitely be upgrading to this new one when it kicks the bucket.

I have a couple of the sn30 pro wired controllers and love them. The perfect cross between retro and modern. Will definitely be checking this one out

I have the previous model I like it but it doesn't stay synced with Switch. I have to reconnect it almost every time I turn the system off and on.

8bitdo makes such high quality controllers. Definately will have to buy this one.

@NinChocolate The first version does have turbo function, though whether that is convenient is up to you. I'd be surprised if the second one doesn't have it. Perhaps it will even be improved.

I don't like both sticks down like PS controller

I picked up the first version of this last fall and I think it's a fantastic controller. I did run into one issue for my use case when using it with Android devices. It is a Bluetooth issue with Android 8 and above. It wouldn't be an issue with the new clip they are releasing with this, but the new clip isn't going to fit the older model exactly. I'll have to wait for reviewers to look into it. I do like seeing the improvements they've made to both th controller and the clip.

Love my 8bitdo Pro

@XiaoShao I have 2 sn30 pros, hundreds of hours with fighting games, not 1 drift ever for me

These look nice. I love both of my SN30 Pro plus controllers and they have standard rumble and gyro controls so I'm assuming these will as well. I like the added back buttons. Hopefully I can set up the back buttons on the controller without having to use the software. I'll definitely keep this on my radar and see what the reviews say.

I love my bit do but it has constant connection issues with my Switch. Makes me hesitant to buy again.

@Nintenbot Have you tried updating firmware, or contacting their customer service about it/trouble shooting it?

Is this just an announcement, or are there other details? Does it use a cable, at all? Release date? Where to order?

NINJA APPROVED

@nessisonett Yeah Im sure Nintendo is making a ton of money with free life time joy con replacements. Paying shipping both ways, paying for employees to repair those joycons and paying for a facility to house it all.... all on the off chance that a few people might buy an extra set while they wait for their repair?

i have SN30 Pro+ Best third party controller and will be picking this one for sure

@BloodNinja heres the thing about 8bitdo I learned the hard way. Their warranty is fake. If your controller dies 30 days after you buy it, you cant return it to a store. So you are left with a paper weight.

I emailed about a warranty repair when the Bluetooth chip on mine died. After emailing back and forth about 15 times (they were avoiding telling me the truth, and just playing games to get me to give up) they basically said “look we are couple guys in a warehouse in China. You can send your controller in for repair, but you have to pay shipping both ways from China so itd probably be cheaper to just buy a new one”.

So it still doesn't power on the console itself? That's what I was wanting the most lol. Still the original 8bitdo Snes pro is an awesome controller and the only Bluetooth controller I ever use.

"and is only a fraction of the price of competitor Pro Controllers, coming in at $49.99 USD". How is that a fraction?

@Tim_Vreeland If they aren't equipped to handle proper warranty, that's one thing. I was just curious about them offering any basic troubleshooting steps. I've had their controllers for years with no issues, so it sucks to hear that your experience was negative.

@sdelfin cool I’ll check that out

I have an SN30 pro, but I never got the plus version. This looks really enticing though, and I might have to pick one up eventually.

@Heavyarms55 I've dealt with this too and although it can be frustrating, I think it's a fair trade-off considering the price and performance. Have you updated the firmware for the controller? This seemed to help me.

@Tim_Vreeland They could just always make controllers that aren’t crap.

Looks very nice, but honestly if I buy another Pro Controller I'll just spend the extra $20 and get a Nintendo PC. The Pro Controller is not built the same as the Joy-Cons at all. I've been using one almost every day since Switch launch day and have never had a single issue with it. Drift is not, as far as I know, a common problem with the pro controllers.

Just give me a decent controller with an audio port for the love of jeeves. The “Face-Off” is alright but it’s just an inferior Pro Controller and the detachable back buttons are uncomfortable to use. Why is there only one controller that even has that feature?

I still get that half-baked bargain bin controller vibe.

Hope they don't get sued.by that one pro control company that claims to have invented controller paddles.

@Dpullam ha, same... just wish the controller A. turned on the system, and B. paired right away instead of having to hold start to turn it on and then press L+R IMMEDIATELY after..... unless I've just been doing something wrong, at which I have no idea

Like other folks are saying, the Pro+ is absolutely the best 3rd party controller you can get. It's phenomenal. So yeah, this also ought to be pretty good.

I got my pro+ about a year and a half ago. It's ok, don't think this is "the ultimate controller" or "better than official ones" like some people claim.
Its analog stick needs better calibration. When calibrating on Windows, push 100% at 2 o'clock, Y+ value is still as high as 12 o'clock.
Sometime it won't stop vibrating unless disconnect and power the controller off when playing on PC, unlike official Xbox controller.
Sometime won't auto reconnect to iOS and needs to pair again when using iOS mode.
Sticks and triggers on Xbox series S/X controller feels better (but much higher price of course)
And recent firmware updates really make lot of things worse, like press L3 + R3 to switch custom profile? What about games require L3 + R3?
Pro+'s an OK "does many things on many different hardware" controller, but I still prefer to use the official ones for each hardware respectively.
So Pro 2? Not sure will buy one, but will keep an eye on it.

@JedRock I have to hold start and Y, then mash A repeatedly lol.

@XiaoShao No, they're actually good unlike Joycons

@nessisonett the drift is an easy fix to do.

@NapalmSF Yeah I had to to fix the over vibrating issue the controller had when it was new.

For 50 buck I think I’d rather just dish out the other 10-20 and get a official controller.

@Dirty0814 It’s not that easy, I’ve replaced two sticks myself and the parts are pretty small. You also have to fiddle with the motherboard connectors. The mental gymnastics people go through to defend Nintendo’s dreadful build quality is staggering. The point remains that you shouldn’t have to fix any drift in the first place.

I quickly became a massive 8bitdo fanboy the moment I got my smelly fingers on the pro+ controller, bought a grand total of three of them. What an amazing controller it is.

I might consider getting one of these as well.

@BloodNinja I haven’t troubleshooted or updated the firmware. and the main reason I bought it was for the D pad, because I purchased two Nintendo Pro controllers and the D pad left button triggers the up button. I even went on YouTube and followed a video how to take my pro controller apart, put tape on the inside and close it back up and then the tape that I put on the inside was too much and when I went to re-open it, the screws were already stripped so I couldn’t open the pro controller again. I just want a pro controller with a D pad that works! So far it’s cost me $170 between three controllers. What a pain in the butt. But anyway I’ll take your suggestion and I’ll do the firmware first. Thanks!

Are the D Pads going to be junk on these like the rest of their controllers? I still can’t believe the praise 8 bitdo get for their products. I’ve had an SF30 Pro, and 2 SN30 Pro+ controllers, and every one of them has problems with false reads on the D Pad. It really ruins a game of Tetris or a demanding platformer.

@BloodNinja I know your comment wasn’t to me, but their customer service is a joke, unless you are prepared to spend the money to send your defective unit to China for repair.

@nessisonett I’ve fixed it by using compressed air and also with 99% alcohol. You also do not have to replace the sticks if you open it. You can just spray connector cleaner on the joystick component and work it in a circle for a minute or two then let it dry. Works like a charm and I’ve had no issues after doing all three. As for taking it apart it safer to do it once you disconnect the battery connector but can be done with it connect.
So no it’s not actually that hard. I have also sent mine to Nintendo as well and they replaced them for free.
And yes we have numerous joycons and pro controllers. Total of 3 controllers and 18 joycons. We have a big house so yes I have done all of these and never on a controller more than once.
The drift happens from dust gathering in the ball area.

I absolutely hate their first iteration. It has to be re-paired, basically, each time it’s turned on. Clunky. So I see they added a physical switch on this. Great. Not getting my money again.

Yep, have some 8Bitdo Controllers and they are definitive really good.

@JuiceMan_V
I totally agree best controller in history.
I bought it cheaper from france.
Man do i love that controller i use it on my gaming laptop alot.

It only they would pair their quality controllers with the design of an inverted analog placement. I got the original SN30 Pro+ and I love it but I would love it more if they made an inverted design.

Even already having the SN30 pro+, I thought about looking into this one until I read @Tim_Vreeland's comment. I don't want to support people who act like that. It reminds me of one seller on Ali Express who offered me a partial refund for a defective product in exchange for a positive merchant rating. Besides, the D-pad is not perfect, especially for diagonal directions.

Any one see numbers anywhere for input lag? I think I remember their old controllers looking the part of great pads but having terrible input latency.

I don't like Bluetooth. It never seems to work correctly on Windows. That's why I'm using a cheap no-name-controller with a wireless dongle. It connects immediately after turning the controller on.

The SN30Pro+ works fine on the Switch though. Turn the Switch on, then hold Y+Start for a few seconds. Let go of the buttons and after a couple seconds it should be recognized by the Switch.

The SN30 Pro+ is a nightmare when you have more than one device and need to change between than. I bought it exactly to do this and regret it (I intend to use on Switch, PC and Android). I'll sell it and may buy this new one

@nessisonett @Dirty0814
Dust in the ball area...??
Erm? Hmmm
Now as NL’s lady scientist I might be missing something~~ but is this a backhanded compliment? As in: peeps WITHOUT DRIFT are tossers/too wild? (Since no dust settles)
I don’t have this equipment... a switch I mean~~~ so I’m unclear on the dust issue.

@Dirty0814 Sadly the compressed air/electrical contact cleaner is a temporary fix.

You do eventually have to replace the sticks. Which isn't as easy as people claim. The actual process of swapping the sticks is a bit fiddly, but quite easy. However getting the screws off the joycon is a nightmare. You're at the mercy of how tight they were screwed in. If you get a bad one that's particularly tight or glued in, the screw head will disintegrate and that's game over. I had 3 controllers drifting, managed to get the screws off one without damage. The other two are kaput.

@Nintenbot It sounds like you may have gotten a defect. I hope you are able to resolve it, that sucks man

Love 8bitdo controllers, they are truly quality products, have the Genesis controller and their Sn30 Pro controller and love how authentic they feel.

Love their Bluetooth adapter. Being able to use my PS4 controller on my Switch is great for playing on the TV, the gyro/motion controls handle a lot better on the dualshock 4 compared to the joy con, the sticks are obviously superior and far more accurate and the d-pad is actually usable. In handheld I use a Hori split pad pro and only switch to joy cons if vibrate/motion is necessary.

I've been very interested in buying a controller from 8bitdo, but they always seem to be missing a feature or two that I want. This one might be worth considering though.

@JasmineDragon I had drift with pro controller. I contacted Nintendo assistance and they gave me a new pro controller

Have the 1st version of the 8bitdo controller. switching between the switch and android is a true pain. It also cannot power up the switch, so I ultimately got a original pro controller and use the 8bitdo only for android and win.

Great controllers by and large, but I really dislike the PS style internal analogues. I wish they'd make a similar one but with XBOX configuration.

I wish 8bitdo would take a shot a third party joycons

Why not just buy a Pro Controller for a few dollars more? Best controller for the Switch hands down and it’s made by Nintendo.

Why follow the PS style placement when pretty much every other platform does the other way

8Bitdo is straight money

nintendo should just hire these guys to make their controllers to avoid drift and the lawsuits

@Tim_Vreeland That sounds about on par with every warranty claim I've ever attempted.

I want such a controller with the Xbox stick layout.

@BloodNinja "Is this just an announcement, or are there other details? Does it use a cable, at all? Release date? Where to order?

NINJA APPROVED"

This was an announcement, other details can be found on the 8BitDo website, such as Ultimate Software support on a new mobile app. On their website, it states that the controller has wired support. I read that you have bought previous 8BitDo products, so, the included cable is probably going to be the same length as the last few releases they've put out. The release date is April 12th, and is currently open for pre-orders on Amazon.

Go Ninja, Go Ninja Go!

I like their stuff. I got their first SNES controller (precursor to anything "Pro"). Not only was it too lacking in features to serve some games, I hated the need for a code to tell it to connect to the Switch. Then I got their Wii controller adapter and that more or less keeps up and has a nice simple "Switch or Android" toggle.

I don't know if Pro+ ever had the toggle, but the fact they're saying here tells me it didn't. Which makes me glad I hedged on pulling that trigger for so long.

Still can’t wake the Switch? You had one job!

@Knuckles Thanks Knuckles!!

NINJA APPROVED

Nope, I'm good. There is currently no concave, X&Y buttons on any edition.
Back buttons are nice, but the needed function for a refresh is a headphone jack. Ths doesn't have that either.
X&Y Concave buttons are a must.

How do I assign buttons to my 8bitdo sn30 pro when connecting it to M64Plus FZ Android N64 emulator? The button layout is all out of wack.

@christofilth I read that gyro/motion controls don't work using the 8bitdo Bluetooth adapter on Switch using a Dualshock 4/Dualsense controller.
I was going to buy one of those adapters to use my Dualsense on my Switch but after reading gyro doesn't work with the adapter I passed on it. Do you know if gyro works with the Dualsense controller as well? Also how well does gyro work with the Dualshock 4 using the adapter? Sorry for all the questions.

@DTfeartheBEARD couldn't comment on the Dualsense as I don't have a ps5, but Gyro works great with the dualshock 4. I also read the same as you but was pleasantly surprised when it worked straight out of the box.

@christofilth Thank you for the response. I appreciate it. I guess I will be ordering a few of those adapters. I wonder if the back button attachment for the Dualshock 4 will also work on the Switch? Hmm I guess I'll have to try it out. Thanks again.

This is amazing news, but I wish that it had XBox One/SX/SS and PS4/5 support on it.

Then I have the universal controller for any console.

Pro+ is an insanely good controller. Great purchase! Tempted to buy pro 2 when it comes, though probably needs more researching.

Definitely buying this one soon too, but damn 8Bitdo keep the Y and X buttons concave please. I know the rest of the world doesn't care but I care. I need the Y and X buttons on my Super NES style controller concave and to stay concave.

@Heavyarms55 try turning on the switch n spam the start button on sn30pro+ for like 5 seconds. The searching leds will stop blinking

@Ghost_of_Hasashi
On the last model they made people choose between the D-pad Grips on the Gameboy style & the Concave X & Y buttons of the Snes style. Perhaps a substantial amount of people bought the gameboy style & that influenced the decision to drop the snes style. I'm disappointed too.

@TheVVizard Even if that works, I shouldn't have to do that. Once it's synced, it should default to whichever device it was last connected to. That's standard among every other Bluetooth device I own.

I like the control from a use point of view. It's very comfortable and it looks nice too. It just has some quirks that keep me from just liking it completely.

@Heavyarms55 Small inconvenience for such a great controller. I had to create an account just to give you my suggestion. I agree it is annoying but once you make it routine it isn't too bad. I blame the switch sync itself

@TheVVizard Well I appreciate you going to the effort just to respond to me.

For those experiencing problems (like connection drops or syncing issues) with your 8bitdo controllers, I suggest visiting their website and getting their firmware updater.

Their software support is one of the best among third party brands; I've honestly lost count of the number of updates my original Pro+ has received by now.

@tadams587 Aw damn I hope that isn't so but if there is a version later with concave Y and X buttons I may check it out too.

@Auenegheps I agree, this controller would never be my choice for a game where the left analogue stick is the main input. Although I might get this controller for 2D games, because 8bitdo generally make fantastic d-pads.

@Tim_Vreeland Nintendo don't do anything unless its CHEAP. The fixes are only temporary and they are still using the same cheap ass parts, being repaired in a sweat shop in China for pennies.

Have you looked inside a Joycon???? I have and it is DISGUSTING. The inards are cheaply designed, the parts are bargain basement and zero quality, even the ribbon cables are the thinnest I have ever seen. Literally it costs less than 10p to make the Joycons including labour. PURE FISHER PRICE GARBAGE.

Of course Nintendo can fix them and still profit - 1000% PROFIT !!!!!!

8 bit doodoo pttthhpt

@Joekun Agreed. I've had 3 different SN-30's and the d-pads on all of them registered errant diagonals. Had to put tape on the pcb's which is ridiculous. Shame too, because otherwise these controllers have excellent build quality.

Nothing more infuriating than a ***** d-pad.

@liveswired hmm this is some false information. First of all I have had joycons repaired several times due to drift. They always shipped to a repair facility inside my country.

Second, yes I have seen the insides of a joycon. They look fine and comparable to any modern thin and lite technology. Youll find the same kind of ribbon cables inside of $1000 iPhones and Samsung phones.

Third, the part that fails isnt made by Nintendo. The control stick is made by a third party that also makes control sticks for Nintendos competitors, which is why PS5 controllers also have the same major issue with drift. The issue is the supplier has a monopoly in the market and there was a flaw in the design. It isnt a cheaply made part.

Fourth I didnt say Nintendo doesn’t profit off of joycon sales. I said they aren’t profiting from repairs. Repairs are free, they dont charge for them, they arent making extra money because they drift. Please read the context of my reply and the original comment before responding next time.

The original one is already hands down the best Switch controller (and for pc and for emulating games on phone or tablet etc). Because of the turbo and macro functions.

It's unbelievable how often the turbo function comes in handy in TONS of games that you wouldn't even necessarily expect. Like Animal Crossing, or Breath of the Wild, or Witcher 3 etc. I loved the switch Pro controller cos it feels amazing. But I can't use it any more, because I have gotten so used to the turbo on the 8bitdo one.

Not to mention the fact it does the gyroscope feature just as well as the switch Pro Controller. And the macro function can be incredibly handy. It's great for fighting games for example, if you're terrible at them like myself. Just program the special moves into it and press a button and it performs it for you

I cannot wait for this new 8bitdo controller. I already have 6 of their controllers. But the reason I'm excited for this new one is not just for the switch. No, this will be the first time basically EVER that you can reasonably emulate n64 games. Because it has the extra paddle buttons. No modern default layout controller can emulate n64 properly because they don't have enough buttons. You have to do all sorts of awkward things like maybe map the c buttons to the right analogue stick. Which is awkward and just doesn't really work. With this new controller I'll finally be able to do that properly, AND it basically has a Z trigger, because of the position of the buttons

Now for the first time I'm gonna be able to play the n64 Zelda games. My life is probably gonna change forever, since ocarina and majoras mask are pretty life changing games by all accounts

8bitdo has never let me down. I'm preordering this new controller. I want it day one. It's perhaps weird to be as excited for a controller as one would be for a game. But seriously there's a reason I have 6 controllers from them or thereabouts. They're all fantastic in their own way. I can use their mega drive one with the mega drive D-pad that I think is unrivalled for fighting games. Then I can use their ones with the classic Nintendo D-pad which is unrivalled for platformer games, and since Nintendo refuse to use that design anymore for some reason, the only way to get it is with an 8bitdo pad. They are the best controllers for PC too. And I'm a serious emulator of games. I have all the thousand of roms, every system you can think of, I even have a GPD XD+ which is perhaps the most expensive emulation handheld, but it's the best, and £170 was worth it to me because I am so serious about emulation. But now I can use that handheld hybrid GPD thing, use the HDMI out to plug into my big TV, and cos all 8bitdo controllers are Bluetooth, I can connect it to the GPD and emulate every classic n64 game that I've always wanted to play but never had a chance to before

I am absolutely a shill for 8bitdo. Voluntarily. Maybe they should pay me lol. But I don't care. I just seriously heavily respect this country and their out of this world level of quality control

I am hype af

@RupeeClock I’ve had 2 SN30 Pro+ controllers, and both have wonky D-Pads. It took a few months of light use to develop, but either I got unlucky twice (3 times if you count my SF30 Pro) or 8bitdo still hasn’t figured out how to make a good D-Pad. I wouldn’t mind so much if their warranty solution wasn’t “send it to us in China and we’ll fix it.” I did pack it up and take it to the post office, but the shipping was going to cost almost as much as the controller.

@RupeeClock Nice that they offered you that option. I told them what the shipping costs were and asked for any other options but they said that was the only one. I usually tell people they should at least buy an extended warranty if they’re going to get one.

I really wish they'd move the star and home button. There's no reason for them to be where they are.Time and again I would be playing Smash, and I would fat finger the home button and go straight to the home screen.

@Joekun
I don't know if we received defective pads, but i also used 2 different versions of 8bitdo and i had a lot of issues. Unwanted directions, ghosting input, scratching noises...
8bitdo says to give back the defective units, but seems they all are like these... or maybe they have a bad quality check.