8BitDo Reveals New 'Ultimate' Controller Range, Compatible With Switch

Similar to the Pro 2 line but unlike that one, this follows the Nintendo/Xbox control stick layout instead of the PlayStation like layout.

That could be a big factor for people.

The question is, as always, can it wake up the Switch from sleep mode?

I used to be interested in these type of controllers for their ability to also connect with iOS/Apple. However, since I started running iOS 16 beta, the Pro Controller works with iOS (and I assume tvOS once it releases).

I might actually get some use out of the Arcade portion of Apple+ once this happens.

@CasNicks this is very very important!

I prefer their retro controllers, these look fine but I will stick to the official controller for most games and keep using the 8bitdo ones for the retro games that benefit from using them.

I wonder what happens with the Y/X buttons on the wired model on Switch?

My brain is more used to the Xbox layout of Y/X, so if I could swap it for Switch that may be appealing. However, if it's just going to keep the physical placement the same and ignore what's printed on the buttons for Switch, there goes that idea.

Edit: A/B too

Oooh I might have to grab one of these for PC gaming.

Pretty happy with my pro 2 atm. But if I didn't already have one, I may consider this. Great product to add to their growing list of awesome controllers. I honestly think that this would be a better alternative to a pro controller if you didn't already have one. Good design, great dpad, programmable back buttons and controller profiles? Sounds like a winner to me.

I actually prefer the placement of the dpad and left stick like this. And since I held off buying the otherwise excellent previous model, I might as well get this!

Or you could just get a switch pro controller which works on PC AND has better rumble.

@Arzewn you know you can remap the buttons in the Switch settings so what's printed in the buttons is irrelevant?

How long is the cord on the wired version?

Same controllers with same features, just different shell. I like how they still kept the Super NES d-pad even though the controller are design to look more modern.

I have a Pro 2 and it is quite nice. The analog triggers aren't the best for most Switch games though and the rumble in it is just straight up dog poo. So bad I had to turn it off. Far cry from HD rumble.

It looks like they're using the Xbox-like shell for all of them, and changing the innards here and there. Which is good for them - simplified tooling.

That said, the wireless Bluetooth one is going to be interesting. Its MSRP is identical to the US MSRP of the Nintendo Pro Controller, and it's down to "NFC, remote wake, HD rumble" or "extra buttons, controller-level remapping, extra controller profiles."

@CasNicks I don't have a pro controller I just hit the power on the switch and drop it back in the dock that's as good as it gets And since it's an anynet device it just goes to the channel automatically anyway.

@gopher1369 I didn't actually! I knew PS/Xbox could but for some reason I thought Switch couldn't. Thanks

@NinjaWaddleDee The benefits of the 8BitDo controllers are that it's a cheaper alternative to a second pro controller and that it can also go to "PC" mode at the flick of a switch instead of repairing the controller between your Switch and laptop.

For reference I have a Switch Pro controller as my main controller for my Switch and a 8BitDo Pro 2 s a 2nd Switch controller and main PC controller (plus analogue triggers for PC)

The real downer for me with my 8bitdo Pro and Pro 2 is the PS style design. I still much prefer the ProCon or Xbox shell design so this is a huge positive for me. Expensive, yeah, but considering the quality of the Pro and Pro 2 I might just give in.

@NiallMitch14 I basically only game in switch and PC. Would you say the 8bitdo you have is better than an Xbox controller?

I just got the 8bitdo arcade stick for switch and a few beat em ups. Switched out the buttons and stick for sanwa's as they feel much better with a satisfying 'click' when pressed but overall the quality is really good.

@NinjaWaddleDee my one is more comparable with a PlayStation controller due to the stick layout but I do really like it a lot. Comfortable and hasn't let me down yet. Very handy for multiplayer Switch sessions too

It’s not very ultimate if it doesn’t have gyro aiming. Makes it worthless for something like Splatoon.

IMO, the 8bitdo controllers are top class.

@CasNicks Yeah that is the only question I have actually, but seeing how its the same price as an official Nintendo Pro controller probably not worth it. I certainly like the dock charging though... There's really no perfect controllers. Hell even the power A controllers can wake up the switch, and they are 49.99$ for the printed design ones...

I just received the gulikit King Kong pro 2 controller in white from Amazon. feels like Xbox controller, comfortable, highly customizable… and it wakes switch up from sleep mode. I actually prefer it over the 8bit pro 2 myself.

i truly do not understand the idea of paying a premium for "high end" switch controllers that lack the functionality of standard pro controllers. especially lacking gyro. lacking nfc and rumble is a bummer but it makes absolutely no sense when the form factor is the exact same.

the pro controller dpad is garbage tho

@demacho same thinking. I love their retro controllers and use them on switch for SNES style games. also
very good for multiplayer if you don't want to buy 4 pair of joy cons or pro controller to game with friends. in these cases, Gyro, nfc and rumble are not mandatory.
but this controller here is s different story. It's only for a specific audience. if you want the best overall package for switch, still the Nintendo Pro Controller is the right choice imho.

The gyro/motion controls are part of the features. It's just not mentioned in the article. Either way, this looks to be a nice controller. May want to get for my PC one of these days.

Alas, most of my extra spending money is tied up with getting Splatoon 3. Along with it's version of the Switch Pro Controller. Still waiting for that to go for pre-order in the US.

No, i like the "PSX" Layout more.

@CasNicks Yes they always seem to skirt around this question. If the Nyxi game controllers can do it, why can't 8Bitdo?

I have a few of their controllers. SN30 Pro+ and the Pro 2. Really don't like how they won't wake the Switch. Even connecting them seems to be a nightmare; they take forever to register, and in some instances, need to be paired all over again. So damn frustrating, because I love everything else about it!

No NFC though for people with amiibo compatible games. Meh.

@RupeeClock the switch one has the Nintendo button layout. You can see it in the pic with the switch. also you can program them on the fly or with software.

getting this asap , already got the 8bitdo pro , retired the nintendo switch pro.. done with drift and hope this is even better ~

I don't know about 8bitdo anymore. I love the shape and concept of the SN30 Pro, but I have two of them and I've already had to replace the button membranes in both of them once, and am about to do one of them for the second time. One is three years old and the other is two. I'd need to see some confirmation that they're using better materials before taking the plunge on anything else from them.