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8BitDo Ultimate is even better than the Switch Pro controller


Third-party controller maker 8BitDo has released no shortage of great controllers for the Nintendo Switch and other platforms, but many of them are of the “situational” type of option – logical controllers. Ideal for certain games and genres. The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Switch Controller is another beast. Not only does it have great ergonomics, pro-style features, and plenty of customization, but it also comes with a charging dock and can connect via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz.

The powerful feature set makes 8BitDo Ultimate the most expensive traditional gamepad from the manufacturer at $70. However, it’s the same price as Official Nintendo Pro Controller. For the first time since the Switch launched 5 years ago, there is a controller for docking mode that surpasses the Pro controller. If you are looking for a new Switch controller, then 8BitDo Ultimate is what you should buy.

One of the obvious reasons why 8BitDo Ultimate is a great alternative to the Switch Pro controller is its form factor and button layout. Ultimate shares the same general layout with offset sticks and ergonomic grips. Before Ultimate, 8BitDo’s high-end Switch controller (such as Pro 2) aligned the joysticks like a PlayStation controller. The Pro 2 was and still is great for a variety of games, but its form factor has made it excellent especially for classic games. The Ultimate is a bit more compact than Nintendo’s Pro controller, though it still feels natural to use, even for someone who’s spent five years with the Pro controller. That said, if you have large hands, it can take some getting used to or feel a bit cramped compared to the Pro controller or even an Xbox controller.

8BitDo Ultimate comes with a charging dock.
8BitDo Ultimate comes with a charging dock.

The buttons on the face have a domed design that makes them feel almost like Xbox controller inputs. Meanwhile, the buttons on the shoulder and trigger are not as wide as on the Pro controller, but they are somewhat smaller. In addition to stretching the triggers further out, they also have a longer span, which makes them more suitable for first-person shooters.

The Ultimate also has two rear buttons located on the curves of the handle on the back. My middle fingers rest perfectly on the buttons without having to change my grip. If you’ve never used an 8BitDo controller with the buttons on the back, they’re low profile, so they’re actually buttons instead of triggers.

The joystick uses a Hall Effect sensor, which means the internal components don’t rub together when you move the lever. Instead, it uses a magnetic signal to register the input. The Hall Effect sticks on the Ultimate have a tighter feel than the ones on the Pro controller. It’s important to note that the Hall Effect technology eliminates the dreaded drift.

Two changeable buttons are located on the back of the controller.
Two changeable buttons are located on the back of the controller.

Exhibition room

Even if the controller’s main perks are simply a better stick and back button, it’s still worth checking out the Pro controller. But where does Ultimate really excel with customization. 8BitDo has a proprietary app called Ultimate Software, which can be installed on iOS, Android and PC. The app syncs with the controller via Bluetooth and lets you adjust settings on the fly. At a basic level, you can use the app to remap inputs and create profiles (up to three profiles). You can also adjust bar tension, trigger sensitivity, rumble strength, and macro settings. As mentioned, the Ultimate has a trigger with a longer distance and a tighter club, so the fine-tuning of tension/sensitivity works extremely well and really allows you to personalize the experience to your liking. his likes.

The controller charging stand is like an added bonus to an already great controller. It matches the controller – white or black – and has a USB-C port on the back. It connects to the USB port on your Switch or PC via the included cable. At the bottom of the stand, there is a compartment for the 2.4GHz adapter. You have the option of connecting the controller via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless. Bluetooth settings are solid for me, no noticeable input lag, but the option is there.

You might be wondering if you missed out on any of the Nintendo controller quirks by using a third-party controller? Yes, but only a few minor things. Ultimate has a rumble, but it doesn’t have Nintendo’s “HD rumble”. That said, you can adjust the intensity of the vibration, so it’s good on this front. The Ultimate also has motion control, in case you want to wave your Pro controller around. What it doesn’t have, however, is NFC support for Amiibo figures. That may not be a deal breaker, but none of the third-party Switch controllers have the feature.

You can customize settings quickly with Optimizer Software
You can customize settings quickly with Optimizer Software

While I’m almost exclusively talking about the Ultimate as a Switch controller due to it surpassing the (great) Pro controller, it’s also fully PC compatible. Of course, PC players already have more options, including Xbox and DualSense controllers, but the Ultimate is also a great controller for PC players.

On that note, it’s worth mentioning that 8BitDo has made two versions of the new Ultimate controller. The Edition $70 Compatible with Switch and PC. There is also a budget-friendly $50 version provides only 2.4GHz wireless network and is compatible with PC, Raspberry Pi and Android. In terms of functionality of the same controller, those who want it for PC should probably opt for the cheaper version – unless you’re planning on buying a Switch at some point. In addition, this version also offers a Pastel Pink color option and the buttons on the face are labeled like an Xbox controller, not a Switch controller. The only major difference outside of compatibility is that the Switch controller can last for 22 hours, while the 2.4GHz-only model runs for 15 hours between charges.

No matter which model you choose, you’ll get a well-crafted controller with unique customization features that keep it at the top of its class, especially at this price point. 8BitDo has been the best third-party controller maker for years, and the Ultimate controller is just the latest example of that.

The products discussed here are independently selected by our editors. GameSpot may receive a share of the revenue if you purchase anything contained on our website.

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