Ahead of Amazon`s upcoming Prime Big Deal Days, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller, compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, and PC, is currently available for $60 (originally $70). While the white variant is exclusively offered at $60, the black and vibrant yellow models are also discounted to $63 when a coupon is applied. For users who don`t require Nintendo console support, the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, designed for PC and mobile, can be purchased for $53 (originally $60) across three distinct color options.
Current Deals on 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controllers
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8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (Switch 2, Switch, PC)
- White: $60 ($70)
- Black: $63 ($70) with coupon
- Yellow: $63 ($70) with coupon
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8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller (PC, Apple, SteamOS, Android)
- Purple: $53 ($60)
- White: $53 ($60)
- Black: $53 ($60)
- Green: $54 ($60)
- Wuchang Edition: $58.50 ($65)
- Honkai: Star Rail Edition: $70 (Available October 23)
The Ultimate 2 stands as the latest and most advanced controller within 8BitDo`s esteemed Ultimate series. Boasting premium internal components and a comprehensive suite of customization features, it`s highly recommended for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 owners, even surpassing the official $90 Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller in our estimation. Both versions of the Ultimate 2 also rank among the top professional-grade controllers for PC gaming. Users purchasing the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth for Switch 2 might need to update its firmware for proper connectivity.
Detailed Features of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller
The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller offers versatile wireless connectivity, linking to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 via Bluetooth or the included 2.4GHz USB-C dongle. It also supports 2.4GHz wireless for PC, and Bluetooth for Apple, Android, and SteamOS devices.
The Bluetooth Edition`s higher price reflects its expanded compatibility with Nintendo Switch consoles, where it enables wireless syncing via both Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz dongle. Note that motion controls and rumble functionality are exclusive to Nintendo consoles for this specific model.
Key Features of 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller:
- Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless (with USB-C receiver), and Wired (USB-C) for Nintendo Switch 2 / Switch. For PC, it uses 2.4GHz Wireless + USB-C wired; for Apple, Bluetooth + USB-C wired; and for Android & SteamOS, Bluetooth.
- Joysticks: Features TMR electromagnetic joysticks for enhanced precision and drift prevention.
- Triggers: Offers switchable trigger types: Hall Effect Triggers and Non-linear Microswitch Triggers.
- Programmable Buttons: Includes 2 remappable back triggers and 2 extra remappable shoulder buttons.
- Profiles: A dedicated profile button stores up to 3 custom control layouts.
- Design: Equipped with tactile bumpers, a tactile D-pad, textured grips, and customizable RGB lighting rings.
- Performance: Achieves a 1,000Hz polling rate via 2.4GHz and wired connections.
- Console-Specific Features: Provides 6-axis motion controls and dual rumble motors exclusively for Switch 2 and Switch.
- Battery Life: Up to 25 hours on its 1,000mAh battery.
- Availability: Available in white, black, and yellow.
- Accessories: Comes with a matching USB-C charging dock.
Customization with 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2:
This powerful software allows users to:
- Remap button inputs.
- Set up three distinct custom profiles.
- Define dead zones for sticks.
- Adjust sensitivity for motion controls, sticks, and triggers.
- Modify rumble intensity.
- Customize lighting effects.
Detailed Features of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller (PC & Mobile)
For those not requiring Nintendo console compatibility, the original Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, optimized for PC and mobile, is available at a lower price point. This version uniquely supports motion controls and rumble feedback on PC. Aside from these differences, its feature set and customization capabilities mirror the Bluetooth model. PC connectivity is achieved through 2.4GHz Wireless or a wired USB-C connection, while Bluetooth is reserved for Apple, Android, and SteamOS devices.
Key Features of 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller:
- Connectivity: Features 2.4GHz Wireless for PC (via USB-C dongle), Bluetooth for Apple, Android, and SteamOS, and Wired connectivity on PC.
- Joysticks: Incorporates TMR electromagnetic joysticks.
- Triggers: Allows switching between Hall Effect Triggers and Non-linear Microswitch Triggers.
- Programmable Buttons: Includes 2 remappable back triggers and 2 extra remappable shoulder buttons.
- Profiles: Stores 3 custom layouts with a dedicated profile button.
- Design & Performance: Equipped with a Turbo button, tactile bumpers, D-pad, textured grips, RGB lighting rings, and a 1,000Hz polling rate (2.4GHz/wired).
- PC-Specific Features: Supports 6-axis motion controls and dual rumble motors on PC.
- Battery: Powered by a 1,000mAh battery.
- Colors & Special Editions: Available in White, Black, Purple, Green, with special editions like Honkai: Star Rail / Wuchang: Fallen Feathers.
- Accessories: Comes with a matching USB-C charging dock.
Customization with 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2:
Users can:
- Remap inputs.
- Create three custom profiles.
- Set up dead zones.
- Adjust sensitivity for motion controls, sticks, and triggers.
- Modify rumble intensity.
- Adjust lighting effects.
Evolution of the Ultimate Series and Key Innovations
The Ultimate 2 pioneered the inclusion of four additional buttons in the series, a feature recently adopted by the new Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad. 8BitDo effectively merged elements from the original Ultimate controller with its recent budget-friendly wireless model, the Ultimate 2C, resulting in the Ultimate 2 having both two remappable back triggers (from the Ultimate) and two extra shoulder buttons (from the Ultimate 2C).
8BitDo has upgraded many of its controllers, including the Ultimate 2, by transitioning from Hall Effect sticks to TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) sticks. Both technologies utilize electromagnets to deliver smoother, more accurate, and precise movements, while also significantly reducing the likelihood of analog stick drift. Although functionally similar, TMR technology is generally considered an advancement over Hall Effect. These new analog sticks are complemented by customizable RGB lighting rings.
Furthermore, 8BitDo integrated another popular pro-grade customization into the Ultimate 2: trigger locks. Users can instantly switch the triggers between Hall Effect (analog) and non-linear microswitch (digital) modes by activating switches located on the controller`s rear.
Beyond its physical enhancements, the controller is fully compatible with 8BitDo`s proprietary Ultimate Software V2, available for PC, Mac, and mobile devices. This software empowers users to create up to three distinct profiles, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments to stick, trigger, and motion control sensitivity, rumble intensity, and the definition of analog stick dead zones.
8BitDo has enhanced its 2.4GHz wireless technology, now dubbed `8Speed,` to deliver an even more fluid gaming experience. When connected wirelessly via the provided USB-C dongle, the Ultimate 2 boasts a near-seamless 1ms latency for input recognition. Both 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wired connections achieve an impressive 1,000Hz polling rate. While the original Ultimate offered solid wireless performance, this new model ensures a more dependable and integrated connection. Notably, it`s also the first Ultimate Controller to feature a USB-C dongle, moving away from USB-A. The Bluetooth edition connects to Switch 2 and Switch via both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, whereas the PC edition`s Bluetooth support is limited to Android devices.
Consistent with other premium controllers in 8BitDo`s flagship line, the Ultimate 2 includes a matching USB-C charging dock, complete with a convenient storage compartment for its USB dongle. Equipped with a 1,000mAh battery, the Ultimate 2 offers more than double the capacity of the original Ultimate`s 480mAh battery. Users can expect up to 25 hours of battery life, though actual duration may vary depending on connection type and settings, with features like RGB lighting rings consuming power more rapidly.
Value Beyond the Ultimate 2: Original Ultimate Bluetooth Controller Deal
While the Ultimate 2 offers substantial upgrades, the original Ultimate Bluetooth controller remains a highly capable option. For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, Amazon currently offers an excellent deal on an 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller bundle, including the controller, charging dock, and an 8BitDo carrying case, all for $40.49 (reduced from $70).
- 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth + Travel Case (White): $40.49 ($70)
- 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth + Travel Case (Black): $45 ($70)
Introducing the 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad
For gamers who favor a symmetrical thumbstick layout, the 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad presents similar technological advancements to the Ultimate 2. The Pro 3 incorporates trigger locks, four remappable buttons, and TMR thumbsticks. A distinctive feature is its swappable magnetic face buttons, allowing users to effortlessly switch between Nintendo and Xbox button configurations. An extra set of unlabeled buttons, inspired by the Super Nintendo color scheme, is also included. The Pro 3 ships with additional ball-top stick caps and a dedicated charging dock. This controller debuted on August 12 with a retail price of $70.
8BitDo Wireless Controllers with Switch 2 Support
Here`s a list of 8BitDo controllers compatible wirelessly with Switch 2:
- 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)