Since its recent release, Donkey Kong Bananza has had many players, myself included, vigorously smashing buttons to help DK burst through environments in pursuit of fossils, treasure chests, and elusive Banandium Gems. The delightful `Oh! Banana!` exclamation from DK and his joyful reaction with each discovery remain amusing, even after unearthing countless bananas. However, unlike Donkey Kong`s seemingly indestructible fists, our thumbs are not made of steel. The constant button mashing required to carve tunnels can become quite fatiguing, especially for older players. If you`re experiencing thumb soreness, I highly recommend investing in a Nintendo Switch 2 controller equipped with a turbo button, preferably one that also offers remappable buttons.
Understanding Turbo Buttons
For those unfamiliar, a turbo button simulates rapid button presses while you simply hold it down. In Donkey Kong Bananza, activating turbo allows you to hold down the Y button, transforming DK into a relentless power drill as he continuously swings his fists. While I haven`t frequently used turbo features before, it proves to be an incredibly useful addition for a game that often demands intense button mashing.
Controller Recommendations for Switch 2
While numerous Nintendo Switch 2 compatible controllers offer turbo functionality, it`s worth noting that the improved Switch 2 Pro Controller lacks this feature. Many top-tier options are not officially licensed by Nintendo, with the licensed Horipad Turbo for Switch 2 being a notable exception. This controller includes the new C button for GameChat, a feature exclusive to first-party or licensed peripherals. Priced at just $40, the Horipad Turbo is a wired controller, much like its predecessor, the original Switch Horipad Turbo, which is still available for $21 and also works with Switch 2 (though without the C button).
8BitDo Controllers: My Top Picks
Like many Switch users, I frequently turn to 8BitDo for third-party controllers. All of their Switch 2-compatible wireless models include versatile turbo functions that can be assigned to any button and easily toggled. I`ve spent over half my Bananza playtime using the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller, which I consider my preferred Switch 2 gamepad overall. This controller boasts four additional remappable buttons, high-quality TMR joysticks, hybrid Hall Effect and microswitch triggers, and compatibility with the 8BitDo app for setting up to three custom control profiles. The Ultimate 2 represents 8BitDo`s most advanced offering to date, priced at $63 on Amazon, complete with a charging dock.
While the Ultimate 2 marks a significant advancement for 8BitDo, the original Ultimate Bluetooth still offers essential customization features highly beneficial for Bananza, such as a turbo button, two back buttons, custom profiles, and full button remapping. You can save money by choosing the still excellent original Ultimate Bluetooth for $46.79. A bundle featuring the white Ultimate Bluetooth and a carrying case is also available for just $45 on Amazon, though it might not last long. Both the black and white versions come with matching charging docks.
For those who prefer PlayStation-style aligned thumbsticks, the 8BitDo Pro 2 offers the same core features as the original Ultimate. It`s currently on sale for $42.49 in a retro-inspired gray. Bundles including a Pro 2 and a carrying case are also discounted to $45 and available in three different color variations.
Before purchasing the Pro 2, be aware that the 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad is set to release on August 12th. This new model incorporates the upgraded joysticks and triggers, along with four extra buttons found on the Ultimate 2. A unique feature of the Pro 3 is its magnetic face buttons, allowing users to easily remove and rearrange ABXY buttons with an included tool. This is primarily useful for matching Xbox layouts when playing on PC, but it can also benefit Switch gaming. For instance, while Bananza allows swapping jump and punch buttons, the Pro 3 enables physical swapping of X/Y buttons after remapping, ensuring your preferred layout aligns with on-screen prompts. The Pro 3 lacks the Ultimate 2`s RGB lighting but includes an extra set of arcade-style joystick caps. Priced at $70, it comes in three colors, including a striking GameCube-inspired purple, each with a matching charging dock. Although we haven`t extensively tested the Pro 3, the Pro 2 is a solid choice, and the new features are already proven effective in the Ultimate 2.
Beyond these, two other 8BitDo controllers compatible with Switch 2 offer turbo functionality: the affordable Ultimate 2C and the retro SNES-inspired SN30 Pro. However, neither of these models includes back buttons, custom profiles, or comprehensive button mapping, making them less ideal for Donkey Kong Bananza compared to the others. Despite this, the Ultimate 2C, priced at just $30, still offers excellent value with its two extra remappable shoulder buttons.
Overview of 8BitDo Controllers with Turbo
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8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller
- Black
- White
- Yellow
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8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller
- White + Travel Case
- Black + Travel Case
- White
- Black
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8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller
- Gray
- Black
- Gray + Travel Case
- Black + Travel Case
- G Classic + Travel Case
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8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad — Releases August 12
- GameCube Purple
- Gray
- G Classic
- 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller
If you acquire any of the controllers listed above, a firmware update will likely be necessary to ensure compatibility with Switch 2. All mentioned controllers also offer wireless connectivity with PC, Mac, Steam Deck, and various mobile devices. The Ultimate 2, Ultimate, and Pro 3 models support both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections, whereas the others are limited to Bluetooth.
Advanced Features of the Ultimate 2
Beyond its turbo capabilities, the Ultimate 2 offers several other features that proved highly beneficial for Donkey Kong Bananza. Crucially, both the Ultimate 2 and Pro 3 include four remappable buttons, a significant upgrade from the two found on their predecessors and the Switch 2 Pro Controller. These, combined with ergonomically positioned back triggers and two smaller shoulder buttons, result in a total of six accessible top buttons. This increased flexibility is impactful; for instance, you can map ABXY to the back or shoulder buttons. This setup allows you to keep your thumb on the right stick continuously, which is invaluable given Bananza`s winding tunnels often necessitate constant camera adjustments. Indeed, one of my personal custom profiles is specifically designed to eliminate the need for traditional face buttons entirely.
The innovative dual trigger modes on the new 8BitDo controllers perfectly complement alternative control setups. By default, the Hall Effect triggers function as expected. However, by flipping a switch on the back, they transform into responsive microswitch buttons. The 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, available on PC, Mac, and Android, allows for comprehensive remapping of all inputs, meaning you can assign frequently used Bananza actions like jump or punch to these triggers. The software also provides options to fine-tune trigger and stick sensitivity, adjust rumble intensity, and customize the RGB lighting rings for aesthetic flair.
Considerations for Unofficial Controllers
Using third-party controllers like 8BitDo`s comes with a few trade-offs. They typically lack the new C button for GameChat and NFC support for Amiibo. While their adjustable rumble motors are good, they don`t quite match Nintendo`s advanced HD Rumble technology. If these specific features are crucial to your gameplay, the Switch 2 Pro Controller might be a better fit. Otherwise, for me, the Ultimate 2`s extensive customization options make it superior to Nintendo`s official controller.
More Switch 2 Controllers with Turbo Buttons
8BitDo is not the only manufacturer producing customizable controllers with turbo buttons. Here are several other turbo-enabled Switch 2 controllers from popular brands like EasySMX and GuliKit. While I haven`t personally tested all of them, I can confidently recommend the NYXI Warrior Lite and ManbaOne. The Warrior Lite is a high-quality GameCube-style wireless controller offering customizable features such as 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 fine-tuning various control settings, alongside its Hall Effect sticks and triggers and microswitch face buttons.
- EasySMX D10
- EasySMX D05
- GuliKit KK2 T
- GuliKit KK3
- GuliKit Elves 2 Pro
- ManbaOne
- NYXI Warrior Lite (GameCube form factor)
- NYXI Master P1