8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock, Wireless Pro Controller with Hall Effect Sensing Joystick, Compatible with Switch, Windows and Steam Deck (Black)

I have a lot of controllers... and I'm on a mission of reviewing every controller I own. Today, we'll review my first 8BitDo Ultimate - The Bluetooth version. The main reason I bought this controller was as an option to replace a Switch Pro Controller. I bought it a little bit after the GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro and it was between those for which I would use for Switch... ultimately the KingKong 2 ended up being used for Switch (at least until it lost my trust... I probably won't review that controller since it's no longer available, but long story short it went haywire on me while playing, twice) and I adopted this as my new main PC controller after the right bumper went bad on my Elite 2. I even bought the buttons from 8BitDo in order to convert it to Xbox layout ABXY. Features: Face buttons are standard membrane. dpad is old school feeling membrane with center pivot. Profile switch and home buttons are tactile. Triggers are hall effect and have good resistance to me (subjective). Special Features: The standout features that attracted me to this controller were.... - Hall Effect Joysticks - Multiple Game Profiles - Mappable Back Buttons - Wakes switch (was the first 8BitDo to do so!) In general, all of these features work as advertised, though compared to some other options, I would say the mappable back buttons are not as capable as other controller options today. 8BitDo software kind of has a macro builder where you build your macro, rather than other options that let you just record the inputs. This makes it such that there's no way to create macros which rely on buttons being held while others are being pressed, one button must end before the next begins. This unfortunately limited it's functionality for me in games like FFXIV, in which the trigger buttons must be held down to execute skills. By the time I switched to this controller though I was no longer raiding, so that limitation didn't end up being a deal breaker for me and it was still better than needing to buy a third party application to make macros at all, so I'll give it a pass. Shake to wake with Switch is a bit hilarious, but it works. QC / Durability Concerns: I haven't had any issues with this controller at all. There is wear from the plastic to plastic rub of the joystick with the controller face, but otherwise it generally looks fine. Maybe get black if you are concerned with grime and don't clean your controllers often. Functionality: In general, I have nothing to complain about as far as functionality. Everything works solidly, though the resolution of the hall effect sticks is certainly lower than the resolution of the Xbox Elite 2. You can tell this when you do operations such as changing the time of day in Genshin Impact - you can easily get it to register minute by minute with the Elite 2, but usually the 8BitDo Ultimate skips a few minutes when you rotate it. My my case, this does not affect game play, but perhaps if you need the ultimate level of precision this controller may not be suitable for you. A staple of my controller reviews... the Tetris dpad test. I play games on Tetris at as fast of a pace as I can (I'm roughly a 1 minute sprinter in modern Tetris games) and see how many false hard drops I get. Generally, 8BitDo controllers do well in this test for me, but I seem to be more prone to make accidental hard drops on this controller than I do on the Pro 2. In general though, this controller would fall somewhere below Xbox Elite 2 with cross dpad installed, other options with tactile / clicky dpads, and the 8BitDo Pro 2 (my current go to)... probably a little worse than the IINE Candy Pop controller I recently reviewed, but certainly not embarrassing like the Switch Pro controller. In Conclusion: For the price of this controller I think you get a lot from it, but if you are looking for a PC controller today I'd probably go with another option. If you are looking for a Switch Pro alternative though, I think this is still a pretty good option. It's very responsive on Switch and I still use a limited edition variant of this controller on Switch today. For PC though, I think there are better options for not a lot more of your hard earned money. Still though if this is your only option, I can recommend it as a solid reliable option. If PC is your intent though and you won't play on Switch ever, you can save $10 by getting the 2.4G version of the controller and you'll have the Xbox layout by default. Back when I bought this one, that variant didn't have hall effect joysticks, but now it does so you don't really lose any functionality except Switch connectivity.

Before getting this, I had the wired Xbox version. My particular model had somewhat sticky shoulder buttons, though I was able to fix that with some plastic lube, and that model generally doesn't have the hall effect joysticks. Otherwise, it is a fantastic controller. I thought it would be nice to have the hall effect sticks and wireless functionality, so I bought this. There's not much to be said about this that wasn't already said about that, so I'll start with what's different. Obviously this one is wireless, both 2.4G and bluetooth. When in 2.4G mode, it reads as an x-input controller, so the buttons, by default, will be swapped around. That is, your PC will read the B button as A and so on, just like an Xbox controller. You can change the buttons using the Ultimate Software if you want, but you get used to it (or you can buy replacement buttons from 8bitdo if you really care). You also get around a 250 Hz polling rate. In bluetooth mode, it will read as a Switch controller, so the buttons will actually match up and you can use the gyro functionality. However, you'll be limited to 125 Hz polling rate (or thereabouts). It has hall effect joysticks, which feel identical to regular sticks, really. But they shouldn't develop drift over time, so it's more of a future-proofing thing than anything else. I've seen where someone stated that in 2.5G/x-input mode, the sticks were not properly calibrated, but in Bluetooth mode, they are. They based this on a circularity test. The thing is, 8bitdo controllers intentionally read as non-circular because it makes certain games with axial deadzones work better. You can lower the outer deadzone to 99% if you'd rather it have perfect circularity and it's possible they did that with the Switch mode for better compatibility or something. At any rate, every 8bitdo controller I have does this, so it is intentional and should actually be beneficial in some games (while not hindering others). The buttons and triggers all feel great. Unlike the Xbox version, the shoulder buttons do not have any issues on this controller. If that changes over time, at least I know how to fix it now. The left trigger is slightly stiffer than the right for some reason, but it's not a huge deal. The face buttons are neither overly stiff nor mushy, providing a good amount of tactile feedback without making my fingers hurt after awhile. Also, unlike official Xbox controllers, these face buttons actually work 100% of the time. The d-pad feels basically the same (sorry, clicky d-pad enjoyers) and I am happy to report that it does a pretty good job of not triggering diagonals when I don't want it to. This was a big problem on their earlier controllers, but any that I have gotten more recently, including this one, have been much better. Not perfect, but close enough that it hasn't been a problem. The dock is a nice accessory. I just leave it plugged into my PC with the 2.4G dongle plugged into the bottom and that's that. There's a light on the bottom to indicate when it's charging; thankfully, it turns off when it is done. I haven't had any connectivity issues with the 2.5G mode, but I haven't messed around with bluetooth to see how that fares. There are a few small things I don't like, though. First, although it reads as an x-input controller in 2.4G mode, whether it is plugged in or wireless, it is not detected by Gamepad Tester. I'm not sure if that's an issue with the web site or with the controller, but it makes it harder to properly verify that it is working correctly. It still works fine with Steam, the Xbox PC app, and random fan games I've tested, though, so whatever. Second, I wish they would put some sort of anti-friction rings around the thumbsticks. The plastic is a bit rough there and while it may break in over time, it will never feel as premium as other controllers. Even the standard DualSense has those these days. Third, there doesn't seem to be any way to get it to work on Xbox. It isn't advertised as working with Xbox and I didn't really expect it to, but I've had some luck getting other controllers to work using my Brook 360-XB1 adapter, so I was hoping I might luck out. Nope. I can't dock them any points for that, but it's still a bummer. And finally, the cable it comes with is too short, IMO, for a PC setup. An extra couple feet would've been nice. All in all, a really excellent controller that I highly recommend. It works well and should continue to do so for a long time.

I have been running the 8BitDo Ultimate pro controller nearly every day for over a year now, and I have loved every second of using it. The wear is minimal, although I have had to slightly decrease the sensitivity of the joysticks a couple times due to snapback. I love that it has different button profiles that I can easily switch between for different games, and the back paddles are amazing for playing competitive games. I have mine set to left and right D-pad. The customizability is completely unmatched, between the button profiles, the stick and trigger sensitivity, and the rumble strength. The dock is really sleek looking and looks nice on my deck. I haven't used the 2.4G dongle a whole lot, but from what I have used of it, it works great, just as advertised. The only thing is that the dock seems to have worn out slightly, and the battery life feels just a little bit shorter than when I first got it, but that's all very minimal, and it still works amazingly more than a year later. I have not bought the new Ultimate 2, but I plan to eventually, when this thing breaks (not likely any time soon).

The good : Packed with features Has extra buttons Charging station acts as a signal extender, but you do need to connect it to your device 2.4 dongle is great Auto power on when removed from the station Feels good in hands. Haven't had any drift after 3-4 months Buttons and sticks feel great Has apps where you can update it hastle free. Also you can program and map your controller to 3 different maps. Does not get dirty for no reason The bad : Sometimes mapped programs stop working ?? Could be user error Sometimes it thinks that its an xbox controller, not a nintendo one (yes its setuped as a nintendo controller on pc and yes, still could be user error) All in all - great product, really like it. Personally i'd think twice before buying it for the full price, but if its 40 euros - deffinetly the best I've had.

Il controller è tra i migliori che abbia mai posseduto. Plastica solida e feedback dei tasti ottimo, completamente configurabile tramite il software: semplice mappatura dei tasti (inoltre presenta due tasti dorsali abbastanza comodi), regolazione delle zone morte interne ed esterne delle levette, regolazione della pressione necessaria all'attivazione dei grilletti, configurazione di macro. Insomma, completo su tutti i fronti. Offre anche la possibilità di avere 3 profili configurabili in modo completamente diverso, con la possibilità di passare da uno all'altro alla semplice pressione di un tasto. L'ergonomia è molto buona, probabilmente se fosse leggermente più bombata la parte del grip sarebbe stata migliore. Non sono mai riuscito a scaricare completamente il controller in una sessione di gioco, quindi direi che la batteria abbia una buona durata effettiva. Lo stand integrato è il tocco di classe, in questo modo il controller sarà sempre carico tra una sessione e l'altra di gioco, inoltre è decisamente più comodo rispetto all'ennesimo cavo di caricabatterie che va attaccato e staccato in continuazione. Notare che ha il layout di tasti della Nintendo Switch. Come ultima cosa, presenta due possibili modalità di connessione, tramite Bluetooth o con il dongle usb, la modalità si può cambiare tramite lo switch nella parte posteriore del controller. Tra le due modalità non ho in realtà notato alcuna differenza, teoricamente il dongle dovrebbe garantire una latenza minore, ma nemmeno in modalità Bluetooth ho notato alcun tipo di input lag. Complessivamente questo è decisamente un controller di qualità.

Bluetooth gaming controllers are notorious for having some truly awful input lag, and that was demonstrated to great effect in 8Bitdo's previous SN30Pro 2, which was clearly not up to snuff. On a desktop PC, the effect wasn't quite as bad, but when pairing it on another device such as an Nvidia Shield...even with a TV like mine with a 1ms refresh rate and low-lag gaming mode....it couldn't keep up. The Bluetooth Ultimate controller changes that.....somehow. I'm not sure what they did, but Bluetooth is LIGHTNING fast, even on devices that aren't running the latest n' greatest Bluetooth receivers. In fact, it outperforms my wife's 8Bitdo Ultimate 2.4g version of the controller by a hair, leading us to wonder why 8Bitdo is even selling that model in the first place. After all, the Ultimate Bluetooth model has a switch on the back for 2.4g if you so desire, which covers all the bases. The addition of Hall effect analog sticks and what feels to me like a tighter, more durable build is worth the extra money, in my opinion. This is *THE* controller to buy if you want to cover every conceivable base, and a major step up from 8Bitdo's previous Bluetooth-related blunders.

What a waste of time, it is supposed to be plug and play but windows doesn't recognize it using any port. Neither wired or using the dongle. At some point there is a noise of connecting and disconnecting and doesn't appear as a Game Controller. The software doesn't even recognize the joystick. Really bad experience, I have other much cheaper joysticks and other also high end devices that work without a problem on my PC. Can't recommend at least for windows.

Its a good controller, after watching ETA Primes review on Youtube (beginning of November) and trusting his opinion I pre-ordered both black and white controllers (for £60 each). I received the white controller on release (around 17th November if I remember correct, I even got a £5 refund as it released at a slightly cheaper price of £55)... 1 week later and the black controller hadn't arrived and there was no update on any expected delivery, so I just cancelled it - the time delay also enabled me to come to my senses and realise I have stupid amount of controllers as it is... x9 8BitDo, x2 Elite 2's, x1 Elite 1, Nintendo Switch Pro (to be fair I got most of the 8BitDo controllers in a job lot on eBay and awesomely they all worked with no issues, so if you are in doubt or unsure I can confirm reliability on 8BitDo controllers is excellent, you can also very easily flash updated firmware's). With regards to this new 8BitDo "Ultimate" controller, I got the slightly more expensive Bluetooth/2.4ghz version, it pairs fine with Windows and overall works as a controller should (Note:- PC gamers are overall superior people compared to the console pleb generation hehe :-p Xbox and Playstation can debate which is better till the cows come home, in the meantime PC gamers will sit silently judging you on your poor life choices :-)) kidding... Maybe). I have positives and negatives and firstly I'll explain my slightly NEGATIVE thoughts and this is in regards to the controller and its plastics feeling very cheap, especially the R1 & L1 shoulder buttons as they have a very mushy unpleasant click. The analogue R2 and L2 is quite a short throw as well and the angle your fingers sit at/have to hold the controller to access shoulder buttons just doesn't feel as comfortable/natural as it does on a standard Xbox controller or even the likes of the 8bitdo SN30 pro+ (basically that 8BitDo controller I am referencing is similar to a Playstation 2 shape but with a proper D-Pad) - Although I guess that is entirely subjective, it might feel fine for you. That being said this is not enough of a reason to dismiss the controller, but it was enough of a reason to make me realise I didn't need a second one and therefore the deciding reason I cancelled the black controller which I had pre-ordered. The POSITIVE and I think the primary reason most folks are intrigued and will buy this controller is because of the hall effect sensor technology - in short zero chance of stick drift. I wouldn't buy into any reviewers on Youtube saying greater accuracy with the analogue sticks and do not believe this technology will markedly improve your gaming abilities - However, If you need to believe that to justify the purchase to yourself then by all means go for it. My other positive is that the D-Pad feels particularly decent - its actually quite a large D-Pad. I use emulators for retro gaming and like playing the original '96 version of Resident Evil (PC and emulator versions) and RE1 uses tank controls, which lends itself better to this 8BitDo D-Pad as opposed to the 3 times the price, clicky and unnatural feeling Elite 2 D-Pad. To me, I think the most sensible option is grab an Xbox Elite Series 2 controller when they're on offer/second hand on Amazon (I got one 4 months ago, "used" from Amazon but in reality the box was scuffed/controller brand new and it cost the reasonable sum of £63)... You can then use what is a high quality and very nice/premium feeling controller till your hearts content and then IF stick drift ever happens, buy the little control board that easily solders in (I got 10 of them/so 5 controllers worth for £6 on eBay - Not had to use them yet but I am considering preventative maintenance and pre-installing them to have at the ready). Once installed this mod lets you use a screwdriver to adjust the values on the analogue potentiometer and therefore correct any analogue anomalies - so effectively with that simple mod, stick drift will never write off your controller and you will always be able to quickly and easily fix it. Anyway, that's my thoughts.