The All-New 8BitDo Ultimate Wireless Controller Is An Amazing Gamepad! Hands-On Review
Summary
TLDRThis video introduces 8bitdo's new wireless Ultimate Controller, offering Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz versions. The Bluetooth model features Hall effect sensor joysticks, motion controls, and a 22-hour battery life, while the 2.4 GHz version has a 15-hour battery life. Both are compatible with multiple platforms like Android, Windows, and the Nintendo Switch. They include programmable buttons, analog triggers, and customizable profiles using 8bitdo's software. The video demonstrates the controller's performance on various devices and discusses its strengths, including precision joysticks and good battery life, with a preference for the Bluetooth version.
Takeaways
- 🎮 The 8bitdo Wireless Ultimate Controller is a new, highly praised model with wireless functionality.
- 🎮 There are two versions available: Bluetooth (which also supports 2.4GHz wireless) and 2.4GHz-only models.
- 🎮 The Bluetooth model is more feature-rich, including Gilikit Hall sensor joysticks, which use magnetic fields to eliminate joystick drift.
- 🎮 Both controllers are compatible with Android, Windows, the Nintendo Switch, Raspberry Pi, and Steam Deck, but only the Bluetooth version supports Nintendo Switch.
- 🎮 The controllers have mappable buttons, motion controls (for the Bluetooth model), and come with a charging dock for convenient storage and charging.
- 🎮 One downside is the non-easily accessible battery; while replaceable, it requires disassembling the controller.
- 🎮 The Bluetooth version includes a larger 1,000mAh battery (22 hours of playtime), while the 2.4GHz version has a smaller 480mAh battery (15 hours).
- 🎮 Both controllers support three programmable profiles using 8bitdo’s Ultimate Software, with fully customizable buttons and joysticks.
- 🎮 The 2.4GHz version does not support the Nintendo Switch, even with a USB connection, while the Bluetooth version pairs easily.
- 🎮 For Windows, both versions support X Input when connected via 2.4GHz, and there is hope for a firmware update to allow Bluetooth mode to support X Input for wider compatibility.
Q & A
What is the main feature of the 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth version?
-The main feature of the 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth version is that it supports both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, with Hall sensor joysticks for more precise control and no drift issues.
What are the key differences between the Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz versions of the controller?
-The Bluetooth version includes Hall sensor joysticks, motion controls, and a larger 1000 mAh battery with 22 hours of playtime. The 2.4 GHz version has no motion controls, a smaller 480 mAh battery with 15 hours of playtime, and supports only 2.4 GHz wireless with a USB dongle.
What platforms are compatible with the 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth controller?
-The Bluetooth version of the 8bitdo Ultimate controller is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Android, Raspberry Pi, and the Steam Deck.
Does the 8bitdo Ultimate 2.4 GHz version work with the Nintendo Switch?
-No, the 2.4 GHz version does not work with the Nintendo Switch, even when using the USB dongle.
What type of joysticks does the Bluetooth version of the 8bitdo Ultimate controller use?
-The Bluetooth version uses Hall sensor joysticks made by GilaKit, which operate using a magnetic field for more precise control and no drift.
What is the battery life of both versions of the 8bitdo Ultimate controller?
-The Bluetooth version has a 1000 mAh battery with up to 22 hours of playtime, while the 2.4 GHz version has a 480 mAh battery with 15 hours of playtime.
Does the 8bitdo Ultimate controller support firmware updates?
-Yes, both versions of the 8bitdo Ultimate controller support firmware updates via USB, which can be managed through 8bitdo's Ultimate Software suite.
Can the 8bitdo Ultimate controllers' buttons and joysticks be customized?
-Yes, both versions support full customization of buttons, joysticks, and vibration settings through the Ultimate Software, with the option to create and save three programmable profiles.
What is one downside of the 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth version related to Bluetooth mode?
-In Bluetooth mode, the controller is only detected as a D-input device, which may limit compatibility with some games or platforms. The user hopes for a future firmware update to allow toggling between D-input and X-input in Bluetooth mode.
What are the price differences between the two versions of the 8bitdo Ultimate controller?
-The Bluetooth version is priced at $69.99, while the 2.4 GHz version is priced at $49.99.
Outlines
🎮 8bitdo's New Wireless Ultimate Controller Overview
The video introduces 8bitdo's latest wireless Ultimate Controller, highlighting its versatility across devices like Android, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Raspberry Pi, and the Steam Deck. It contrasts this with the previous wired version, which worked with Xbox. Two versions of the controller are available (Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz), with notable features such as Hall sensor joysticks that prevent drift. The controller is praised for its compatibility, though it lacks an easily accessible battery. The inclusion of a charging dock is also a convenient feature.
🔧 Controller Design and Features
This section delves deeper into the controller's features, comparing the Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz versions. Both offer mappable buttons, analog triggers, and a comfortable grip. The Bluetooth model has a switch to toggle between Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, while the 2.4 GHz model switches between D-input and X-input. The Bluetooth version is marketed for the Switch but works with multiple platforms, though it currently only supports D-input in Bluetooth mode, with hopes for future X-input support. Both controllers share similar physical features with distinct internal components like the Hall effect sensor sticks in the Bluetooth model.
💻 Software Support and Firmware Updates
This paragraph focuses on the software and firmware support available for the 8bitdo Ultimate controllers. Both versions support firmware updates via USB and are compatible with 8bitdo’s Ultimate Software, which allows for controller customization. Through the software, users can remap buttons, adjust joystick dead zones, configure vibration settings, and even set up macros for specific games. The controllers also support three fully programmable profiles, allowing customization for various game genres like fighting and driving.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡8BitDo Ultimate Controller
💡Bluetooth vs 2.4 GHz
💡Hall sensor joystick
💡Analog triggers
💡Motion controls
💡Ultimate Software
💡Nintendo Switch Compatibility
💡Firmware updates
💡X input vs D input
💡Charging dock
Highlights
8bitdo introduces two versions of its Ultimate Controller: Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, each with distinct features and compatibility.
The Bluetooth version supports a wide range of devices, including the Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, Raspberry Pi, and Steam Deck.
The Bluetooth model features GuliKit Hall sensor joysticks, providing more precise control and eliminating the risk of joystick drift.
Both versions of the Ultimate Controller come with analog triggers, mappable buttons, and three fully programmable profiles using 8bitdo's Ultimate Software.
The 2.4 GHz version is better suited for Windows PC and Raspberry Pi, but requires a USB dongle for Android compatibility.
The controllers offer a charging dock with Pogo pins, making it convenient to store and charge without worrying about losing parts.
The Bluetooth model's 1,000 mAh battery lasts up to 22 hours, while the 2.4 GHz version has a smaller 480 mAh battery with 15 hours of playtime.
The Bluetooth version lacks X-input compatibility, meaning it only supports D-input over Bluetooth, a limitation for PC gamers.
Both controllers feature Hall effect sensor joysticks, providing precision and eliminating joystick drift.
The Ultimate Software allows users to remap buttons, adjust joystick dead zones, and customize vibration settings, with options to create macros for complex commands.
The Bluetooth version is better suited for the Nintendo Switch and offers built-in motion controls.
The 2.4 GHz version is priced at $49.99, while the Bluetooth model, with additional features, costs $69.99.
The Ultimate Controller supports firmware updates via USB, ensuring it stays compatible with the latest platforms.
The Bluetooth version is compatible with Steam Deck, showing up as a Pro Controller when paired.
8bitdo’s d-pad design is optimized for precision, making it ideal for fighting games like Marvel vs. Capcom 2.
Transcripts
[Music]
foreign
hey you what's going on everybody it's
ETA Prime back here again today we're
going to be taking a look at 8bitto's
brand new wireless ultimate controller
and this thing is absolutely amazing you
might remember a few months ago they
released their wired ultimate controller
which does have compatibility with the
Xbox unfortunately the wireless versions
do not but you know if you want a wired
controller that's a great one I'll leave
a link in the description but this does
work with Android Windows your switch
you could set this up with the Raspberry
Pi and it even works with the steam DAC
this time around 8bitto is offering two
different versions with some significant
differences now with either of these you
can pick it up in white or black but uh
we've got a Bluetooth version that also
supports 2.4 gigahertz and if you want
to use it as a wired controller you can
plus the Bluetooth version which is the
higher end version out of both of them
has another trick up its sleeve it's
actually using gilikit Hall sensor
joystick so instead of having a physical
connection it's using a magnetic field
and we've seen this a lot in handhelds
and controllers over the past year here
and basically we get a more precise
joystick and we don't have to worry
about drift so I do want to mention that
this is compatible with the Nintendo
switch and this is something that I
would definitely recommend if you use a
wireless controller with your switch
another thing I'd like to mention about
the ultimate controller here is we don't
have an easily accessible battery now
this can be replaced but you'd have to
tear the controller down and with the
newer Pro Controller they do have easily
user replaceable batteries but the
ultimate doesn't but one thing they do
include here is a charging dock which is
pretty cool so we've got the three Pogo
pins here this is going to charge your
controller up also makes a really nice
stand we've got a USB type-c input on
the rear and on the bottom we've got a
little door and this is where our 2.4
gigahertz USB dongle is going to be
placed So Easy Storage here and I've
actually lost a couple of these in the
past with their older dongle so it's
nice to see that we do have some place
to store it instead of you know on the
desk where it can get knocked off and
kicked around so I've actually got both
of the new versions The Black version is
the Bluetooth version the white version
is the 2.4 gigahertz version and we're
going to just take a look at both of
them
but there's no denying that the
Bluetooth version does have a little
more built in I mean it's really up to
you in the end if I had to choose I
would always go with the Bluetooth
version but I did want to pick up this
2.4 gigahertz version just to show you
the differences here and yes we do have
analog Triggers on both of these and
these are very very comfortable to hold
we've also got some mappable buttons
around back and if you take a look at
the Bluetooth version we've got a switch
here for 2.4 gigahertz or Bluetooth and
on the 2.4 gigahertz model we've got D
input or X input so the differences
between these two controllers can get a
bit confusing and when it comes to the
Bluetooth version this is marketed as a
switch controller but since we've got
Bluetooth and 2.4 built in it'll work
with a PC your Android device it'll work
with a Raspberry Pi and even the steam
deck but there's one thing to note here
while you're in Bluetooth mode it's only
detected as D input now hopefully this
has changed we definitely need to toggle
so we can detect it as X input I'm not
exactly sure if this was kind of a
marketing strategy G to try to sell both
of the controllers but I do think that
the ultimate needs that X input in
Bluetooth mode just to toggle between D
input and X input would be amazing and
when it comes to the 2.4 gigahertz model
they're less than this more for the
Raspberry Pi and your Windows PC they've
also got Android listed there but in
order for it to work you'd have to plug
in a USB dongle so if you've got an
Android box that would be fine but not
for a phone
so on the Bluetooth Ultimate Edition we
get those Hall effects sensors made by
Gila kit it does have built-in motion
controls a 1 000 milliamp hour battery
with up to 22 hours of play time and for
the 2.4 gigahertz version no motion
controls 480 milliamp hour battery with
15 hours of play time but they do offer
an extra pink version of this one price
on the Bluetooth is 69.99 price on the
2.4 is 49.99 I'm gonna go ahead and say
it I would opt for the Bluetooth because
it's going to work with everything that
that 2.4 does plus we get all of those
extra awesome features built in
and when it comes to the overall
physical features I mean they're
basically identical I've just got a
black version and a white version here
but we've got the same d-pad we've got
the same buttons we've got the same
extra 8-bit doe buttons up here both of
them do support three fully mappable
profiles using the Ultimate Software
that 8bit Doe offers and they both have
analog triggers around back plus this
nice little texture on the back which
really does help you grip onto the
controller
so really the main differences here are
the built-in features and the internal
component you might notice that the
analog sticks in the Black Version look
a bit different and that's because these
are the hall effect sensor sticks from
Gila kit and on their website right now
at least at the time of making this
video they have no mention of it so I
definitely wanted to tear it down just
to be sure and yeah we've got those
gilikit sticks right here
super accurate No drift and I really do
like the way they've set this controller
up it's kind of a modular design so
usually when you open up a controller
like this all the buttons fall right out
of it but for the face buttons here
they're all in place with this extra PCB
and we've just got that single ribbon
cable going to the main PCB inside of
the controller now before we test these
controllers out I did want to mention
that both of them do support the
Ultimate Software that 8bit Doe offers
Plus firmware updates over USB so I
wanted to show you that real quick we're
going to move over to my Windows PC
like all of their new gamepads the
ultimate controller does support
firmware upgrades with the upgrade tool
you can download this from their website
and the ultimate software suite I've
already got mine downloaded here and I'm
going to just go ahead and check for
updates so we've got the firmware update
and basically I'm just going to go ahead
and plug in the controller
[Music]
and this one here is on the latest
firmware so there's really nothing I
need to do but I would check this once a
month at least I usually do with my
controllers
next up we've got the ultimate software
suite now this is really awesome with
this we can set it up for Windows or
switch but we also had three profiles
that we can program and all the buttons
on here and the joysticks are fully
programmable so just go with Windows
here as you can see bring up an image of
this new controller everything's labeled
super easy to use so if you do want to
go ahead and remap your controller you
can do it from here
moving over to the sticks
and I mean this works in real time so
you can see what's going on here we can
change the dead zones
pretty awesome triggers also
Dead Zone here
vibration we've got two Motors built in
so we can set this up for maximum
vibration on each side or you can go
ahead and lower it down this thing does
put out some really good feedback though
and we've also got a macro setting
that'll work off of a hotkey so we can
actually set up like a special move for
a fighting game to one button on this
unit if you want to but all of the
documentation is over on their website
and we've got three profiles to work
with so you can set this up for fighting
driving FPS or however you want to set
your controller up
so the first thing I wanted to test here
was the 2.4 gigahertz version on the
switch with the dongle and unfortunately
nothing works now I do want to mention
that it's stated on their website that
this one isn't for the switch but I
thought maybe that it would work over
USB unfortunately it just will not I've
tried X input and D input and I'm just
using USB type c to full size USB here
just like you would plug into the USB
ports on a switch's dock but the
Bluetooth version here is made for the
switch and it's really easy to pair
we're just going to go to controllers
change order
power it up we'll hold the pairing
button for a few seconds and the switch
is automatically going to detect this
new Ultimate controller there we have it
and it's set up
this does support motion controls on
switch personally I haven't used any
kind of third-party applications or
anything like that to try to get them to
work in Windows but I know for sure it
does work here with the switch
and I'm personally not into most of the
motion control games on the switch but I
did have Odyssey here I just kind of
wanted to show this off real quick but
you know just using it as kind of a Pro
replacement works out really well for
the switch
foreign
[Music]
next thing I wanted to test here was
just the Windows PC with the 2.4
gigahertz version now this will work
wired or wirelessly with that 2.4
gigahertz dongle Windows is
automatically going to detect it
[Music]
you'll get a little vibration let you
know that it is connected and by the way
when either of these controllers are
working over 2.4 gigahertz it's in X
input mode now we can switch it from the
back on the 2.4 gigahertz model but when
it comes to that Bluetooth model 2.4 is
going to be an X input Bluetooth is
going to be in D input but like I
mentioned I really hope we get a
firmware update that will allow us to
use that Bluetooth controller in
Bluetooth mode As an X input device I
mean that would be awesome you know on
the go I don't have to carry this dongle
around and just connect it over
Bluetooth would be great I know we're
going to get a bit less latency over 2.4
but I don't mind using a Bluetooth
controller at all
so I've got the Bluetooth model
connected to the steam deck over
Bluetooth and luckily you know with the
steam deck we've got really great
controller compatibility this is
actually showing up as kind of a switch
controller if you take a look in the
lower left hand corner you'll see that
switch icon but it does show up as the
Pro Controller once you pair it up over
Bluetooth and we can navigate the menu
we can play our games here
we'll get into a little bit of
Spider-Man
and so far with all of the games that
I've tested except for one this just
kind of worked right out of the box but
with doom Eternal I did have to go into
the controller settings and map a couple
extra buttons not exactly sure what was
going on with that but you know I was
able to get it to work basically issue
free
[Music]
and the final thing I wanted to show off
was Android compatibility so we've got
the Bluetooth model connected over
Bluetooth to my Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and
we've even got that home button it'll
bring us right back home we can navigate
the operating system with it
and since I'm here I figured I'd go
ahead and test this d-pad out for one of
my favorite fighting games Marvel vs
Capcom 2 and 8bit though has had a lot
of time to kind of refine their d-pad
these are some of my favorite on the
market right now it uses a conductive
pad even on this new Ultimate controller
and yeah I mean four fighting games this
d-pad is great
foreign
so overall I've really enjoyed using
both of these controllers personally I
like the Bluetooth version much better
just because we've got that wireless
compatibility without any kind of dongle
but you got to keep in mind that there
might be some games with Android that
just don't function properly with d
input now if you plug the 2.4 gigahertz
dongle and you're going to be in X input
mode and that's going to work with
anything that supports the controller on
Android you're going to have a great
time with it but then you've got that
USB hanging off the side of your phone
or your tablet if they can add a
firmware update that will allow us to
kind of swap between X input over
Bluetooth this would be the perfect
ultimate controller for anybody who
needs a great controller so that's going
to wrap it up for this video really
appreciate you watching I'd like to know
your thoughts on the new Ultimate
controller here uh are you interested in
picking one up have you pre-ordered it
if so which one did you choose are you
gonna go with the Bluetooth or the 2.4
version and in the end it really comes
down to what you're going to be using
these controllers more on
if you have any questions or you want to
see these controllers tested with any
other devices let me know down below and
like always thanks for watching
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