The All-New 8BitDo Ultimate Wireless Controller Is An Amazing Gamepad! Hands-On Review

Summary

This 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

00:00

🎮 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.

05:01

🔧 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.

10:02

💻 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.

Keywords

💡8BitDo Ultimate Controller

The 8BitDo Ultimate Controller is the main subject of the video, described as a new wireless controller with advanced features. It comes in two versions: Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, both of which offer different functionalities and compatibility with various devices like the Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, and Raspberry Pi. The controller is praised for its design, comfort, and additional features such as Hall sensor joysticks in the Bluetooth version.

💡Bluetooth vs 2.4 GHz

These are the two wireless technologies available in the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller. The Bluetooth version is more versatile, supporting multiple devices like the Nintendo Switch and Android, while the 2.4 GHz version is aimed more at Windows PC and Raspberry Pi users. The video highlights the differences in features, such as the presence of Hall sensor joysticks in the Bluetooth version and the trade-offs between these two versions.

💡Hall sensor joystick

The Hall sensor joystick is a key feature of the Bluetooth version of the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller. It uses a magnetic field instead of a physical connection to detect movement, which increases precision and eliminates drift, a common issue in traditional joysticks. This technology is particularly highlighted in the video as a significant advantage for gamers seeking more reliable and accurate controls.

💡Analog triggers

Analog triggers refer to the pressure-sensitive buttons on the back of the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller. Both the Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz versions include these triggers, which are used in gaming for actions that require variable input levels, such as accelerating in racing games. The video notes that these triggers add to the controller's versatility and comfort.

💡Motion controls

Motion controls are featured in the Bluetooth version of the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller, allowing the user to interact with games by moving the controller. This is especially useful for games on the Nintendo Switch, where motion control is a common feature. The video mentions that while the 2.4 GHz version lacks motion controls, the Bluetooth version is fully compatible with this feature, making it more suitable for certain types of games.

💡Ultimate Software

Ultimate Software is a program offered by 8BitDo that allows users to customize their controllers. The video explains that through this software, players can remap buttons, adjust joystick dead zones, and set up macros for specific games. The software supports multiple profiles, which can be tailored to different gaming experiences, enhancing the controller's usability and personalization.

💡Nintendo Switch Compatibility

The Nintendo Switch compatibility is a major selling point for the Bluetooth version of the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller. The video demonstrates how easily the controller pairs with the Switch and mentions its support for motion controls, making it a strong alternative to the official Pro Controller. However, the 2.4 GHz version is not compatible with the Switch, highlighting a significant difference between the two models.

💡Firmware updates

Firmware updates are mentioned as a crucial aspect of maintaining and improving the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller's performance. The video shows how users can check for and install updates via the Ultimate Software, ensuring their controllers stay up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes. Regular firmware updates can also add new functionalities, such as the hoped-for ability to switch between D input and X input on the Bluetooth model.

💡X input vs D input

X input and D input are two modes that define how a controller communicates with a PC or other devices. X input is commonly used by modern games and controllers, while D input is older and less supported. The video discusses the limitation of the Bluetooth version, which currently only supports D input in Bluetooth mode, and the desire for a firmware update to allow X input in this mode, making the controller more versatile for PC gaming.

💡Charging dock

The charging dock is an accessory included with the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller. It not only charges the controller via Pogo pins but also serves as a convenient stand. The video appreciates this feature, especially since the controller's battery is not easily replaceable. The dock's design, which includes storage for the 2.4 GHz dongle, adds to the controller's practicality and ease of use.

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