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.