8BitDo has revealed a pair of thrilling new controllers for combating sport lovers. Launching July 15 for Change/PC and Xbox/PC, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller is a skinny, leverless combat pad. All-button arcade “sticks” have change into fairly fashionable within the combating sport scene lately; some gamers discover that the devoted directional and soar buttons make it simpler to hit exact inputs for particular strikes and combos. Nonetheless, leverless fashions are usually costly, particularly if you happen to’re searching for a dependable and customizable machine. At $90-$100, 8BitDo’s Arcade Controller would be the most inexpensive choice from a significant model, and each fashions provide wi-fi connections on their respective platforms in addition to PC. You’ll be able to preorder the 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Switch/PC and Xbox/PC at Amazon.
$100 | Releases July 25
As mentioned above, the new leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controllers use a button-only layout. Both models include four directional buttons (up, down, left, right), eight face buttons, and four additional remappable buttons. Each button uses hot-swappable Kailh Wizard low-profile mechanical switches, and the extra buttons also come with swappable locking flat caps in case you don’t want to use them and want to avoid accidental presses. Both models also feature platform-specific inputs–like the Xbox Guide button and Switch Home button–for navigating the console’s menus and interface.
These leverless models are thinner and lighter than the previously released 8BitDo Arcade Controllers with joysticks, with a smudge-resistant material on the top panel, and a slip-resistant silicone mat on the bottom so it stays in place while playing. They also have foldable magnetic feet so you can adjust the angle.
The Xbox version of the leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controller connects wirelessly to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or PC with the included 2.4GHz dongle. The included USB-C cable can be used to establish a wired connection as well as charge the Arcade Controller.
While the hot-swappable PCBs are convenient for modding the device’s buttons and switches to your preferences, you can also personalize the button mapping and other options on PC or Xbox using 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software X. One of those customizations is the RGB lighting rings around the buttons, which are exclusive to the Xbox model.
$90 | Releases July 25
The Change model of the leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controller the identical button structure and general design because the Xbox version, nevertheless it’s $10 cheaper and provides Bluetooth assist. Because it makes use of Bluetooth to sync wirelessly along with your Nintendo Change, you shouldn’t have any downside pairing it to the upcoming Change 2 console.
The Change version nonetheless comes with a 2.4GHz dongle for wi-fi play on PC, similar to the Xbox mannequin. The removable charging cable can be utilized for wired mode on Change or PC. So if you happen to’re shopping for the controller for PC, it can save you $10 by choosing the Change model. You’ll miss out on the backlit buttons, however the Change version does have a cool retro-themed design.
The grey, black, and crimson coloration scheme pays homage to the Nintendo Leisure System. The trio of vivid menu buttons working alongside the highest nod again to the SNES controller’s face buttons.
Button mapping and different competition-focused management customizations could be utilized to the Change version utilizing 8BitDo’s Final Software program V2.
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For those who prefer the traditional feel of a joystick, the original 8BitDo Arcade Controller is also available now. Like the levelerless edition, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller with a joystick is available in Switch and Xbox versions, and both work with PC. The Switch/PC model is $90, whereas the Xbox/PC model is $120 and obtainable in both black or white coloration choices.
8BitDo makes loads of different nice controllers, together with typical, extremely customizable controllers just like the not too long ago launched 8BitDo Ultimate 2 for PC/Android and 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth for Nintendo Switch/PC. The Final 2 improves on its predecessor in quite a lot of methods. It has TMR electromagnetic sticks, 4 remappable buttons, customizable lighting rings, and set off locks.
If you happen to’re within the Xbox version Arcade Controller, you must also try the newly launched 3-Mode Ultimate Controller, which works wirelessly with PC and Android and with a wired connection on Xbox. Formally licensed by Xbox, the brand new mannequin has a clear inexperienced coloration scheme impressed by one of many unique Xbox’s hottest special-edition consoles. Earlier this 12 months, 8BitDo launched a clear inexperienced mechanical keyboard and gaming mouse. Although neither of those wi-fi peripherals are appropriate with Xbox, they’re versatile, budget-friendly choices for PC and Mac customers. The Xbox Version Retro Mechanical Keyboard is on sale for less than $80 (was $120) at Woot.