8BitDo has formally revealed its first dedicated mobile controller within the vein of the Backbone One and Razer Kishi V2. The cradle design coupled with the signature options of the producer’s stellar Ultimate controllers for PC and Nintendo Switch makes the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller an attention-grabbing choice, particularly because it’s priced at solely $50. Obtainable to preorder now at Amazon, the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller can be accessible in white and black variants beginning November 29.
Like its high-end controllers, the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller options triggers and joysticks with Corridor Impact sensors, which prevents stick drift and customarily provides a smoother really feel. It additionally has two customizable rear triggers, a devoted turbo button, and it will match any cellphone between 3.93 inches (100mm) to six.69 inches (170mm) in size. That covers the overwhelming majority of recent telephones. For reference, the iPhone 16 Professional Max, Apple’s largest cellphone, is 6.42 inches in size. The controller’s design of this seems to be fairly snug as effectively, because it provides a extra conventional gaming profile to a cellphone.
It additionally helps 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software program, an easy-to-use customization suite that permits you to remap inputs, alter stick and set off sensitivity, and extra.
The foremost, and pretty substantial, caveat right here: It is solely confirmed to assist Android, however different 8BitDo controllers listed with Android-only cellular assist have labored on iOS simply fantastic. GameSpot has reached out to 8BitDo to see if official assist for iOS is deliberate and whether or not it should work in some capability with iPhones at launch.
For the reason that controller syncs by way of Bluetooth, not by way of USB-C just like the Backbone, we’d be stunned if it did not assist iOS. 8BitDo’s different controllers do work with Apple units by way of Bluetooth, and its Ultimate Software program app is out there by way of the iOS Retailer.
If it really works at all–and once more, we’re speculating here–the Ultimate Software program app is the important thing function that may very well be lacking on iOS. If 8BitDo would not or is not in a position so as to add the controller to the listing of units that sync with the app on iOS, iPhone customers would not be capable of remap inputs or make different adjustments–unless in addition they have an Android machine or the controller is able to syncing with the PC app to make modifications. Remapped inputs and different changes are usually saved to the controller, so in the event you personal an Android pill or an previous Android cellphone with 9.0 firmware or greater, you would theoretically make these modifications on that machine earlier than utilizing it on iPhone.
We’ll replace this text if and after we hear from 8BitDo about iPhone compatibility. Contemplating Apple has made a push into AAA gaming on iOS with titles corresponding to Resident Evil 4 remake, Resident Evil 7, Loss of life Stranding, Murderer’s Creed Mirage, and extra, the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller and its myriad customization options can be a boon for iPhone customers.
Nonetheless, Android customers have an thrilling new controller choice to stay up for. 8BitDo’s controllers virtually at all times punch above their value, so the 8BitDo Mobile Gaming Controller needs to be in your radar. The 8BitDo Ultimate Wireless 2.4GHz Wireless is our choose for one of the best PC controller in 2024, and the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Wireless Controller is our favourite third-party controller for Nintendo Change.
At $50, 8BitDo’s cellular controller is half the value of the Backbone One, the main cradle-style cellular controller. Backbone One prices $100 and would not have rear triggers or Corridor Impact sticks/triggers. It does supply devoted assist for iPhone and Android by way of USB-C (or Lightning), together with a useful app that collects your video games in a single console-style launcher. The USB-C connection additionally mitigates latency issues, whereas Bluetooth can add a little bit of latency. 8BitDo’s Bluetooth controllers usually work nice by way of Bluetooth, however it’s value mentioning right here.
8BitDo:
Backbone One:
In associated information, the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is also available to preorder now for $40 at Amazon. Revealed alongside the Analogue 3D, a modernized tackle the Nintendo 64, this controller can be appropriate with Nintendo Change, PC, and Android smartphones.