When you tried syncing an 8BitDo controller to the Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day, you have been in all probability upset when the console refused to acknowledge it. I do know I used to be. However my disappointment did not final lengthy, as 8BitDo reached out the next day to let me know that firmware updates concentrating on Switch 2 assist have been obtainable for choose controllers in its lineup. After updating all the supported controllers, I can verify that all the fashions which have obtained updates up to now work nicely each wirelessly and with a wired connection. The checklist contains a number of of 8BitDo’s greatest controllers, together with its not too long ago launched flagship Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, which is a formidable different to Nintendo’s new Switch 2 Professional Controller. We have rounded up all the 8BitDo controllers with Switch 2 assist, outlined the replace course of, and in contrast the Final 2 to the Professional Controller beneath.
Fast look: 8BitDo Controllers with Nintendo Switch 2 assist
How to replace 8BitDo Controllers
8BitDo Final and Professional 2 Controllers might be up to date within the Final Software program app on PC, Mac, iOS, or Android. The 8BitDo Final 2 Bluetooth Controller makes use of the newer Final Software program V2 for PC and Mac.
The Final Bluetooth and Final 2 Bluetooth additionally assist 2.4GHz Wi-fi on Switch 2, however you might want to replace the dongle positioned within the storage compartment on the underside of the charging dock. When you solely replace the controller, the Switch 2 will solely acknowledge it when paired in Bluetooth mode. The Final Bluetooth comes with a USB-A dongle that may be linked to the Switch 2’s dock. The Final Bluetooth 2 has a USB-C dongle that may connect with the port on the highest USB-C port on the console itself; this allows you to sync wirelessly by way of 2.4GHz in tabletop or docked modes. If you wish to hold the highest USB-C port free, you’ll be able to join the dongle to the dock with the assistance of a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
8BitDo additionally has a Firmware Updater software for Home windows and macOS that can be utilized to replace the Final Bluetooth and Professional 2 Controllers in addition to the opposite fashions on the checklist above that do not have Final Software program assist. As soon as put in, plug the controller into your laptop with the USB-C to USB-A cable that comes along with your controller, boot the app, and observe the on-display screen prompts.
Tip: For 2.4GHz and wired connections with all 8BitDo merchandise on this roundup, you might want to toggle one setting in your console. Navigate to System Settings, scroll all the way down to Controllers & Equipment, and allow Nintendo Switch Professional Controller Wired Communication.
8BitDo Controllers on Nintendo Switch 2
Let’s take a better have a look at all the 8BitDo equipment that presently work on Nintendo Switch 2. 8BitDo instructed GameSpot that it’s engaged on including Switch 2 assist for extra merchandise its lineup, so we’ll replace this roundup as extra controllers obtain firmware updates.
$63 (was $70)
Key Features
- Nintendo Switch 2 / Switch: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless (USB-C receiver), Wired (USB-C)
- PC: 2.4GHz Wireless + USB-C wired
- TMR electromagnetic analog sticks
- Hall Effect triggers with adjustable stop point
- 2 remappable back triggers
- 2 extra remappable shoulder buttons
- Tactile bumpers
- RGB lighting rings
- 1,000Hz polling rate for 2.4GHz and wired
- 6-axis motion controls (Switch 2 + Switch only)
- Rumble (Switch 2 + Switch only)
- Turbo button
- Up to 25 hours of battery life
- Available in white and black
- Includes matching USB-C charging dock
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller is better than many controllers from major brands that cost two or three times as much. Even if you already own its superb predecessor, the Ultimate Bluetooth, the Ultimate 2 is a worthwhile upgrade. It can sync wirelessly to Nintendo Switch 2 via the included 2.4GHz USB-C dongle or Bluetooth.
You can use the USB-C to USB-A charging cable for a wired connection, but you’ll probably only need to do this if you run out of battery life. The Ultimate 2 features a 1,000Hz polling rate for both 2.4GHz and wired connections, so performance is indistinguishable between the two. I also haven’t noticed a difference in Bluetooth reliability and latency between the Ultimate 2 and Switch 2 Pro Controller.
Along with two remappable back buttons, you’ll find two additional shoulder bumpers, giving you a total of four extra customizable inputs to work with. You can save up to three custom profiles and cycle between them on the fly. There’s also a turbo button that registers a button press and hold as continuous tapping.
8BitDo has used Hall Effect sticks in its flagship controllers for a while, but the upgraded TMR electromagnetic sensors on the Ultimate 2 are even better. The sticks are remarkably smooth and precise, and the new RGB rings around each stick are a nice bonus. The upgraded D-pad retains the retro Nintendo aesthetic found on most 8BitDo controllers, but it has a softer feel and smoother action than its predecessor.
The tactile shoulder bumpers and Hall Effect triggers are impressive, and the latter now has a locking switch that turns them into instant triggers with quick stopping points. Although you lose out on NFC support for Amiibo and HD Rumble, this model does feature adjustable rumble motors and 6-axis motion controls.
With 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2 on PC and Mac, you can remap inputs, save profiles, and adjust various stick, trigger, rumble, and motion controller settings. Here’s the list of core features:
Customize with 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 (on PC/Mac)
- Remap inputs
- Set up three custom profiles
- Set up dead zones
- Adjust motion control sensitivity
- Adjust stick sensitivity
- Adjust trigger sensitivity
- Adjust rumble intensity
- Adjust lighting effects
The Ultimate 2 also comes with a matching charging stand, making it easy to refuel between sessions. You can get roughly 25 hours of battery life over Bluetooth and 20 hours with 2.4GHz Wireless. These times can fluctuate based RGB ring light brightness, rumble intensity, motion control usage, and more.
After reading about the rest of the 8BitDo controllers with Switch 2 support, I’ve included my thoughts on the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth versus the Switch 2 Pro Controller based on my early impressions.
Note: Amazon has multiple store pages for the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth. We’ve included options sold by Amazon and 8BitDo. Regardless of who is selling it, your order will be fulfilled by Amazon and is eligible for Prime delivery. For the black edition, you’ll want to buy it from 8BitDo’s listing while the coupon discount is available.
$47.39 (was $60) | Bundle with Carrying Case for $50-$55 (was $70)
(*2*)
The 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller is ideal for those who prefer aligned, PlayStation-style sticks and for games where D-pad controls are superior. So if you’re looking for a Switch 2 controller for Super Mario side-scrollers, retro games on Switch Online, or arcade titles, the Pro 2 is well-worth its $45-$50 price. It resembles a Super Nintendo controller with traditional grips added. But the Pro 2’s design gives it the versatility to work well with modern AAA games, too.
The Pro 2 is, in many ways, the Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with a different form factor. It has Hall Effect sticks, a pair of remappable back buttons, a turbo button, and can save up to three custom profiles. It’s the only traditional 8BitDo controller outside of the Ultimate line that is compatible with the Ultimate Software. You can remap inputs and tinker with rumble, motion controllers, and stick/trigger sensitivity using 8BitDo’s app on PC, Mac, iOS, and Android.
The Pro 2 can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth on Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Steam Deck, and other devices.
$40.49 (was $45)
The SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller very closely resembles the shape of the SNES controller. But unlike the Pro 2, the SN30 Pro does not have Ultimate Software support, back buttons, or custom profiles.
What it does have, however, is dual analog sticks, two triggers, and two shoulder bumpers. Because of the additional triggers, i’s thicker than an actual SNES controller, which improves the overall ergonomics. If you’re fond of this compact form factor, the SN30 Pro can be used with all modern games. It has built-in rumble and motion controls, and you can get up to 18 hours of battery life on a full charge.
Needless to say, the SN30 Pro is a popular choice for retro enthusiasts, and just like the Pro 2, it has wide platform compatibility beyond Switch 2.
$27 (was $30)
The Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller is 8BitDo’s budget version of the Ultimate and Ultimate 2. But despite only costing $30 at MSRP, it’s a high-performing controller with Hall Effect sticks, 6-axis motion controls, rumble, and turbo functionality.
It also has two extra remappable shoulder buttons, located in the same spots as the extra buttons on the Ultimate 2. Unlike the other controllers on this list with extra buttons, the shoulder buttons are remapped on the controller itself. The Ultimate 2C doesn’t have Ultimate Software support, so the shoulder buttons are the extent of the customization features here.
If you want a couple of extra controllers for local multiplayer with friends and family, the Ultimate 2C is excellent for the price. It has the same great ergonomics as the flagship Ultimate controllers, and getting Hall Effect sticks at this price in a wireless controller is a steal.
The Ultimate 2C can run for up to 15 hours between charges and is compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch.
Note: The older Ultimate C Bluetooth Controller also received a firmware update for Switch 2. You won’t find the Ultimate C at major retailers, because it was discontinued after the 2C was introduced.
$19 (was $20)
The 8BitDo USB Adapter 2 and the original model can replace the need to buy more controllers. If you have an Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth or PS5 DualSense Controller, this $20 adapter permits you to use these controllers wirelessly on Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, and a bunch of different units. You may even use the DualSense Edge and Xbox Elite Series 2 Controllers–both of that are discounted proper now–and- reap the benefits of the remappable again buttons on every.
For example, I performed by means of a lot of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Switch OLED with the Elite Collection 2. Having 4 remappable paddles is nice for Nintendo’s open-world Zelda video games as a result of ample time spent sifting by means of the pause display screen and fast menus.
The USB Adapter 2 helps many different controllers past the present Xbox and PlayStation fashions. It’s a Bluetooth adapter, so all controllers linked to it should assist Bluetooth. Support is accessible for a wide range of notable legacy controllers, together with the Wii Distant, Wii U Professional Controller, DualShock 4, and DualShock 3. All of 8BitDo’s Bluetooth controllers can sync to the adapter, too.
Word: Though the Switch 2 helps each iterations of 8BitDo’s USB Adapter, you’ll probably need to purchase one of many fashions proven above with the quantity 2 on it. The unique mannequin would not work with first-social gathering Xbox controllers, whereas USB Adapter 2 can sync to all Bluetooth-enabled Microsoft controllers.
8BitDo Final 2 Bluetooth vs. Switch 2 Professional Controller
The Nintendo Switch 2 Professional Controller prices $85–$15 greater than the Final 2 Bluetooth Controller at full value. For the time being, you will get the Final 2 Bluetooth for under $63 in white or black.
Whereas I’ve loved my time with the Switch 2 Professional Controller up to now, the Final 2 Bluetooth has extra customization choices. From an ergonomics perspective, each controllers are wonderful, although 8BitDo’s again buttons are a bit bigger and supply extra tactile suggestions. It’s additionally value maintaining in thoughts that the brand new Professional Controller’s sticks–which really feel a lot better than the unique’s–use ALPS tech, so they’re nonetheless vulnerable to analog stick drift. The Final 2 Bluetooth’s TMR electromagnetic sensors are usually thought to be a step above Corridor Impact sticks, that are generally known as “anti-drift sticks.”
I’ve solely spent a couple of hours with each controllers on Switch 2, however I’ve used the 8BitDo Final 2 for months on different platforms. 8BitDo’s controllers aren’t formally licensed by Nintendo, however the Switch 2’s launch day was the primary time I’ve ever skilled a connection challenge with a Nintendo console. It’s unclear why 8BitDo’s controllers weren’t appropriate out of the gate–I used to be capable of get different unofficial controllers working with out an update–but the difficulty was fastened simply at some point after launch. Given the very fact it occurred in any respect means that maybe a future Switch 2 firmware replace might result in new problems–though, as talked about, this by no means occurred with unofficial controllers on authentic Switch {hardware}, so I do not suppose there’s a lot trigger for concern right here.
The Switch 2 Professional Controller has the advantage of built-in assist for button mapping, together with a fast menu to remap the again buttons. The Final 2 Bluetooth depends on its desktop app for PC or Mac. However whereas this can be seen as inconvenience, the power to retailer three customized profiles on the controller greater than makes up for this.
I’ll proceed to make use of each controllers in the intervening time, however I think I’ll wind up utilizing the Final 2 Bluetooth as my foremost controller for Switch 2 earlier than lengthy.