8BitDo has partnered with Xbox on a new edition of its Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller. In contrast to the original model that 8BitDo debuted final vacation season, the Xbox-licensed mannequin helps iPhone. We’ll be testing the revised mannequin within the coming weeks and can replace this text with our impressions, nevertheless it has the identical options because the Android-only original–and that controller is nice.
Like all 8BitDo controllers, the Final Cell Bluetooth carries a budget-friendly worth: $50. However even from a producer recognized for providing customizable pro-style controllers with high-end efficiency at low costs, the $50 worth is a bit shocking. 8BitDo’s different collaborations with Xbox–Series X|S controllers, arcade sticks, a keyboard and matching mouse–generally value a bit greater than comparable variations with out the Xbox license. However the $50 worth right here matches the price of the Android model, and the brand new one helps iPhone and Android. It swaps the conventional 8BitDo house button for an Xbox button, which can be utilized to tug up the Xbox Cloud Gaming information menu.
$50 | Officially licensed by Xbox
The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller is ready to ship now at Amazon with Prime delivery. It’s available in two colors, black or white. Each fashions have black sticks, face buttons with the usual Xbox shade scheme, and the retro-style D-pad discovered on most 8BitDo controller. It has tactile handles which are contoured to appear and feel fairly much like a console/PC controller.
The Final’s quite a few premium parts and options make it a severe competitor to cell controllers that retail for double the worth (or extra). It has two remappable again buttons that can really feel acquainted to those that have used one in every of 8BitDo’s Final Controllers for PC or Nintendo Change.
The complete-sized thumbsticks make the most of Corridor Impact sensors, which provide a smoother really feel and are usually extra sturdy than typical analog sticks as a result of you do not have to fret about stick drift. The precise and left triggers are activated by way of Corridor Impact sensors as properly. With 8BitDo’s Final Software program V2, you possibly can remap inputs, regulate stick and set off sensitivity, and create as much as three customized profiles.
The stretchable bridge is giant sufficient to suit all iPhone fashions and most Android telephones. So long as your machine is inside the vary of 100-170mm (3.93-6.69in) in size, you are good to go. For reference, the iPhone 16 Professional Max, Apple’s largest version up to now, is 6.42 inches.
The telephone cradle gives a safe match thanks to some design options. It has a rubberized again and tabs on all sides to grip your telephone whereas additionally stopping scratches. The again sheet of rubber is dotted with a sequence of button symbols that create a textured really feel. Moreover, the underside corners jut out barely from the handles for further assist.
Because it connects wirelessly to your machine by way of Bluetooth, you can too use it with Android tablets, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and even the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional. 8BitDo says the 300mAh battery gives as much as 13 hours on a full cost (1.5 hours to recharge).
$50 | Officially licensed by Xbox
This is a fast rundown of the specs, that are just about equivalent to its predecessor. However like all Xbox-licensed 8BitDo controllers, this one does not have a turbo button.
- Officially licensed by Xbox for Cloud Gaming
- Out there in black and white
- Bluetooth wi-fi connection
- Cradles iPhone and Android telephones
- Stretchable bridge helps gadgets 3.93-6.69in size
- 2 remappable again buttons
- Corridor Impact sticks with steel ringso
- Corridor Impact triggers
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad
- Xbox Information button
- As much as 13 hours battery life
- Expenses by way of USB-C
- Customise settings with Final Software program V2:
- Regulate stick/set off sensitivity
- Remap inputs
- Create customized profiles
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8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller with USB-C
Earlier this year, 8BitDo released a mobile controller that plugs into your smartphone via USB-C, but it has flown a bit under the radar. Made in collaboration with XR glasses manufacturer Viture, the translucent black 8BitDo Mobile Controller with USB-C is just appropriate with Android and prices $79. An iPhone model of the Viture x 8BitDo Final is within the works and is anticipated to launch this 12 months. You do not want Viture XR Glasses to make use of the USB-C model, however we might advocate testing the XR glasses regardless as a result of the wearable show tech is immensely spectacular.
8BitDo Final Cell Controller vs. the competitors for iPhone
The Final Cell Bluetooth Controller is half the common worth of the favored Spine One. Common is in italics as a result of Amazon has the Backbone One 2nd Gen for $70 (was $100) and the first Gen fashions for $60 proper now. From a construct perspective, I most popular the unique 8BitDo Cell Controller for Android over the Spine One. That mentioned, Spine’s app can be a reasonably superior console-like launcher, whereas 8BitDo’s Final Software program is only for management configuration. The Spine connects to your telephone’s USB-C or Lightning port, which is usually higher than Bluetooth when it comes to enter response times–though many individuals will not discover the distinction. The Spine One does not have again buttons or full-sized sticks; for these options, you need to make the soar to the lately launched Backbone Pro. It is a wonderful controller–you can learn our evaluation here–but it is also expensive at $170.
Razer additionally makes widespread USB-C cell controllers for iOS and Android. Simply final month, the favored producer launched the Kishi V3 sequence with three completely different fashions beginning at $100. Solely the $100 Kishi V3 base model is corresponding to the 8BitDo Final or Spine, nevertheless it’s a slightly spectacular choice due to TMR electromagnetic sticks, remappable again buttons, and a premium construct. The $150 Kishi V3 Pro additionally works on iPhone and Android telephones in addition to 8-inch tablets. It has further options reminiscent of remappable claw bumpers and Razer’s mecha-tactile, mouse-like button. The $200 Kishi V3 Pro XL, for reference, is just for 11- to 13-inch tablets, together with the iPad Professional.
8BitDo’s Cell Controller is not cheaper than all of its opponents. GameSir, a controller producer that is on the rise, has a range of mobile controller options for iOS and Android with various kind components, connection varieties, and worth factors. The GameSir X5 Lite, as an illustration, launched in April with a $35 worth level. It connects to iPhone 15/16 and small tablets just like the iPad Mini by way of USB-C. This mannequin does not have again buttons, nevertheless it does have Corridor Impact sticks. GameSir additionally has its personal app referred to as GameHub with a launcher UI much like Spine. GameSir has a number of different compelling cell controller choices, together with the G8 Plus Galileo, an $80 Bluetooth controller that helps iOS, Android, and Nintendo consoles. The G8 Plus even works with Change 2. Walmart is promoting the G8 Plus for $50 proper now, however this deal is prone to disappear tonight (July 13).
Extra Xbox-licensed 8BitDo Gaming Gear
The brand new Final Cell Controller is simply the newest of many collaborations between Xbox and 8BitDo. Earlier this 12 months, 8BitDo launched a mechanical gaming keyboard and mouse impressed by the clear inexperienced authentic Xbox console. To be clear, neither accent works on Xbox consoles, however each can be utilized on PC and cell gadgets. The keyboard/mouse had been adopted up by an identical transparent green Ultimate 3-Mode Controller. That is 8BitDo’s high-end Xbox controller, however like each different typical 8BitDo Xbox controller, it solely works with a wired connection on Xbox. You should utilize it wirelessly on PC (2.4GHz) and Android (Bluetooth).
Later this month, 8BitDo is releasing an all-button arcade controller. Two editions can be found to preorder at Amazon, together with a $100 edition that’s licensed by Xbox. Just like the original 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox, the leverless arcade controller helps 2.4GHz Wi-fi on Xbox. The one different wi-fi controllers for Xbox made by 8BitDo are the Lite SE accessibility controller and the media remotes.
8BitDo manufactures a number of different wired Xbox controllers, together with the Pro 2, which has a PlayStation-style stick structure, the Sega Genesis-inspired M30, and the budget-friendly Ultimate C and Mini Controllers.
Just a few years in the past, 8BitDo launched an Xbox edition of its popular SN30 Pro Controller. Although the Xbox model appears cool, it is solely appropriate with Android and Apple gadgets, whereas the unlicensed model works on Switch and PC and has been up to date with Corridor Impact sticks.
- 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse (PC, Mac, Mobile) — $54 (
$60) with coupon - 8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (PC, Mac, Mobile) — $110 (
$120) - 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, Android) — $70
- 8BitDo Pro 2 Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $40.49 (
$45) - 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller — $50
- 8BitDo All-Button Wireless Arcade Controller (Xbox, PC) — $100 | Releases July 25
- 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick – Black (Xbox, PC) — $95.40 (
$120) with coupon - 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick – White (Xbox, PC) — $96 (
$120) - 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Mobile) — $36 (
$40) - 8BitDo M30 Sega-Inspired Wired Controller (Xbox) — $31.49 (
$35) - 8BitDo Lite SE Wireless Accessibility Controller (Xbox, PC) — $40.33 (
$60) - 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $30 (
$45) - 8BitDo Ultimate C Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $31.49 (
$35) - 8BitDo Ultimate Mini Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $31.49 (
$35) - 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote – Short Edition — $20
- 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote – Long Edition — $25
- 8BitDo Xbox Controller Charging Dock — $22.49 (
$25) - 8BitDo Xbox Dual Controller Charging Dock — $30 (
$45)
For extra Xbox-licensed 8BitDo equipment, try the Amazon hub we created beneath: