8BitDo’s New $30 Wireless Switch Controller Has Hall Effect Sticks And Extra Bumpers
8BitDo is expanding its lineup of Nintendo Switch controllers with a second-generation model of its budget Ultimate C Bluetooth Controller. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller, just like the PC version that launched earlier this year, adds Hall Effect sticks to what was already an extremely solid bargain gamepad. The Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller for Nintendo Switch is available now for $30 in light blue and pink colors.
The original Ultimate C Switch Controller was has been our favorite $30 or less option since it launched. If you bought a Nintendo Switch as a gift and are still in need of some extra controllers for multiplayer, 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller should be on your radar.
$30
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C’s Hall Effect analog sticks are designed to prevent drift, while its metal rings aim to prevent wear. Hall Effect sticks typically feel smoother than regular analog sticks, too.
Unlike 8BitDo’s flagship Ultimate Bluetooth Controller, the 2C, and C series in general, doesn’t have back buttons. Instead, it comes with an extra pair of remappable shoulder bumpers. These inputs can be remapped on the fly, which is nice, but you don’t get the other customization features found in the standard Ultimate, as it’s not compatible with 8BitDo’s mobile and desktop apps.
The Ultimate 2C does have built-in rumble, 6-axis motion controls, and a turbo button. It also has a “wake-on-shake” feature, so you can turn it back on with a slight jostle. Amazon’s listing doesn’t mention battery life, but the Ultimate C offered 16 hours of play between charges.
While we haven’t tested the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth model yet, we have used the Ultimate C Bluetooth and the Ultimate 2C 2.4GHz Wireless. 8BitDo’s C series of controllers offer great ergonomics, feel, and overall performance; we’d be surprised if the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth didn’t follow that trend.
The original Ultimate C apepars to be on its way out, but the pink model is available for only $24 (was $30) at Amazon.
$50 (was $60) | $53 with carrying case
8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Deals – Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile, Steam Deck
8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller Features:
- Works with Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile, Steam Deck
- Available in white and black
- Hall Effect analog sticks
- Two remappable back triggers
- Connects wirelessly with Bluetooth or 2.4GHz
- Optional USB-C wired mode
- Up to 22 hours battery life
- Includes matching charging dock
- Support for 8BitDo Ultimate Software customizations:
- Remap inputs
- Three custom profiles
- Custom macros
- Analog stick dead zones
- Adjustable stick and trigger sensitivity
- Adjustable rumble intensity
The Ultimate 2C is 8BitDo’s budget Switch controller, but the flagship Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is by no means expensive. Our favorite third-party Switch controller–and our top overall PC controller–the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller has numerous upgrades. Most notably, it has two remappable back triggers and support for 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software, which can be used to create three custom profiles, remap inputs, and make adjustments to analog and trigger sensitivity as well as rumble intensity.
The 8BitDo Ultimate also comes with a matching charging dock that houses a 2.4GHz USB adapter for wireless play on PC and Mac. Battery life is better too, as you can get up to 22 hours of play between charges.
It’s on sale for $50 at Amazon in white and black. But you can get an 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller bundle with a hardshell carrying case for only $53. 8BitDo’s carrying case normally costs $20.
8BitDo Ultimate PC Controller Deals
If you want all of those features without Switch compatibility, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4GHz retails for $50. It’s available in four colors, but only the white model is on sale for 10% off right now. There is a Genshin Impact-themed edition for $54 (was $60). Speaking of themed 8BitDo controllers, the Black Myth: Wukong edition Ultimate 2C is still available for $35 at Amazon.
You can also save $20 on 8BitDo’s Ultimate 3-Mode Controller, which is officially licensed by Xbox. Unfortunately, it only works with a wired connection on Xbox, but it will work wirelessly on PC via the 2.4GHz adapter and over Bluetooth on Android.
8BitDo recently released an officially licensed accessibility controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. The 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4GHz Wireless Controller replaces triggers and bumpers with four additional face buttons. It’s available for $54 (was $60) at Amazon and only $45 at Amazon-owned retailer Woot.
In January, 8BitDo is adding to its retro mechanical keyboard line with a translucent green model licensed by Xbox. The keyboard matches the iconic green variant of the original Xbox console. A wireless mouse with the same aesthetic launches the same day. You can preorder 8BitDo’s Xbox-themed keyboard and mouse at Amazon ahead of their January 16 launch.
