8BitDo has had a fantastic year with their releases of gaming controllers and keyboards, catering to those tech enthusiasts who appreciate a nostalgic touch in their devices. This summer, the company wowed hard-core gamers with the Ultimate 2C designed for PC and Android. Now they’re back with a release that’s literally half the cost, features a robust body design, and includes functionalities typically found in more expensive options.
For budget-minded gamers, the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller boasts Hall Effect analog sticks and has extra bumpers on the top that can be remapped. Unlike many controllers that have customizable buttons on the back, this one places them conveniently on the top. This design makes it a great pick for users who often complain about how buttons can disrupt their grip. Additionally, the claw grippers position their fingers right beside the L4/R4 bumpers, positively affecting reaction times in-game.
Designer: 8BitDo
When you look at the Switch Pro, which is nearly twice its price, the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth controller brings Hall Effect joysticks to the table. At just $30, its enhanced durability and low likelihood of stick drift makes it a great bang for your buck. Plus, features like an internal gyroscope for six-direction motion definitely outshine the Joy-Cons. The haptic feedback with rumble adds to an immersive experience while playing action games. And let’s not forget the solid 15-hour battery life thanks to a neat power down trick that detects no motion and wakes up immediately when you move it again. Even if you’re into long gaming sessions and the battery runs out, you can hook it up to a power source using a USB-C cable.
Gamers will love that this affordble controller allows button remapping not just through software, but also manual reconfiguration. And the improved D-pad design, compared to earlier models, is another plus any gamer will value. The controller works seamlessly with Bluetooth devices ranging from the Steam Deck to the Nintendo Switch. Both blue and pink color options are available, and there’s even a dark blue variant expected to launch in the future.
