8-BitDo Controller
Review
Erik Abbey
Hi there, do you use
your hands to play video games? Do you have a Switch, Windows PC, Android, or
Mac? Then PUT THIS CONTROLLER IN YO HANDS!
What’s up guys, it’s
the FilthyCasual back on the blog with my first, but hopefully not last device review. Today I’ll be reviewing the 8-BitDo Pro 2 which is an upgrade from the
SN-Pro from a while back. While I never had a chance to use the original, I am
absolutely impressed with the Pro 2. I happened to choose black, but it also
comes in a Super Nintendo inspired color scheme, and a Super Famicon inspired
color scheme. My experience with the controller has only been a couple days
because I paid for this myself. Now, this does run in the $50 dollar range, but
there are definitely times where it will likely be on sale much like the
original SN-Pro and SF-Pro. I mainly use it for the Switch, but I also gave it
a go on my Galaxy device using the Xbox cloud gaming app, and a PC. I don’t
have an Apple, so your mileage may vary on those devices.
First and foremost,
the look of this controller is just absolutely gorgeous. It's sleek. The black color scheme is clean,
although if you’re someone who needs to be able to clearly see the button labels,
especially switching between multiple devices, you might be more suited to the
other variants as the black lettering on black housing is difficult to see. The
texture of the controller is nice. The rear shell has a similar feeling to the
PS5 controller, and the Xbox Series X controller. The front is matte black
with glossy ABXY buttons. Speaking of the buttons, they are definitely most
compatible with the Switch as it is set up like other Nintendo controllers.
The controller fits
nicely in my hand, and I don’t feel too cramped. There are two back buttons
that are customizable, like all the buttons in fact, however the 8BitDo
Ultimate Software for Pro 2 is needed to do so, or the app on Android or Apple.
Links at the end. I really like the location of the “Home” and
“Share” buttons for ease of access, some may find their location weird because
they are below the action buttons and D-pad respectively. They are quick and
responsive and the D-pad is nice and not squishy if that makes sense. The Plus
+ and Minus – buttons are replaced with the classic Select/Start buttons. There
is a button on the front in between the two thumbsticks that is used for
selecting between three profiles, which again are customizable using the
Ultimate Software.
So far, I’ve been
able to connect to 3 devices, my Switch, android, and laptop seamlessly. I
don’t know if you can use two devices on the same setting, as there is a switch
on the back that allows you to choose the connection you want to use.
It comes with a 1000
mAh rechargeable battery preinstalled, and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. One
of the best things, in my opinion about technology, is the ability to have
rechargeable batteries. If, however, the battery pack becomes worn and
unusable, it can be removed and two standard AA batteries can be used. It
doesn’t come fully charged, so don’t do what I did and wonder why it won’t work
properly when it’s 99% dead.
I have very few
dislikes about this controller. It’s one of the best third-party controllers out
there but it has the same issue with other third-party controllers as it has no
wake function for the Switch, and of course, there are no NFC capabilities to
utilize for Amiibo compatible games. The rumble function is fine. It’s not HD
Rumble, but I think that would jack up the price due to the “high tech”
involved in it. Sadly, I don’t believe
that this controller is compatible with PS4 or PS5.
For a $50 dollar
controller, I think this is a great option. Some might gravitate towards some
other controllers like the Power A pro controllers, and that’s okay, but this
is a great buy for someone who needs a spare controller or a second controller
and you know you won’t need the few features that it lacks.
I will leave links to
the software, manual, and Amazon store at the end down below so you can
check it out for yourselves and make the best decision for you. Thank you so
much for reading, and I’ll see you in the next one.
Manual Link: https://download.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Pro2/Pro2_Manual.pdf
Software link: https://support.8bitdo.com/ultimate/pro2.html
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XY86472?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details&th=1
