The 8Bitdo Ultimate wireless controller quickly became a top pick for those seeking third-party options, thanks to its impressive suite of features at a wallet-friendly price. Fast forward three years from its initial release, and 8Bitdo has rolled out some notable enhancements with the 8Bitdo Ultimate 2. Priced at $59.99, this new model is now available on Amazon in three striking colors: purple, white, and black.
At first glance, the Ultimate 2 closely resembles its earlier version as it retains the Xbox-inspired layout with offset analog sticks. But when you delve deeper, you’ll notice 8Bitdo has made some smart additions. They’ve incorporated a pair of smaller triggers just beneath the shoulder buttons, on top of the back paddles introduced in the original edition. The main triggers have gotten a facelift too, now boasting adjustable travel distances and Hall-effect sensors for pinpoint accuracy. Yet, the showstopper here is the six-axis motion controls, a feature rarely seen in third-party controllers.
Previously, 8Bitdo had upgraded the joysticks on the Ultimate controller with Hall-effect sensors, but the Ultimate 2 takes it a step further with tunneling magneto-resistance sensors. These offer even more precision while being power-savvy. Plus, there’s an RGB light ring around the joysticks that can be tweaked using the 8Bitdo Ultimate software. This interface also lets you customize all your controller inputs.
Though the Ultimate 2 skips on Bluetooth connectivity, it doesn’t compromise on compatibility. With its 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, it works seamlessly with Windows and Android devices. Like its predecessor, it also comes with a dedicated charging stand, which now features RGB lighting built into its base for added flair.
