Why the 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller Is a Gamer’s Dream at $59.99

Gamers are used to controllers that feel like compromises. Joy-Cons drift, Switch Pro controllers cost an arm and a leg, and keyboards turn a peaceful experience into a finger-cramping nightmare. Enter the 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller for $59.99 (down from $69.99), a device that prioritizes precision, comfort and versatility.

The 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 is great at being a comfortable gaming experience. It has the Xbox-style layout—offset analog sticks, ABXY buttons in a diamond formation—but refines it with a smaller, more gripping frame that feels molded to your palm. At 228g it’s light enough for marathon sessions but solid enough not to feel like a toy. The textured grips keep your hands secure even during sweaty, high-pressure moments in games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Elden Ring.

The analog sticks have tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors, which go beyond the Hall effect technology found in most current controllers. These sticks are smooth, sensitive and most importantly, driftless. Whether you’re doing a pixel perfect jump in Hollow Knight or aiming down sights in Apex Legends, the sticks are more accurate than first party solutions. The triggers with switchable Hall effect or tactile modes are versatile—snappy for shooters and clicky for racing games. With a 1000Hz polling rate for wired and 2.4GHz for Bluetooth you’ll have a controller that reacts as fast as your reflexes.

It connects via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz with a USB-C dongle or wired USB-C so it’s compatible with the Nintendo Switch, PC, Android and mobile devices. A firmware update ensures compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2 which is a proactive step that protects your investment for the future. The bundled charging dock also doubles as a 2.4GHz receiver so you can keep your setup organized and the controller always at hand. With a 1000mAh battery that lasts up to 20 hours (less if the RGB rings are on) it’s designed for long sessions across platforms. The ability to switch between connectivity modes with a toggle on the back makes switching between devices a breeze.

Customization makes the Ultimate 2 feel more personal with two extra shoulder buttons and two rear paddle buttons that are fully remappable so you can tailor controls to your playstyle. Need to dodge quick in Monster Hunter Wilds? Map it to a paddle for faster access. The 8Bitdo app on PC and mobile lets you fine tune stick sensitivity, trigger dead zones and even the RGB rings around the analog sticks. While these lights use power they’re a nice touch – each stick lights up when you use it and it’s a weirdly satisfying feedback loop. The D-pad with metal dome switches is snappy in fighting games or classic platformers so every input registers perfectly.

At $59.99, it undercuts the $70 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and offers more – remappable buttons, a charging dock and drift free TMR sticks. Compared to premium options like the Xbox Elite Series 2 which is over $150 it’s a steal. The build quality from the plastic to the buttons feels premium for the price.