8BitDo is releasing another controller, adding to its long line of well-built 3rd party controllers for various systems.
8BitDo has been making controllers for over a decade at this point. Originally, they gained notoriety for their design and how they closely mimicked the style of retro controllers like the ones found for NES and SNES. Over the years, their designs have changed and the company started to spread its wings wider than simply retro inspiration.
The 8BitDo Ultimate line of controllers is meant to rival other pro-based controllers like the GuliKit King Kong 3 Pro and Max. Ironically, the Ultimate series is also sold next to the company’s Pro series. However, the Pro series is clearly inspired by the traditional SNES layout and is attempting to be a perfect controller for mostly retro gameplay.
The Ultimate series is aimed more pointedly at gamers who prefer a controller similar to ones from the modern era like controllers sold for the Xbox Series X/S and the PS5.
New Ultimate 2 Controller
This new controller features TMR joysticks (a first for any 8BitDo controller), customizable 6-axis controls, and their new proprietary 8Speed integration, which is meant to deliver low latency over 2.4GHz. It also features linear and non-linear trigger switches and back paddle buttons that can be configured to your liking.
The Ultimate 2 controllers dropped seemingly out of nowhere, but with steady improvements and new innovations packed in. 8Bitdo has primarily been focused on controllers since the company’s very beginning, but they have recently been working on multiple projects at once.
8BitDo More Like 8BitBusy
Alongside the Analogue 3D announcement, it was shared that 8BitDo had been working on a controller specifically made for the console. In typical Analogue fashion, no updates since then have been shared despite the console still showing a Q1 2025 release date. 8BitDo however, is said to be releasing the controller next month, March 2025.
With new controllers sprouting every week for retro handhelds, there’s a large spectrum of build quality. Some perform well but feel cheap, and some perform horrendously but feel premium.
8BitDo has been making controllers and honing in on their craft for so long that a decent majority of them feel almost like they are directly associated with the console they’re made for. Here, the Ultimate 2 is aiming to cement that claim.
If you’re interested in the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, and the new Mobile Clip for phones, are now available on Amazon for $59.99.
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