8BitDo Ultimate 2 Review: A Worthy Successor to a Top Controller
▼ Summary
– The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller features TMR thumbsticks for better durability and stability, along with two additional remappable shoulder buttons and trigger locks.
– RGB lighting around the thumbsticks is customizable but significantly drains battery life, reducing wireless playtime to around 10 hours when enabled.
– Priced at $59.99 / £49.99, the Ultimate 2 is cheaper than its predecessor and offers improved features, making it a strong choice for PC and Android gamers.
– The controller includes a USB-C 2.4GHz dongle stored in the charging dock and supports Bluetooth, but lacks compatibility with consoles like Nintendo Switch or Xbox.
– Battery life is shorter (10-15 hours) compared to the original Ultimate (15-20 hours), and the RGB lighting further reduces it, making it less ideal for long gaming sessions.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller delivers meaningful upgrades over its predecessor while maintaining the brand’s reputation for quality and affordability. This latest iteration introduces TMR thumbsticks for enhanced durability, additional remappable buttons, and customizable RGB lighting, though the flashy lights come at the cost of battery efficiency.
Priced at $59.99 / £49.99, the Ultimate 2 undercuts its predecessor while packing in more features, making it a compelling choice for PC and Android gamers. The TMR (tunneling magnetoresistance) sticks stand out, offering smoother movement and resistance to drift, a common issue with traditional analog sticks.
Build quality remains excellent, with textured grips and well-spaced buttons improving comfort during extended play sessions. The inclusion of four remappable buttons (two on the shoulders and two on the back) adds versatility, while trigger locks let users switch between analog and digital inputs effortlessly.
One notable trade-off is battery life, which drops to 10-15 hours depending on RGB usage. Disabling the lighting extends playtime, but it still falls short of competitors like the Xbox Wireless Controller. The bundled charging dock houses a 2.4GHz dongle, though its USB-C requirement may necessitate an adapter for some setups.
Performance-wise, the controller excels across genres, from fast-paced fighters like Tekken 8 to sprawling RPGs like Elden Ring. The Ultimate Software V2 app provides deep customization, allowing button remapping, sensitivity adjustments, and profile switching, ideal for competitive players.
Who should buy it?
- PC and Android gamers seeking premium feel without breaking the bank.
- Tinkerers who value extensive customization options.
Who should skip it?
- Console players (it lacks Switch/Xbox support, opt for the Bluetooth version instead).
- Those prioritizing battery life over flashy extras.
Alternatives worth considering:
- GameSir Tarantula Pro – A versatile, well-built option with broader compatibility.
- Original 8BitDo Ultimate – Still a strong pick for Switch users and better battery life.
After two weeks of testing, the Ultimate 2 proves itself as a refined, feature-packed controller, just be mindful of its power-hungry RGB lighting if marathon gaming sessions are your priority.
(Source: TechRadar)
