8BitDo Ultimate: Why It’s Still the Best Switch Controller
▼ Summary
– The 8BitDo Ultimate controller has been the top-rated third-party Nintendo Switch controller for nearly three years due to its superior features and build quality.
– It offers a simple, no-frills design with excellent play experience, better buttons than the Switch Pro Controller, and includes a charging dock.
– Its Hall effect thumbsticks prevent stick drift, providing long-term reliability unmatched by Nintendo’s first-party controllers.
– While battery life (15-20 hours) is shorter than the Switch Pro Controller’s 40 hours, it outperforms many wireless controllers and charges quickly via the dock.
– The original 8BitDo Ultimate remains a budget-friendly choice in 2025, now compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, unlike its slightly more expensive successor.
The 8BitDo Ultimate controller remains the top choice for Nintendo Switch gamers years after its release, offering unbeatable value and performance. While countless third-party controllers have come and gone, this gamepad continues to dominate thanks to its perfect balance of premium features and affordability.
What makes the 8BitDo Ultimate stand out isn’t flashy extras but its refined, no-nonsense design. Unlike many modern controllers packed with RGB lighting or modular parts, it focuses on what truly matters: exceptional build quality, precise inputs, and long-term reliability. The absence of NFC for amiibo support is a minor trade-off when considering everything else it delivers.
One of its biggest advantages over Nintendo’s own Switch Pro Controller is the inclusion of Hall effect thumbsticks, which eliminate stick drift, a notorious issue with Joy-Cons and even some Pro Controllers. After years of regular use, these sticks remain flawless, proving their durability. While battery life doesn’t quite match Nintendo’s impressive 40-hour benchmark, the 15-20 hours offered is still above average, and the included charging dock makes powering up effortless.
Now priced below its original launch cost, the 8BitDo Ultimate is an even smarter buy in 2025. Its successor, the Ultimate 2, improves on drift resistance with TMR sticks but sacrifices some battery life and comes at a higher price. For most gamers, the original remains the better value, especially since a recent firmware update ensures compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2.
Whether you’re upgrading from Joy-Cons or seeking a more affordable alternative to Nintendo’s Pro Controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate delivers where it counts. Its enduring popularity proves that sometimes, simplicity and reliability win out over gimmicks.
(Source: techradar)
