8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controllers On Sale Before Prime Day

Ahead of Amazon’s upcoming Prime Big Deal Days event, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller is now available at a reduced price of $60, down from its usual $70. This discount applies specifically to the white model, while black and bright yellow versions are marked down to $63 with applicable coupons. For gamers who don’t require Nintendo system compatibility, the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller designed for PC and mobile platforms is also on sale for $53, reduced from $60, and comes in three distinct color options.

Representing the latest evolution in 8BitDo’s premium controller lineup, the Ultimate 2 stands out with its high-quality construction and extensive customization capabilities. It earns our highest recommendation for Nintendo Switch 2 and original Switch owners, even surpassing the more expensive $90 Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller in value. Both Ultimate 2 models also rank among the finest pro-style controllers available for PC gaming. Users should note that pairing the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth edition with Switch 2 may require a firmware update, consult our comprehensive 8BitDo controller guide for detailed setup instructions.

The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller establishes wireless connections with Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 through Bluetooth technology or 2.4GHz using the included USB-C adapter. It maintains 2.4GHz wireless functionality for PC systems while supporting Bluetooth connections for Apple devices, Android smartphones, and SteamOS platforms. This Bluetooth-compatible model carries a higher price tag than the standard Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller due to its expanded Nintendo console support. Motion control functionality and haptic feedback features operate exclusively on Nintendo hardware with this particular version.

Key specifications include:

• Compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2/Switch via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired connections
• PC connectivity through 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wired options
• Apple device support via Bluetooth and USB-C wired connections
• Android and SteamOS compatibility through Bluetooth
• Advanced TMR electromagnetic joystick technology
• Dual trigger modes accessible via physical switches: Hall Effect Triggers and Non-linear Microswitch Triggers
• Two programmable rear triggers
• Additional pair of customizable shoulder buttons
• Profile button supporting three distinct configuration setups
• Precision tactile bumpers and directional pad
• Ergonomically textured grip surfaces
• Customizable RGB illumination rings
• 1,000Hz polling rate for 2.4GHz wireless and wired operation
• Six-axis motion sensing (Nintendo platforms only)
• Dual vibration motors (Nintendo platforms only)
• Programmable turbo functionality
• Extended battery life reaching approximately 25 hours
• Available in white, black, and yellow color variants
• Includes corresponding USB-C charging station

Through the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 application, users can reassign control inputs, establish three personalized profiles, configure joystick dead zones, fine-tune motion control responsiveness, adjust stick sensitivity, modify trigger behavior, customize vibration intensity, and personalize lighting effects.

For consumers who don’t require Nintendo system compatibility, the standard Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller offers comparable features at a lower price point. Notably, this version supports motion controls and vibration feedback on PC systems. Its connectivity options include 2.4GHz wireless operation on computers using the provided USB-C adapter, Bluetooth functionality for Apple, Android, and SteamOS devices, and wired PC connectivity through USB-C. This model shares the same core feature set and customization options as its Bluetooth counterpart, including TMR electromagnetic joysticks, dual trigger modes, four programmable buttons, turbo functionality, tactile controls, textured grips, RGB lighting, 1,000Hz polling rate, motion controls, vibration feedback, and arrives with its own USB-C charging dock. It’s available in white, black, purple, and green finishes, along with special editions themed around Honkai: Star Rail and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers.

The Ultimate 2 series introduced four additional buttons to 8BitDo’s controller lineup, a design approach later incorporated into the recently launched Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad. The manufacturer effectively merged design elements from the original Ultimate controller with features from the budget-friendly Ultimate 2C model, resulting in two programmable rear triggers alongside two extra shoulder buttons.

8BitDo transitioned from Hall Effect joysticks to TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) stick technology in these controllers. Similar to Hall Effect components, TMR joysticks utilize electromagnetic principles to deliver smoother operation with enhanced precision and accuracy. This electromagnetic technology significantly reduces the potential for analog stick drift issues. While both technologies share fundamental characteristics, TMR is generally considered an advancement over traditional Hall Effect components. These updated analog sticks are complemented by customizable RGB lighting rings surrounding their bases.

Another professional-grade feature incorporated into the Ultimate 2 is trigger lock functionality. The Hall Effect analog triggers can instantly transform into linear microswitch buttons by adjusting the physical switches located on the controller’s rear panel.

Beyond hardware modifications, the controller supports 8BitDo’s dedicated software on PC, Mac, and mobile platforms. The Ultimate Software V2 enables users to create up to three personalized profiles while providing adjustment options for stick sensitivity, trigger response, motion control calibration, vibration intensity, and analog stick dead zone configuration.

8BitDo enhanced its 2.4GHz wireless technology, branding it “8Speed” for marketing purposes. When connected via the included USB-C wireless adapter, the Ultimate 2 reportedly delivers nearly instantaneous input recognition with approximately 1ms latency. The controller maintains a 1,000Hz polling rate during both 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wired operation. While the original Ultimate controller provided stable wireless performance, the new model offers improved reliability and seamless connectivity. This generation also marks the first Ultimate controller to utilize a USB-C wireless adapter instead of the previous USB-A design. The Bluetooth edition supports both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections with Switch 2 and Switch consoles, while the PC edition’s Bluetooth functionality remains limited to Android devices.

Consistent with other premium controllers in 8BitDo’s flagship series, the Ultimate 2 includes a matching USB-C charging station with integrated storage for the wireless adapter. The controller houses a 1,000mAh battery, more than doubling the capacity of the original Ultimate’s 480mAh power cell. While battery life can extend to 25 hours under optimal conditions, actual performance varies depending on connection type and settings, particularly RGB lighting effects, which noticeably impact power consumption.

Although the Ultimate 2 represents a substantial upgrade, the original Ultimate Bluetooth controller remains a competent option. Budget-conscious shoppers can find an attractive 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller bundle at Amazon, including the controller, charging dock, and protective carrying case for $40.49, reduced from $70.

For gamers who prefer symmetrical thumbstick layouts, the 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad offers similar technological enhancements to the Ultimate 2. The Pro 3 includes trigger locks, four programmable buttons, and TMR thumbsticks, while adding a distinctive feature: interchangeable face buttons. These magnetic buttons can be rearranged to alternate between Nintendo and Xbox control configurations, with an additional set of unlabeled buttons in Super Nintendo colors included. The package also contains supplementary ball-top stick caps and a corresponding charging dock. Launched in August with a $70 manufacturer’s suggested retail price, the Pro 3 represents another compelling option in 8BitDo’s growing controller ecosystem.

(Source: Gamespot)