8BitDo’s New Controllers Can Wake Switch 2 With a Shake
▼ Summary
– Third-party controllers that can wirelessly wake the Switch 2 from standby mode are rare and often marketed as a key feature.
– 8BitDo has quietly released firmware version 2.0 for its Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 controllers, enabling shake-to-wake support for the Switch 2.
– The wake-up feature requires a one-time pairing procedure and allows users to turn on the console by shaking the controller.
– Previously, the absence of this feature in 8BitDo’s controllers led to recommendations for alternative models.
– Less expensive controllers from brands like GuliKit have offered Switch 2 wake-up functionality for months, making 8BitDo’s late addition notable.
For gamers seeking a more affordable alternative to the official Switch 2 Pro controller, third-party options are stepping up their game. A standout feature many desire is the ability to wirelessly wake the console from standby mode, a convenience that was once a rare find outside of Nintendo’s own premium accessory. While numerous accessory manufacturers actively promote this capability, one prominent company has quietly rolled out the update without much fanfare.
8BitDo has released a significant firmware upgrade for its Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 controllers, finally granting them the coveted shake-to-wake functionality for the Switch 2. Version 2.0 of the firmware, accessible through the Ultimate Software V2 application on both Windows and Mac computers, introduces this highly requested feature. After a simple, one-time pairing process with the console, users can power on their 8BitDo controller and give it a gentle shake to instantly wake their Switch 2 from sleep. This functionality has been personally verified to work seamlessly with both controller models, bringing them in line with a key selling point of more expensive official hardware.
The absence of this wake-up feature had previously been a notable drawback for 8BitDo’s latest offerings. Priced around $69.99, these controllers sit at a premium point, making the lack of a fundamental convenience a tough sell. This was a primary reason they were often passed over in recommendations for other models. Competing controllers, such as GuliKit’s budget-friendly $29.99 ES Pro, have included the ability to wirelessly wake the Switch 2 for many months, offering a compelling value proposition. With this new firmware, 8BitDo has effectively addressed a significant competitive disadvantage, making their Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 controllers much more attractive to discerning players.
(Source: The Verge)
