First party accessories generally are the most reliable, but they can be pretty pricy and some of the stuff third party manufacturers are putting together are real cool. 8Bitdo is one of the bigger names in third party controllers these past couple console generations, leveraging hard into nostalgia with a lot of options that reflect the controller designs of yesteryear. However, the 8Bitdo Pro 2 Bluetooth controller is the company playing straight. This is just a solid, modern controller for your Switch or PC meant to be a solid alternative to the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, and right now it’s only $39.
Layout-wise, the 8Bitdo Pro 2 controller closely resembles the original Super Nintendo controller. The D-Pad is a dream come true for platformer lovers. The controller adds in modern design elements such as having dual analogue sticks on bottom matching that of the PlayStation family of controllers. It also has grip handles to prevent your hands from cramping. I have an older version of this controller which lacks the handles, and let me tell you. As much as I love playing with it, I can only do it in short bursts before my hands begin to hurt. The grips are a welcomed addition.
The controller has more of everything you’d expect on a modern day controller from rumble vibrations to motion controls. It’s compatible with the Switch, but can also be used with a Steam Deck via Bluetooth, the 2.4g adapter, or a USB cable or it can be used with any Windows PC with the 2.4g adapter or USB cable.
Say Goodbye to Stick Drift
If you’re upgrading from your Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers to this 8Bitdo one, a massive improvement you’ll find is with the Hall Effect stick. The Joy-Cons notoriously do not stand up to the test of time, with many users reporting various levels of stick drift in which the controller registers directional input even when its not being touched. This results in you character running endlessly to the side or the camera spinning out of control. Hall Effect is quickly becoming the new industry standard for joystick manufacturing and its is much more reliable. You won’t experience anymore stick drift.
The 8Bitdo controller also has two pro back paddle buttons which can be assigned to any input. You can also set up custom profiles for different buttons configurations. This is great for siblings with different preferences who share controllers or for single owners when your preferred button paddle assignment differs between games. Just swap between your profiles on the fly.
English (US) ·