8BitDo has been on a role this year with gaming controller and keyboard releases that appeal to geeks who like classic vibes in their gadgets. The gaming hardware maker impressed demanding gamers with the Ultimate 2C for PC and Android this summer. Now, there’s another release that’s literally half the price, comes in a durable body shell, and boasts features that much pricier competitors offer.
For gamers on a budget, the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller has Hall Effect analog sticks and extra bumpers on the top that are remappable. Unlike many options on the market that have customizable input buttons on the backside, this controller has them on the top. Thus, making it a good choice for users who always crib about the controller buttons interfering with the grip. Moreover, the claw grippers have fingers positioned adjacent to the L4/R4 bumpers which impact the reaction time in-game.
Designer: 8BitDo
When compared to the Switch Pro which is almost double its price, the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth controller offers Hall Effect joysticks. At $30 the assurance of increased durability and slim chances of stick drift makes the controller worth every penny. In addition, features like an internal gyroscope for six-direction motion, overshadow the Joy-Cons. There are capable haptics with rumble for complete immersion when playing action games. The 15-hour battery life is also impressive owing to a smart optimization trick that powers down the controller when no motion is detected and instantly wakes it up when movement is detected. Even then if you deplete the battery during marathon gaming sessions, it can be connected to a power source with a USB-C cable.
Gamers will appreciate the fact that the budget gaming controller is not restricted to button remapping with the software. The users have the freedom to reconfigure the buttons as they desire. The refined D-pad design compared to previous generation gamepads is another feature any gamer will appreciate. The controller can be used with Bluetooth devices including Steam Deck or the Nintendo Switch. Available in blue and pink hues, the 8BitDo’s Bluetooth controller is expected to come in a dark blue color variant too in the future.
