8BitDo Ultimate review: Our favorite controller for PC, Switch, and mobile

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8BitDo is best known for its retro-inspired gamepads, usually styled like classic Nintendo and Sega controllers. But its premium offering, the Ultimate Controller, is actually a full-sized wireless gamepad with a modern design and features. It comes in two different versions: the Ultimate 2.4g ($50), that's made for PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, and mobile; and the Ultimate Bluetooth ($70), which adds Switch motion controls and Hall Effect joysticks.

I've spent months testing dozens of controllers across different games, genres, and systems. But through it all, I've yet to find one better than the 8BitDo Ultimate. It's comfortable, easy to customize, compatible with loads of different devices — and, best of all, surprisingly affordable. No matter which version you buy and what kind of games you like to play, the 8BitDo Ultimate is my top recommendation.

The 8BitDo Ultimate Controller is comfortable and tactile

Both versions of the Ultimate Controller feel wonderful to hold. Each handle has thousands of tiny bumps that I love running my palms over, and which make sure the controller stays firmly in hand. Just note that if you buy the controller in white, these buttons tend to pick up dirt easily.

The joysticks are similarly grippy, which is great for games like Mario Kart that require a lot of stick mashing. The Ultimate Bluetooth Controller joysticks are even built with Hall Effect magnets, which means that (in theory) they'll never suffer from drifting. However, the cheaper 2.4g model only has standard ALPS joysticks.

The buttons are just as nice. The Ultimate Controller's face buttons are clicky and responsive. Unlike many other Switch-compatible gamepads, the triggers are analog, meaning PC games like Grand Theft Auto will actually detect exactly how hard you're pressing down on the gas. It's also got a solid D-pad, and although the pad wobbles a bit in its casing, it's not noticeable during gameplay.

The only buttons that aren't up to snuff are the extra paddles on the back of each handle. Compared to other controllers, the Ultimate's paddles are far too shallow — just gripping the controller naturally is enough to press them down, forcing misinputs. If you decide to use the paddles, you'll need to be careful about how you hold the controller.

Unlike many other third-party controllers, the Ultimate Bluetooth model also supports motion controls on the Switch (great for games like Splatoon), and both models have rumble. The rumble response, in particular, feels fantastic on the Ultimate, even better than the official Nintendo Pro Controller's "HD" rumble, although you won't get the game-specific vibrations that some Switch titles have. It also doesn't support Amiibo scanning.

The Ultimate Controller claims to have about 22 hours of battery life, which is fine but not as good as the Pro Controller's 40 hours.

The Ultimate Controller's 2 models are both great but have key differences

As I noted in the intro, 8BitDo sells two versions of the Ultimate Controller: the Ultimate 2.4g Controller ($50) and the Ultimate Bluetooth Controller ($70). Despite the confusing names, both versions support 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections, and both are compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Raspberry Pi. The main difference between them is that the Bluetooth Controller has Hall Effect joysticks and an internal gyroscope that lets you use motion controls on the Switch.

Although they look largely the same, the two models also have slightly different face buttons. The Ultimate 2.4g Controller has its face buttons in the traditional Xbox layout, which puts the A button on the bottom and the B button on the right. The Bluetooth Controller, since it's geared toward Switch owners, puts the buttons in Nintendo's layout instead, which reverses the A and B placement.

If you're choosing between the two models, I recommend the 2.4g Controller. It's pretty much the exact same gamepad, but $20 cheaper. I'd only recommend the Bluetooth Controller if you're buying it mainly for your Nintendo Switch or you're a Hall Effect purist — which is definitely understandable, considering how badly Nintendo's official controllers can drift.

But no matter which version you go with, actually figuring out which wireless mode to use with different devices can be confusing. In my experience, the Switch can connect with Bluetooth or 2.4GHz, although the steps to connect are different. My iPhone, iPad, and Android phone can only connect through Bluetooth, though 8BitDo claims that a wired connection will work with the iPhone 15. And my PC needs either the 2.4GHz dongle or a direct wired connection. You'll also need to flip a tiny switch on the back of the controller, depending on which way you're connecting.

But those small moments of confusion are absolutely worth it for how versatile the Ultimate Controller is. There's a reason I consider it not only the best PC gaming controller, but also the best Nintendo Switch controller and the best iOS gaming controller. No matter the device, it excels.

An included charging dock and custom profiles make the Ultimate Controller incredibly convenient

Every Ultimate Controller comes with a charging dock included. It's amazing.

The charging dock is compact, has a stylish LED light that turns on when charging, and even acts as a case for your controller's 2.4GHz dongle. It makes charging and storing your Ultimate Controller so easy.

If any other company (e.g. Nintendo) were selling this controller, they'd charge an extra $50 for the charging dock and probably $15 for the dongle. But 8BitDo just gives them to you. 

I also want to shout out the free Ultimate Software app, available on PC, Android, and iPhone/iPad. This app lets you customize nearly any part of the Ultimate Controller, from the button layouts to the joystick deadzones and the rumble vibration strength. You can even set up macros, or specific button combinations, to perform set tasks.

The app lets you save up to six different "profiles" to the controller (three each for PC and Switch), and each one can have its own unique setup. Ultimate Software is the best controller mapping app I've ever used and turns the Ultimate Controller into a truly pro-level gamepad.

Should you buy the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller?

The 8BitDo Ultimate Controller is a wonderful gamepad, whether you play games on every platform it supports or not, and whether you're a hardcore gamer or casual player. It's comfortable, customizable, and convenient. It feels great and looks great.

Since 8BitDo mainly markets the Ultimate Bluetooth edition as a Nintendo Switch accessory, it's natural to compare it to the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, another favorite of mine. The major differences are that the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller has easily remappable buttons, a better-feeling grip, and an included charging dock. But the Pro Controller gives you longer battery life, game-specific HD rumble, and Amiibo scanning, which could be must-haves for some Switch owners.

But which one is better? When it comes to pure value, 8BitDo comes out on top, and I absolutely think it's worth the money. But whichever way you go, they're both great gamepads for nearly any kind of game.