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8bitdo ultimat 2: one-minute review
The 8bitdo ultimat 2 gaming controller is a very straight upgrade on the original 8bitdo ultimat – a pad that continues to convenience in our list of best nintendo switch controllers. And while Ultimate 2 is yet to get its own switch-compatible model (it is PC and Android for now, sadly), it remains a very competent gamepad that brings many welcome improvements.
Mainly, Ultimate 2 now has TMR (tunling magnetoresistance, those curious) thumbsticks. We have applied this technique to other magnificent PC controllers such as gamer Tarantula Pro, and they welcome here, even offer more stability and longevity than the hall effect stick.
The controller also adds two additional shoulder buttons, forms for a total of four rimplable buttons (behind the other two pads, found as before). You will find a pair of trigger locks back there, allowing you to swap quickly between analog and digital trigger press depending on your choice.
The last major addition here is RGB light rings around each thumb. They look good and can be customized through the 8bitdo ultimat software PC partner app. But if you are playing wirelessly, I would advise them to keep them, as they are a very large drain on the average battery life already a gamepad.
8bitdo Ultimate 2 Review: Price and Availability
- $ 59.99 / £ 49.99 (AU $ 90)
- 8bitdo cheaper than 8bitdo supreme on retail price
- Available through Amazon
The 8bitdo Ultimate 2 Controller is now available to buy from the Amazon Store of the brand. It costs $ 59.99 / £ 49.99 (around AU $ 90), which is actually $ 10 / £ 10 cheaper than its predecessor. Consequently, I can confidently say that if you are purchasing for a new PC controller in the 8bitdo line up, it is going to go for one. You are saving cash and getting more facilities to boot.
8bitdo ultimat 2 review: glasses
|
price |
$ 59.99 / £ 49.99 (AU $ 90) |
|
weight |
8.7oz / 246g |
|
Dimensions |
5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61 mm |
|
Adaptability |
PC, Android |
|
connection type |
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
|
battery life |
10-15 hours |
8bitdo Ultimate 2 Review: Design and Features
- Eye catching RGB lighting
- Additional Rimpeplable button
- 2.4GHz and Bluetooth supports wireless connections
As I have come to expect from the brand, 8bitdo ultimat 2 claims excellent construction quality. It seems exceptionally strong in the hands, allowing the pad to relax firmly with a light -texture grip.
TMR Thumbstics now features metal shaft, which is a pleasant upgrade on the original model that not only looks smart, but should help sticks in the longevity department. Otherwise, D-Pad, face button, and central utility button (including start, select, home, etc.) all feel similar to the first. This means that you can expect very solid substances as a whole. A good change is that those central buttons are much better here than the ultimate, where they felt slightly tight together on that pad.
As mentioned above, you are also finding four rimpelable buttons, two backwards, and two are settled next to the bumper and trigger. They are labeled ‘L4’ and ‘R4’ respectively, while the rear paddle is labeled as ‘PL’ and ‘PR’. The rear also has two trigger locks to switch between analog and digital trigger distance, as well as a togle to swap between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections.
If you are curious that the 2.4GHz dongle is located (it took me a moment to feel it at first), then it is placed within the charging dock that also comes with the controller. Just open the hatch at the bottom and you will be able to tuck it inside. One thing to note here is that unlike the original final controller, the dongle requires the USB-C port for connections. This is very good for Android devices naturally, but you may want to invest in USB-C in USB-C if your gaming PC or laptop lacks the required USB-C port.
8bitdo Ultimate 2 Review: Performance
- Sublime flow-resistant TMR thumbstick
- Battery life is hurt compared to the original ultimate
- Satisfactory touch button and trigger
8bitdo ultimat 2 has been my Go -Tu controller for the last few weeks – not only for test purposes. The controller simply feels fantastic during the game, roughly butter smooth TMR thumbstick and highly touchable shoulder and facial buttons.
Like the controller tested with the title PK Lie, Alden Ring Nitrigan, Fantasy Jeevan i: The Girl Hu Styles Time, Techcan 8, And Last Fantasy 14 Online, I think the 8bitdo ultimate is compatible with a wide variety of 2 well styles and gaming styles.
A modest decayer, however, contains those RGB rings around the thumb. Do not misunderstand me, they look cute in action, and produce a very pleasing moving light based on the direction that you are pointing to the sticks (and the button press, also respond). It is Snazzy, but the toll that takes on the battery life does not really enable them during wireless play.
I was quite surprised at the first time when the battery was completely emptied in about 10 hours, enabled with those RGB lights. However, when I played with them in a wireless manner, I managed to squeeze a more Phulsom 15 hours before the need to charge. It is still not quite class-leading, but is not terrible in any way. However, given that I manage about 20 hours from the original Param, it is definitely a downgrade in overall.
Finally, a word on the final V2 software app for PC. This is not much of a loop with a very basic user interface, but it offers strong adaptation. Downloadable from the 8bitdo website, it allows you to create three individual profiles, which you can swap through a button press on the gamepad.
You can remove each button completely – including additional rear and bumper buttons – as well as set buttons macros, sticks and trigger sensitivity, vibration power, and more. This is accompanied by all easy diagrams that show you in real time how your change affects the performance of the controller.
Should I buy 8bitdo Ultimate 2?
Buy it if …
Do not buy it if …
8bitdo Ultimate 2 Review: Consider also
There is every chance that 8bitdo ultimat 2 is not after you. If yes, consider both these equal value options.
| Row 0 – SAIL 0 |
8bitdo ultimat 2 |
Gamesir Tarantula Pro |
8bitdo supreme |
|
price |
$ 59.99 / £ 49.99 (AU $ 90) |
$ 69.99 / £ 69.99 (AU $ 107) |
$ 69.99 / £ 59.99 (A.E. $ 107 around) |
|
weight |
8.7oz / 246g |
11.5oz / 325g |
8.7oz / 245g |
|
Dimensions |
5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61 mm |
6.2 x 3.9 x 2.4in / 157 x 99 x 61 mm |
5.7 x 4.2 x 2.5in / 147 x 104 x 62 mm |
|
Adaptability |
PC, Android |
PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS |
PC, Nintendo Switch |
|
connection type |
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
|
battery life |
10-15 hours |
About 12 hours |
15-20 hours |
How did I test 8bitdo Ultimate 2
- Tested for two weeks
- Play different types of games in different styles
- Compared to the original 8bitdo ultimat
I tested 8bitdo ultimat 2 over a two -week period, mainly on my gaming PC. I played titles with different types of styles, such as action games like PK lies And Alden Ring Nitrigan, Also some of some of the best fighting games, such as Techcan 8 And Street Fighter 6.
I played wirelessly to gauge the overall battery life, and either used wired play or charging dock when it was the time to top up (which was given a much less battery life than its old cybitdo, 8bitdo supreme).
June 2025 reviewed for the first time
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