8bitdo Controller Buying Guide: Ultimate Bluetooth vs. Ultimate 2.4 vs. Pro 2

[@senjutso]

1:59 - The Ultimate BT does work with Android when switched over to bluetooth mode. I have this controller to switch between my PC on 2,4Ghz and my Nvidia Shield on bluetooth. Works perfectly

[@Rayu25Demon]

Ps4/ps5 controller is going to a better option for a TV/PC usage because you can use it a mouse.

[@kumarp3074]

I've been the Pro 2 controller for the past two years, both with my PC and RetroPie build. It's the best controller I've found for retro gaming.

[@cebuanostud]

I got the pro 2 for PC(steam) games and they work wonderfully. The ultimate software makes makes the controller versatile. Two thumbs up from me.

[@zeniktorres4320]

Thanks man. I want to use this for Steam games on a Windows PC

[@exodous02]

Wish they would make a PS style controller with a charging base. I don't like the Xbox offset buttons/dpad as most of the games I play with a controller are retro or retro inspired.

[@Zoyx]

Glad Hall Effect controllers are becoming more widespread. Very close to being the default.

[@MarkDell]

I had no idea that alps had a fasting polling rate! But that deadzone and smoother movement of the hall sticks is not something I ever want to give up!

[@LonSeidman]

The Lenovo Legion Go has Hall Effect sticks too! Look for my review on that soon.

[@MarkDell]

@@LonSeidman I sure will!

[@FoxbatStargazer]

The polling rate matters less for Switch which has a pretty low poll rate. Wired x-input is a different story. Dunno how their 2.4ghz dongle stacks up.

[@xSAOAsunax]

I've had an 8bitdo SN30 Pro+, which is the original version of the Pro 2, for 5 years (Sep 2019); active use as my main gamepad for games on the Switch. It's only recently that the A button started to get stuck, but it was an easy fix to open it up and swap the contact rubber with a new one (og one had the button the A would press break apart). I have yet to experience drift on the sticks to this day. I can happily recommend the brand and have ordered a Pro 2 already, to own alongside my og one.

[@hectormanuel8360]

Ultimate Bluetooth controller works on Android

[@tomasleyva8336]

You're talking on experience? If true does it require a workaround to do that?

[@hectormanuel8360]

@@tomasleyva8336 im talking from experience. I own that controller

[@namangupta86]

Finally, someone made a clear comparison video beteen Ultimate and Pro controller difference. This comparison have made it clear that I sould buy a Pro controller with Hall effect sticks for the Ultimate contoller experience. But, you failed to mention that apart from the built in rechargeble battery the pro 2 controller also supports 2 rechargeble pencil cells as well. And the battery can easily be accessed just like Xbox series s controller. That's a big thumbs UP from my side.

[@DienerNoUta]

For me the real ultimate controller is the 8bitdo pro 2. Best dpad, excellent aesthetic (this literally would be the Nintendo Playstation controller), bluetooth compatibility and switch, android, PC and IOS compatibility too.

[@bnosagaz]

It's sad that they don't have a charging dock and no 2.4ghz, but i prefer this layout over the asymmetrical analog layout of the ultimate

[@RonG_NYC]

Hi Lon, great video and explanation of the differences between all these controllers. Can I recommend that you put on an on screen chart that shows a visual difference or which has which feature. I kept having to rewind back to catch all the details. Thanks for your continued efforts to make these great videos. 👍

[@pakkumis7774]

I bot the 2.4g wireless second hand from local Facebook market place for only $20 😅 yes it's starting to drft but when gaming the drift doesn't effect anything, it's idle drift and the most important thing I have a blast playing with this and by far my best controller

[@sinisterpisces]

Awesome video. I'm looking for an SNES-style controller to pair with my Analogue Pocket (docked), so this was pretty timely. Amazon's listings were just confusing enough to make me dig a bit deeper on 8bitdo's website, and they've released new versions of the Pro 2, SN30 Pro, Ultimate 2.4G, and Ultimate Wired with Hall Effect switches. :) I think I'm going to go for the Hall Pro 2. As much as the nostalgia is pulling me towards the SN30 Pro, I'm 40 now and my hands are much bigger than they were in the early 1990s. I'm even struggling a bit to comfortably hold the Pocket. EDIT: I got the Pro 2 after about a week. It's been awesome. I'm better at my old SNES games than I thought; I just needed a familiar controller. ;)

[@BalearicBeatnik]

I’ve got the ultimate Bluetooth working on my Mac.

[@huubla]

Thanks. I've been looking for these comparison.

[@ambig1]

can i charge them without the dock, usb a/micro/type c ?!

[@smtfan5943]

Great video Lon! Probably should've mentioned the gyro capabilities in some of these controllers, it's one of the biggest features I feel are underappreciated.

[@Josuh]

I've been interested in how the gyro feels in the Pro 2 honestly

[@EAGauss]

Such a great guide!

[@denvernaicker8250]

Thank you. I ordered both the sn30 pro 2 and 2.4g ultimate controllers.

[@luisarturohernandezramirez5910]

Lon, the ultimate Bluetooth works with everything, why did you say it doesn't work with Android or Apple?

[@gabrielmiagui4384]

i dont have the controller but all the places i looked didnt mention android, only windows, switch and steamdeck, so might be from the sellers

[@Wombat86dkdk]

The 2.4G also have a Hall Effect version now.

[@ultimatelyit]

I actually own all of these controllers due to watching videos by Lon, I love them to bits so thank you Lon!

[@johnnylong2049]

The 2.4ghrz now comes with Hall effect sticks at the same $50 price

[@UofTguy]

Nice! I might grab it then. Can you tell me, if I have multiple 2.4ghz ultimate controllers, can they all connect through one charger/dongle plugged into the PC? I don't want to have 4 different chargers sitting around using up all my USB slots.

[@stevebeef4818]

Hi Lon. Question: Do any of these controllers allow you to pair to more than one device? I game on a Shield and Apple TV but I don't want two controllers

[@LonSeidman]

I think if you have one device connected via 2.4 and the other Bluetooth you can make that work

[@UofTguy]

Can someone tell me, if I have multiple 2.4ghz ultimate controllers, can they all connect through one charger/dongle plugged into the PC? I don't want to have 4 different chargers sitting around using up all my USB slots.

[@LonSeidman]

Each controller needs its own dongle unless you're using bluetooth

[@UofTguy]

@@LonSeidman aw that's too bad. I use my 4 xbox 360 controllers wirelessly with a single xbox wireless dongle. I wonder why they couldn't manage that here. I was to upgrade to a controller with better dpads for emulation. Oh well! Thanks for replying!

[@peerlessindifference]

The SN30 Pro is portable to the point that you could actually bring two of them along. It’s got the same versatility as the Pro 2, connecting to Microsoft, Apple, Nintendo, and Android. The only downside is the lack of analog triggers, and incompatability with the Ultimate Software. The size and lack of handles is great for people who use the claw grip! 🦀

[@RamonddeVrede]

Is this 2.4 also the 2.4 in the dock of analogue pocket? Everybody writes/speaks about 2.4 on Windows/etc... I want to use it on my MiSTer and Analogue Pocket Dock and my switch. Is this possible with the bluetooth and 2.4g version?

[@Gamer-sq8vc]

For PC gaming, how do you switch between XInput & DInput with the Ultimate Bluetooth model? Is there no 2.4G version of the Pro 2?

[@RedFoxRoaming]

Wish thr SN30 had analogue triggers. It would be the ultimate travel gamepad then.

[@alexkidca]

Good review thank you for posting helps me decided which I need which be the 2.4 for my case for my rog ally and iPhone

[@saulcalderon9777]

Can you do a video on how to program the buttons. As in programing street fighter moves. Its so difficult to make those happen without a joystick.

[@DigitalYojimbo]

I have the ultimate bt, it's just great.

[@PrivateRash]

If you have a switch and a PC, can you use the same ultimate Bluetooth controller and easily swap it between the switch and the PC? If so, how?

[@virtualdavey1527]

I use the Ultimate Bluetooth on the Xbox Series X via the Wingman XB2 adapter (and the 8Bitdo's included adapter).

[@jessragan6714]

I recently bought the 8bitdo Neo-Geo pad. It's all right... it does everything it's supposed to do, but the clicky stick isn't as responsive as it was on Neo-Geo products. I think there's too much throw, especially compared to the nub on the Neo-Geo Pocket.

[@PatrikGillgren]

i heard that Ultimate BT would work on AppleTV? Comming up as a switch controller?

[@AskaLangly]

How you doing, Lon? Been a viewer of yours since the GCW ZERO. Just wanted to say hey.

[@carmelogonzalez8710]

How do you connect it to a Nvidia shield I connected my remote to my Nvidia shield but it won't let me hit start in retro gaming

[@bm_84]

I bought it but P1 and P2 are annoying while playing it is uncomfortable

[@OneTheSane]

Their android app has been broken for as long as I can remember. Great controller regardless. I have the pro 2

[@robertmcknightmusic]

I'm looking at the ultimate bluetooth controller to invert the x-axis on my switch. Do I set it up on my Mac and then connect it to the switch?

[@IMDABROWN]

For some reason I like the Nintendo styled Gamepad the best, no analog sticks and simple.

[@KomradeMikhail]

I'm still rocking one of their old NES30 Pro controllers... It still works great. I got it to match the old NES Pi+ case for a RasPi 3B+ running RetroPi... Which also still works great.

[@BrianQuest64]

Say premium some more.

[@None17555]

I've been using the Ultimate on my Switch for a year... and only learned now from this video that the USB port in the dock is a passthrough for the dongle. I also was not aware that Switch support in the app matured to be on par with the PC profiles.

[@XLFighting]

Man I only need one (or possibly 2) controllers, but they all look amazing!

[@Call_Me_David]

The Ultimate software is also available on Android and iOS.

[@quatreiquorizawa1284]

Can you recommend a phone clip for the ultimate.

[@arch1107]

once they announce a pro 2 with the new analog sensors, sales will be crazy one thing i dont like is the analog triggers are made of two plastic parts and if it falls to the floor, you will discover how delicate it is mine using a mayflash magic ns adapter works on pc in android mode, dont know why, pc sees it as xbox i guess i should buy a bluetooth receiver on my desktop

[@Josuh]

prolly cuz you have it on xinput

[@jakesmith5278]

Been rockin' the Pro and Pro 2 for a long time now and have no need for any other controllers at all.

[@TheMandolorianGaming]

You can get Hal effect on 2.4g

[@bland9876]

I was annoyed when they announced the ultimate because of the compatibility restraints but now its even worse there is like 7 or 9 versions of the controller on their website (including the xbox one)

[@annacherish5734]

Thank you so much

[@tomasleyva8336]

Nice overview. I've heard the Ultimate Bluetooth can actually pair with android devices but im still not sure on the source. If true it would be my ideal choice as i play on switch and on android devices.

[@asan1050]

Lon, Thanks

[@jmr]

I've been debating in my head as to whether BT or 2.4 would be faster in any measurable way. It seems like an optimized 2.4 could beat BT if it were purpose built(no abstraction layer). Adding further to my internal debate I've found many 2.4 controllers are using BT as the underlying technology but with permanently paired dongles. With both 2.4 and BT working on 2.4ghz those waters are very muddy.

[@Axtaichou]

Permanent pairing in my experience with the Ultimate Bluetooth dongle isn't permanent, I often have to unplug/replug the dongle to get it to connect and have even had to run it through their separate pairing software a few times. Still more reliable than pairing an Xbox controller over Bluetooth ever was, but not as rock-solid as I was hoping.

[@jmr]

@@Axtaichou I was referring to the ones permanently paired from the factory. You would never actually know they were Bluetooth until you started digging into chipsets, software, or sniffing packets.

[@Axtaichou]

. @jmr Just meant to say permanent pairing on these dongles, Bluetooth or otherwise, has some connection consistency issues.

[@IraQNid]

I'd rather use a wired USB controller for Windows PCs.

[@tyrgoossens]

The Pro 2 is absolutely my favourite controller. I play a lot of 2d games, like metroidvanias, and the d-pad is really great. The macros you can program in software also help sometimes for particularly hard to replicate combos (like lantern jumping in Blasphemous before they made it into a more sensible combo). I also own an SN30 pro, but the grips really make the Pro 2 more comfortable.

[@SoukaDeezNutz]

Did they improve the dpad from the Pro 1? I didn't like the pro 1s dpad for fighting games, and platformers.

[@tyrgoossens]

@@SoukaDeezNutz I've never used the Pro 1 so I can't give any comparison, but the dpad on the Pro 2 has served my well. I completed both Blasphemous and Hollow Knight with it, both of which have some tricky platforming (for me at least).

[@Josuh]

@@tyrgoossens lol funny you mention that since i've also been playing hollow knight these past few days (17 hours in rn) and playing it with a controller felt kinda weird, much prefer the keyboard but maybe a controller like this would be better

[@Josuh]

@@SoukaDeezNutz Do keep in mind that one of the Pro 2 designs has a Gameboy Dpad instead of the standard SNES Dpad,