8bitdo Pro 2 Controller Review: The best bluetooth gamepad for Android / Raspberry Pi / Switch

[@MrSujano]

If anything changes about my feelings for this controller, I'll let you know in this pinned comment. As of right now, I absolutely love it.

[@ninetendopesaitama2107]

I wanted to buy the first pro + but now im buying the Pro 2. 8bitdo has made some amazing controllers. The snes dpads are excellent accurate and the m30 dpad is probably better than the original Saturn Controller model 2 dpad.

[@nerb6833]

D actually stands for Droid :D

[@sethgob5591]

@@ninetendopesaitama2107 why would you buy the plus over the 2 when the 2 is already out? Its 5 extra bucks..

[@ninetendopesaitama2107]

@@sethgob5591 i guess some people dont want the buttons on the back bc it annoys them. But i want the newest features and i dont own such a controller. 8bitdo makes some amazing controllers. Hori Level imo.

[@ryomitsui000]

Do you feel the d-pad is better than the stock ps4 dpad? I've been desperately looking for something that has a good mix of the old 360 and ps3/ps4 pad. It'd be nice to be able to play spd characters again T_T (had to burry my last working 360 pad last year)

[@GAzcona]

I just bought two of these on Black Friday deal, and I am loving them! I totally agree on this video.

[@mattoi_]

Nice review! Just a heads up for anyone looking into getting one of these: the sticks seem to be the same as the previous models, and the rubber wears off after a while (happened to both my sn30+ and pro+ about a year in). The raw plastic doesn't really hurt my thumbs, I still use the controller daily, but it does look bad and you feel bad the moment the rubber gets ripped apart, so beware. Otherwise I love their products and I'm sure the Pro 2 would be a great pick for anyone.

[@Josuh]

I read on another video a comment about a guy who contacted support about his sticks wearing off and them sending him a new pair for free, considering this is over a year ago i'm not sure they still do this kind of thing but still good to know

[@TheAverageTourist]

This is a very thorough review! Nicely done.

[@steveking5827]

(update) 5:11 actually you can get the good motion control performance so I have been using the 8bitdo pro 2 for a month, and the motion control is just good as the joycons, but you'll need to connect your controller to 8bitdo app on pc/android, in the vibration option between the bar middle down there you will see (motion sensitivity - low/high) turn it to high and you get the good motion control.

[@AYANAMlREl]

is it floaty?

[@steveking5827]

@@AYANAMlREl I'm sorry what do you mean by that?

[@AYANAMlREl]

@@steveking5827 does motion feels floaty or accurate?

[@steveking5827]

@@AYANAMlREl ok all I can tell is just like the joycons, and yes its accurate.

[@Josuh]

This is one of the most in-depth and straightforward reviews of this controller, thanks

[@johanandrade7398]

Thank you, Master Kenobi. Very informative as I look to explore which controller to use on my newly setup RP4 :)

[@latt.qcd9221]

Just picked it up and I'm looking forward to it. I've wanted a controller like this for some time for retro console emulation that offers the convenience of modern controllers without sacrificing the authentic feel of early controllers. I want to pair the two triggers to fast-forward and rewind features, and the two back buttons I plan to use for save and load savestate shortcuts, since none of them would be necessary for older consoles. My only minor gripe is that I wish they had an SN color scheme for the Pro 2 like they did with the Pro +.

[@t7justkc64]

Perfect timing. I was looking for a new controller. I have the new 8bitdo arcade stick and I'm loving it. Definitely adding it to my collection.

[@roguespartan2854]

What an underrated review, I watched 2 guys who specialize in this and I got WAYYYY less insight from them compared to you

[@MrSujano]

Thanks for watching!

[@ironguy6482]

It's interesting how it's cheaper than a new DualShock4/Xbox 1 controller yet has more functionality. Can't wait for mine to arrive

[@Thefabregas22]

The only thing I don't like about this controller is unless I've just not figured out how, those two back buttons can only be used as copies of already existing inputs rather than two new additional inputs. It has a pretty niche use case but for some pc games I'd like to be able to map two more unique inputs. Apart from that though the controller is great imo.

[@PCorNPC]

That's disappointing.

[@penha13]

Amazing review dude! I was dubious about this Controller and you answer all my question! Thank you.

[@potatonetaveragegameplay5300]

2:21 The battery has a tab on the end nearest the 8 of 8BitDo. If you get a finger nail or similar behind it, it comes out with VERY little effort.

[@DjangoAV]

You can calibrate motion controls properly for switch games using a sowtware then they play fine. But that compatibility thing can definitely be improved since the first version was the same.

[@Chris-tf7gi]

Love mine. Didn't know there was "review hate" on Amazon. I will hazard a guess at least some people have trouble connecting to a PC or other device with Blutooth 5. That's what my computer had, and while initially I thought, 'wow this was the easiest to set up ever,' I soon discovered that the 8bitdo Pro 2 does not want to reconnect after you turn it off and on. READING THE FN manual. . . 8bitdo states without much fanfare this controller WORKS WITH BLUTOOTH 4.0!!! Next day after buying the "TP-link Blutooth 4.0 nano adapter" for $10 off Amazon that issue is 100% solved. Everything works beautifully and as expected. NO, on October 8th 2022 a firmware update does NOT have any change on the controller wanting Blutooth 4.0. ALSO, I'll note the "8BitDo USB Wireless Bluetooth Adapter Dongle 2" works too. Frankly, everyone should have one of those anyway if you are even thinking about hooking up your PS4 or PS5 controller to a PC. The 8bitdo Pro 2 likes this adapter, but would you believe not as much as the TP-link adapter??? 8bitdo's adapter works great most of the time, but sometimes when switching games you need to turn your Pro 2 controller off and on for the game to see that it's there. No idea why. Not a big deal. But the bog standard TP-link Blutooth adapter actually never needs any kind of controller off / on business. I love this 8bitdo Pro 2 as it feels almost like a PS4 controller that I've been using on my PC. But its analog triggers being slightly easier to press helps my arthritis. Its somehow much more comfortable. Far as I can tell the analog sticks are damn close or the same as the PS4's. Works for me! Thanks. (out!)

[@persechini]

Of the missing features, IR and amiibo are nice things but clearly less used if not for the amount of games that support it. Wake the switch up is a big one to me missing still, there are cheap knock offs that do this but for some reason 8bitdo still does not offer it with the controller in switch mode. I hope it's something above them like nintendo licensing, and not a deliberate decision to not include it A more light-hearted criticism, they need the sell the gb variant of the dpad as a spare part, I'd love for my snes-style and black ones to have this dpad, the texture is more comfortable to use than the regular snes-style dpad used on the other colors

[@jordancameron8038]

Your voice is perfect for reviews, I actually got distracted by my kid but your voice kept me hooked, even when I couldnt see the screen Also happy I found this channel!

[@MrSujano]

Thanks for watching!

[@demonofshadows9199]

just ordered one. waiting for it to use with the Switch OLED.

[@maynardmananghaya7427]

Do you think 8bitdo pro 2 wireless will work if you remove the batteries but the usb cable is connected...thanks😉

[@discocrisco]

I am trying to hook a Pro 2 up to my PC for Retroarch. Plays my Steam + EGS stuff just fine, so Windows is seeing it. Using the wireless adapter from 8bitdo as well.

[@Yipper64]

this is a good review. I like seeing a review that talks about downsides something that, by all means is *really* good might have.

[@mchlup]

Question about the battery, can you remove it while you have it plugged into the PC?

[@formatman525]

Hi....How can I use the 6-axis sensor to play racing games on a pc?

[@switchunboxing]

I actually REALLY like the rumble. I knew it felt different but I didn’t know why? To me it feels better and more like a rumble where the joy con just feel weird like they are just buzzing

[@graysonwells21]

The joy-cons use a more accurate “HD Rumble” that uses haptic rumble technology for more realistic rumbles rather than just a big vibrate like standard controllers use.

[@juantangko3961]

Hi Mr. Sujano, can you make a review about using this controller on PC, about what is the problem you're facing while using it on PC ? Planning on buy this controller or xbox one controller for running it on PC

[@mriconoclast13]

Can you use the D Pad instead of an analog stick?

[@meghanjames565]

Great review.

[@mat_max]

Hey, have you checked the linearity of the triggers?? i've seen some people report that the triggers register 100% press when pushed about 70% of the way, that it jumps from 40% to 60% and that sort of stuff. That would be a huge drawback for stuff like racing games

[@eisregenhaha]

Wait does that mean that the vibrators arent fixed? I mean thatvone sode is heavier. That would be very unfortunate

[@redskin54100]

Works with cod mobile in android? Detect as controller xbox or remapp??

[@blackhiltstudios5920]

Good luck getting it anytime soon. I've had it ordered since early April and I just got another email from Amazon saying it will be available, hopefully, June 25. Im gonna look elsewhere for a controller. Congrats if you got one already.

[@flowless9121]

Wait how can i connect my android to my 8bitdo pro 2 controller?? What do i press??

[@reagandow850]

The d pad on 8bit do controllers blow the Switch pro controller out of the water. Of course it doesn’t take much to blow that dpad away. By far the Switch Pro controller is the worst dpad Nintendo has ever put out (that I’m aware of). Definitely going to order one of these bad boys.

[@vdfritzz]

the 8bitdo m30 is easily the best dpad i'v ever experienced

[@ThatSneakman]

The Retrobit Saturn pads have some heavenly dpads. Similar to the original Saturn pads

[@tetermc]

The gamecube d pad was pretty terrible in all fairness.

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

Rubbish, the logitech 310 has the best dpad.

[@williambaldwin9346]

I got the Black edition today, just waiting to use it. I am going to pair it by blue tooth on my Linux laptop. Hoping it will be perfect.

[@robinrai4973]

I just bought this but have had a pro+ for years now, with bluetooth i've had no issues at pretty much any distance, but when there's multiple controllers/bluetooth devices on switch input delay becomes apparent

[@TheBassman0327]

Can I pair two of these with my Apple MacBook at the same time for two players ?

[@Evoskylution17]

can it be used on xbox one? via Brook converter or Mayflash Magic?

[@jpmusicjpmusic5162]

Thanks Is the motion controller working on android ?

[@switchunboxing]

Is the Bluetooth technology the same as the JoyCon?

[@AxiomofDiscord]

Does the mode button on yours work on the back? Mine is xinput in all modes.

[@sara.cbc92]

If you take out the battery can you still play it wired?

[@stevepogue1124]

I only have 2 questions about this controller: 1. Do the motion controls work for android emulators? - I'm playing Kirby Triple Deluxe at the moment through Citra MMJ, and I keep coming across little puzzles where you need to move the phone to get the sun stone. Could I use this controller's motion controls instead? 2. Will wired mode work on android? - I sit pretty close to my device, so I don't need a longer cable.

[@Josuh]

You probably already know this stuff but setting up the gyro in citra mobile could be tricky but possible, i think the gyro is only available in bluetooth/switch mode so wired wouldn't work with it

[@brunofunnie]

9:18 of course it doesn't have the same level/quality of vibration, it's a cheaper product. The same thing about the cable size they have to cut cost somewhere and ALSO the controller beside support being wired it is supposed to be used wirelessly (as you mentioned), that's why it have a custom made battery and support for double A batteries. About the Wake Up I really didn't found any specs that cannot enable the 8bitdo controller to do it, maybe BT 4.0 isn't possible to do it, and since Nintendo uses BT 4.1... well that's just a guess.

[@brunofunnie]

Just adding a P.S. warning: when I said "cheaper" is comparing the features it has with the build quality against other models, they also have a smaller production batch compared with Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo

[@Grandmaster-Kush]

Shit for 26 bucks in my country getting a brand new controller that is comparable to a DS4 is a bargain in itself

[@oak9428]

When I on the market for a controller one of my main concerns is stick drift.

[@brandonmclean5895]

Hey Mr. Sujano is this controller high-price and is it available on amazon and can u use the controller for firestick lite jw

[@BeardElk]

Hey, so you said that even an arm could block the signal, but you did not demonstrate it! I just ordered 2 Pro 2 controllers, and the signal interference thing kinda bugs me right now to be honest, since im gonna use them on a lakka vm, on my server, that's Not accessible by cable!

[@PCorNPC]

Did it work out? Or is the signal as bad as he mentioned?

[@megamob5834]

I know I’m 7 months late and you’ve probably already made your decision but, I have my switch set up behind my tv and haven’t had many issues with signal dropping. Happens occasionally for a second or two but nothing too terrible

[@DJAYCINEMA7]

Will this work on any android game, would be great for 2d action games

[@jackdaniels1883]

What a pity. If you really can block the BT signal with your arm (!) then this thing is unusable. For comparison, the radio signal of my Logitech G900 even goes through a ferroconcrete wall. I wonder if this is a general flaw of Bluetooth or if this only affects 8Bitdo controllers.

[@glentaker]

for bluetooth connection is it compatible with PC remotely?

[@mattrodriguez5941]

Hello I am struggling to connect my 8bitdo controller to my raspberry pi. Any suggesti s

[@Sfreso]

Got me one of these, same look. Was hoping my 7yo could use this too, yet her hands are just a little small. As I understand, the pro 2 is the only one with programmable buttons?

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

My 54yo can use this, so I'm sure your 7yo can also.

[@patiszejuicebox]

I'm guessing if you were to use this on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, you would need a converter?

[@bysaturnplay]

Hello. Xinput work here only in wired or Bluetooth too?

[@DyLan-vy8kp]

I am having issues with remapping rear buttons to use on the switch. I tried theough the android app and on the switch itself. The android app only saves it as an android profile and not usable on switch

[@Nexo_Online]

Can i use it on a PS4

[@GoodGameThailand]

i have dc issue when you connect via wireless to switch even the latest firmware, a small disappointment from older model I had.

[@bryanwilde3337]

can u still use this one whit retro receivers? I have the sn30pro + and I dont feel like I need to upgrade, but still the back buttons call my attention

[@maxim377]

The audio is so crisp, the greenscreen so on point, what is this, is this..no it can't be, their just legends, but maybe it might just be a really good low sub channel.

[@MrSujano]

🙏

[@darkbionic1044]

Would it work on any iPhone ?

[@sethaustin7128]

Any chance it works with an Apple tv?

[@tattoodrdoke]

Not sure why you would need it in wire mode with a 20hr battery.

[@Papi_EmiroQue]

Can connect to ipad air 2020 os 14.6??

[@DannyBlackstock.]

Does this work for andriod box? I searched bt and it can't find anything.

[@weaponizedkarma252]

accidentally purchased the sn30 pro android edition, does the pro 2 work with ppsspp? can't get this one to work properly with it

[@captainfyita2682]

You should make a "X-time" after durability review.

[@peteblue8828]

How do the buttons work for PC? Does it switch up A and B?

[@andre204ify]

it detects as if it was a xbox 360 controller, so b is a and x is y

[@mjcoovalila982]

Hlooo how to conect 8bitdo controller to reteoarch using android ols thanks

[@goodgurugamingentunknowner2618]

Sad that it doesn't work with cod mobile and still trying to figure out y it won't work with genshin impact any advice or tips would be dope

[@Irapa7]

Mine is connecting fine to my pc on x mode but when I try S mode with my switch it doesn’t work and with a cable neither :( what can i do?

[@mobilelegendsmartis6481]

Does this work on xcloud, what's it like?

[@Retro_Gamer_Since_The_90s]

It’s an amazing controller wish you could use it with PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series S & X.

[@MrShadowGuard]

How the input lag using it with pc?

[@lomaximo1225]

Can I play dream league soccer in my android cellphone with that controller?

[@mileselectric3677]

how do you get to the menu?

[@gengpan]

I just bought one. for its macro function

[@charlene3671]

Has anyone used with a Sony TV which is driven by Android?

[@GedH-316]

I turned the rumble off I dont like it on gamepads anyways. The only thing for me is that it can't wake up the switch but at the same time its nothing really to complain about when everything else is good 🤷‍♂️

[@JDWatkins]

Looks nice, question is... Is it better than an XBOX One S controller? If so.. May be time to make the switch.

[@MrSujano]

That's a good question! I love the Xbox One controller, but I also really like the profile option on this for easily switching things up for different games. If you need a new controller the Pro 2 is great. If your Xbone controller is treating you well, stick with it until you need to replace it.

[@Kaneda_-pn1hb]

Thanks!

[@johanesdimas7116]

Just bought it, while i like the controller and all the button, is it normal when i charging the controller while playing and then unplug the charger, the controller turn off. If i charge it while the switch is off, the controller pairing light is on and cannot be turn off. Does anyone can help with the issue?

[@johh55]

Are you still using this controller or did you find a better one?

[@MrSujano]

still my favourite one to this day

[@Richter.Belmont]

Unrelated but what is your preferred device or method of emulation for N64 games? Nice review btw.

[@armyofninjas9055]

Go with PC, dude. Pi 4 is nice. But there just isn't enough horsepower to run N64 reliably. Whereas on PC, you can upres and use impressive shaders easily and still run at full speed.

[@MrSujano]

@@armyofninjas9055 Agreed. PC is great and newer Android phones aren't bad either.

[@liesandy291]

Can I wire to android??

[@aijokker]

A-apple D-droid Simple logic

[@nerb6833]

definitely a really nice controller, Its just I already have a ps4 controller I use on my pc so I cant really justify it formyself personally

[@aradgouklani2239]

I wish they made a controller like the razer kishi

[@hei2572]

Can i use it to play genshin on pc?? Im planning to buy one.

[@armyofninjas9055]

No. Genshin is the only game it doesn't work with.

[@carlanthonynunez5393]

Your complain about it is quite minimal. Like why do we have to have it wired when we can play wireless?

[@wadehorton2567]

anybody know how to setup Pro 2 with Raspberry pi 4?

[@valarvl7758]

does it work on apple?

[@sojourner4726]

It is not a certified made for ios (mfi) controller. But there is a workaround, however it will not work for Apple TV and strangely enough certain games like Genshin Impact. Put your controller into X mode and pair. Go to settings in your iOS device, accessibility, switch control, switches, then select Bluetooth devices. Your controller should show up, select it and it will then pair.

[@LucasMalaquias]

Do you like this D-pad better than the M30? I'm looking for something to play Dbfz on PC, the Dualshock 4 is really hurting my fingers

[@MrSujano]

If you like the SNES dpad you will like this. It's extremely similar (I like it more than the M30)

[@dstinnettmusic]

“Press b to exist” is a good meme

[@sullypwz7864]

please test with dead or alive 5 pc

[@Khemith_Demon_Hours]

"Press again to exist" That's known as the "Sartre bug" at 8bitdo

[@josh440]

This made me laugh out loud. Nice one!

[@BlownMacTruck]

I like the controller a ton though the dpad needed some breaking in and I think there might be a tiny bit of lag compared to the Pro Controller; I’m occasionally getting some control errors while playing Pac-Man 99, which needs some serious reflexes / responsive controls if you play it at a high level... though that could also just be me getting used to the controller overall. This is in Bluetooth mode - it might be better wired.

[@Josuh]

Is it any better wired?

[@johnm4397]

sadly this controller got major input lag

[@swmorgan515]

"I press, therefore I am".

[@bobbymoss6160]

WTF, I thought this guy was Zach Galifianakis' son...

[@mzx380]

Anyone use this in their android emulators ?

[@MrSujano]

me :)