Is the 8BitDo Pro 2 Controller Really That Good?

[@jedewitz]

"One Million comments"-- Your sense of humor is the singular reason why you are the most subbed and followed personality on KZbin, Russ.

[@FCusanelli]

Jesus.

[@nerdicorgi]

I've owned my 8BitDo Pro 2 for a while now, and while I agree with many of the points raised in this video, I think I have to strike out on the final one... "It lacks the sort of iconic feel to it" I think it does the absolute best thing a controller can do while I'm playing games: vanish. I don't need my controller to be a uniquely designed piece of art, so much as I need to be the least invasive part of my gaming experience, and I think this one does that well.

[@kurtissilva8951]

Can you use it on 360?

[@kurtissilva8951]

@Ace Anime super wack oh well looks like I’ll be buying a new 360 controller then

[@dingusdungeon3833]

yup same

[@ZiggityZeke]

this thing just works. every input is easy and feels natural. its pretty good

[@levichung536]

@James Reynolds, did you ever had issues with the pro 2’s back mode switcher? It switches modes even on the slightest shakes when using motion controls, causing it to disconnect. Wired or wireless acts the same

[@johnmorgan3492]

16:50 Correction the 8bitdo controller absolutely has a gyroscope ive used it on many switch games

[@MrDusuke]

I was about to comment that...

[@NoobixCube]

Literally about to dive into the comments for this. I’ve used it in Breath of the Wild, and in Doom 64. Definitely has gyroscopic control.

[@Blueflag04]

yup

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks for the feedback, I must have missed that in the specs! I updated the video description to reflect that.

[@NoobixCube]

@@RetroGameCorps I don't know if they actually put it in the specs, but from using an SF30 Pro before my Pro+, I just naturally used it and didn't think about it. I wasn't thinking too clearly when I posted my reply, and I only have the Pro+, not the Pro 2, but I don't think that they would have taken the feature out when all they've done otherwise is add features to the base of the Pro+.

[@LilBoyHexley]

I think the "Franken-device that does everything you want well", is basically what their customers want. They want a fully featured modern gamepad with good ergonomics, but without compromising that optimal retro/2D feel. 8Bitdo fans love the feel of their controllers, so while the modern gamepads may be more cohesive from design standpoint, for 8Bitdo redesigning for a cohesive whole would come at the cost of the central pillar of the controller's design philosophy and selling point. Having a somewhat awkward build aesthetic is just a price they're willing to pay. Keeping the D-pad, face buttons, and front shoulder buttons exactly as they are is pretty much key. While the handles/ergonomics, analog sticks, and triggers can be optimized for modern games, since that's why they're there. Gamepad triggers in particular are something that's been perfected specifically in modern controllers (obviously with different solutions from each manufacturer), so that's the standard they're modelled to. I prefer offset sticks as well. But on the 8Bitdo that would 100% be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

[@bloodgain]

Exactly. This is 8bitdo's market, and they have filled it well for a while now. They're not trying to be Mad Catz or Power A (or... BIGBIG Won? Say who now?). Their original product line was for the (then) niche emulator market, and they've just smartly taken advantage of retro gaming being available on more platforms. I bought my SN30 Pro+ for playing NES/SNES games on Switch Online, and what I want is a SNES controller, but with better ergonomics -- be honest, the first time any of us touched a PS1 controller, we all knew the handles were so obvious it was genius -- and support for the Switch's inputs (ZL + ZR for rewind & save scumming -- yeah, you know you do it). If I'm truly honest, it's really all about having that high-quality D-pad in the proper location for SNES games, but in a comfortable wireless controller.

[@markachternaam5207]

I think this is true, but the choice for analog trigger doesn’t make sense to me. That should have been just a clicking trigger, as it is ergonomically much more comfortable than the SNES style trigger above it.

[@ganganthefatman1382]

I love that we’re in a day an’ age where 3rd party controllers have better build quality at a lower price than OEM controllers.

[@Forzamon42069]

Nah, just 8bitdo

[@yalocaldex]

only some of them. I still like xbox controller but it's just too expensive for me.

[@leonpaelinck]

Third party controllers are trash if they try to imitate the og one. 8bitdo always tried to do its own thing and it succeeds

[@frostgamer9879]

A big plus for the Pro 2 is that if you are using more than one device, for example PC and Switch, you have one controller that works well for both.

[@nicolalama2562]

Any console controller can pair to pc or android

[@NostraSamus]

@@nicolalama2562 but not seamlessly like this controller does. All you have to do is change the input switch to get it to switch between different devices.

[@stevepogue1124]

Or emulators on android...

[@kacperolszowski1331]

@@nicolalama2562 but most switch controlers don't have analog triggers while being connected to a pc, so when you are playing for example racing games, they are completely useless

[@stinkypinkeee5085]

@@stevepogue1124 I have mad issues connecting mine to the Superconsole X2...

[@emilyvilleneuve9315]

The rear buttons made playing Metroid Dread so smooth. I flipped my R and R2 buttons on the Switch software and then assigned the L and R buttons to the corresponding rear buttons. I never had to move my fingers off the back triggers, which made the controller melt into my hands

[@Lady_Moonsong]

I'm a huge Contra fangirl, and that enemy shooting down while aiming diagonally is perfectly normal! Contra has some weird quirks like that.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks for the clarification, I had never seen that before! Admittedly that enemy never lives long in my usual playthroughs 😎

[@JamesDatWork]

For me, the D-PAD placement sells the 8bitDo over the Elitist .... I have big hands and the DPAD being lower sucks

[@BZB33]

Your mother-in-law vacuums your house? Doesn't get any more retro than that.

[@RetroGameCorps]

She likes doing it for the exercise :)

[@ilaur3340]

@@RetroGameCorps That response is somewhat retro aswell :D Just saying for some humor, I don't mean any offense

[@AssailantLF]

I fuckin love this controller, man. It's like a classic SNES gamepad fused with a PS4 gamepad. Assuming you like the layout, it's kind of the perfect all around controller you can buy (PS4 is as good or better, minus back buttons, and plus a touchpad; but a bit more expensive, and needs extra software to work well on PC) All the hardware feels great, just as good as 1st party controllers. The profiles are pretty convenient for back button configs, or custom controls on literally any PC or Switch game. In Switch mode, it has access to a gyro. I'm genuinely surprised at the price point considering the quality and features. My favorite controller that I recommend to anyone who's fine with the symmetric analog stick layout.

[@comixof2morrow]

Just ordered mine. I got the Gray one with the button logo on the buttons rather than the casing

[@DaveSimonH]

I've owned the Pro 2 for about 10 months, I bought it June '22 on Amazon UK. It was £31.75 at the time, so I got it + the phone clip for £40.99 (basically around the RRP/MSRP, although I've seen it regularly for around £35 for one of the 3 colours on Amazon). I think I went for it due to its versatility, I was initially looking at potentially getting a controller clip-on for my phone, as I was wanting to try some emulation. But looking at the costs of the, let's face it, fairly so-so controller clips, I decided to instead just get the Pro 2, which I saw was basically just an iteration of their fairly successful 'SN30 Pro+'. And the bonus of also being able to use it on my Switch & PC sold me on it. I think a main difference between the Pro 2 & SN30 Pro+ was the little toggle on the back, allowing for easy switching between the 4 modes (Switch, Apple, D-input & X-input), I believe the SN30 Pro+ required a certain button press combination to switch between modes. The software was shown off in this review, but they didn't mention that each mode could have up to 4 different button configs. So if you used all 4 platforms, you could have up to 16 different profiles (well technically 4 standard + 12 custom). A great amount of customisation options and I took advantage when I tried it on PC. I was playing an older game that wouldn't let you invert controls, so I setup a custom profile for that. I also like that due to the toggle, there was no chance of controlling multiple devices at once (eg if you connect a PS4 controller to PS4 & PC you could see inputs on both devices). I'm fairly versatile in regards to PS vs XB style analogue stick placement, so that wasn't ever a major concern either way and the sticks feel great, as good as any 1st party controller. The D-pad is a lot better than the Switch Pro controller, which I was never happy with (on Switch Pro it's too easy to hit up/down with left/right button and vice versa). I also really liked that the Pro 2, like an XB controller, allows for both AAs and a rechargeable battery pack. But unlike XB, the rechargeable is included with the controller and considering the XB controller retails for almost £10 more (approx £50), its a bit stingy that the XB controller doesn't. I know MS have a Duracell deal, but there would be nothing stopping them including a Duracell branded rechargeable battery or simply a pair of AA rechargeables. The only issues I had with my Pro 2 was initially it not charging, but I think the battery had just become unseated and was clicked back into place. Also on PC one time it became unresponsive, but on rebooting my laptops bluetooth connection it was instantly fixed, so likely an issue with the BT chip in the laptop, as I never had issues on Switch or on Android. I also tried a USB connection on PC and that had zero issues. I can understand the "Frankenstein" comments about the controller design, but personally it feels good in the hand. So while it's similar to X, and have features of Y, it is just a solid, fairly affordable option, especially for people wanting to use it on multiple devices (easy switching with the toggle).

[@darkridearts]

Measuring button sizes and comparing them between other controllers is why I’m here

[@reillysilveira3811]

I have the 8bitdo Pro+ and it has gyroscope for switch, from what I can find elsewhere the Pro 2 has gyroscope functionality for the switch. Sorry to split hairs, appreciate the review. I'm a lefty so the offset analogue sticks are not my thing so this would be the way to go out of the two controllers

[@pokszymon]

Apart from the master-level comedy, I liked the fact that you didn't just make a review on a controller, but also compared it to various different brands. Having only tried a PS and SNES gamepad this gave me a great sense of what it actually feels like. Thanks!

[@ChaoSJino]

First of all - thanks for all the great reviews and videos on your channel. I don't yet have the Pro2, I only have the Pro+ (the old version), which has become my main controller, but I have something to say about a feature, which survives with the Pro 2 as well. When you speak of the "replaceable battery", you forgot to mention that if you need to do so - you can actually just use two AA batteries. For some more forgetful players, who don't remember to regularly charge the controller, this might also tip the scales.

[@Ghost_Matter]

The Pro 2 should have gyroscope, I believe. The SN30 Pro+ had it, and 8bitdo says the Pro 2 has it on their website, as "6 axis motion sensor".

[@sandrobertini8895]

It has a gyroscope, it works great with the Switch.

[@JoeNokers]

If it's like the 8bitdo ultimate, the gyro only works when it's in switch mode as it pretends to be an Xbox controller whilst it is in X/D input modes and Xbox controllers don't have a gyro. So if you are playing on a PC, make sure you are in switch mode and connected over Bluetooth

[@ramonnario8309]

goodness i love how honest and thorough this channel is with just about everything (the enthusiasm from measuring button sizes is so infectious), russ never fails to deliver

[@Tytheband]

Even after the 8bitdo ultimate came out I chose to buy a Pro 2 plus. I like the SNES / PS1 form factor and analog stick placement over the Chunky Xbox style. This is my go to controller to play my switch, MiSTer and analogue consoles at home and when I travel.

[@gamergod9182]

The thing I love about the 8bitdo Pro 2 is that it is perfect for SNES and other classic games but also works well enough as a modern controller. The original Pro only works as a SNES pad because the balance is completely off when using the analog sticks, and most modern controllers aren't great at classic games. I also have an Xbox One pad and a Switch Pro, but I barely use them anymore because it's just easier to use one controller for everything. My only complain would be that the triggers should have just been buttons. Because when you actually try to use them as analog triggers, they are very hard to control compared to the Xbox triggers.

[@Pleumel]

"These two controllers are the best two third party controllers you can buy" I'm so glad ordered the 8BitDo pro 2 after this video. haha I ordered the gameboy style version. It has everything i would ask for and i absolutely dig the style. Thank you for this review!

[@_Majoras]

you can lead a camel to water but you can't make him drink a controller

[@gumbyx84]

I appreciate the review and your honesty, but I do think your are being a bit harsh on the SN30 Pro 2. And your are incorrect about it not having gyro. It's on the product page and was in the app. You also overlooked being able to edit the controller settings with your phone.

[@carlpanco7417]

I realllllly like the design. Its stupid comfortable in my hand and as far as making a controller that's entirely theirs? Well I like that they aren't trying to reinvent the wheel. Either way nice thorough review... no matter how wrong you wanna be ;)

[@davidlane1248]

i have an ipad, android phone, switch and a small GPD laptop. A frankencontroller that functions with all of them and works well for 2D and 3D games is exactly what i need. Having gyro and multiple battery options is just goes to show how 8bitdo goes the extra mile for feature complete controllers yes its true that the mishmashed design isn't always so elegant in execution, but you cant really change much about the controller without alienating 8bitdo's target demographic.

[@VillHoffman]

I modded my pro2. Gave it click switches for the L and R buttons and replaced the sticks for xboxelite2 sticks. I also changed one of the rumble motors (the small one) for a light but larger one. This is my go-to controller and I own a vast variety of controllers (all of the 8bitdo line up, xbox and playstation controllers as well as my own modded creations and some weird controllers for novelty) Great review!

[@mistermars9534]

I got the SN30 Pro for over a year now and absolutely love it. But seeing how tight this dpad is and not loose like that one, damn. Might have to grab one of these as well just for that.

[@jasonshiers5771]

Top review Russ, I do enjoy the way you give the pros and cons, it's so unbiased and refreshing.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks Jason!

[@zigazgajner8413]

8bitDo Pro 2 does have gyros. 16:31

[@RetroGameCorps]

That’s good to know - I couldn’t find it anywhere in the documentation.

[@zigazgajner8413]

@@RetroGameCorps on there website it says 6 axis motion sensor, another word for gyros

[@Badget007]

I like what 8bitdo Pro 2 did to the battery. Including a removable rechargeable battery while also being able to be powered up by non rechargeable ones. Best of both worlds!

[@MaI2Me]

Totally agree 💯 I use them with my favorites, the rechargeable Eneloop Pro batteries. This makes them also somewhat future proof without the need to change the battery at some point in time. This was definitely one of the selling points for me. And now they even added Hall Effect sticks to them 👍

[@andreaspooky6183]

At this point, I come here for camels, bears, vacuums and villains shooting in a weird way. With some retro stuff on the side.

[@roseredthorns]

so the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ is very similar to the pro 2 and its what ive been using for the past 12 months. i think the "frankenstein" design works well specifically cause it took what was best from a number of popular controllers and slammed em together. my biggest issue with the sn30 pro+ were mapping issues with buttons, connection issues, and the R1 button is no longer clicky but has become mushy, and im hoping the pro 2 has improved all these issues since ill be buying it to replace my sn30 pro+

[@Speedether]

This controller is amazing. To me this is the controller from an other universe where Nintendo and Sony's deal didn't fall of. This is the Nintendo Playstation controller we never got.

[@tutubi]

In my case I bought the Pro 2, since I prefer analog R buttons to digital, and the mode selection and profile buttons come very handy.

[@BrianQuest64]

You comparing it to so many other good controllers is a backhand compliment. It literally stacks up to most iconic controllers.

[@SanteriP]

Love how indepth this video was, totally getting a Pro 2 tomorrow as a result... I bought a Dualsense controller the other day and found out it's totally bugged and doesn't even work properly with my phone, so I'll gladly replace it with this instead.

[@SanteriP]

Well I bought it and found out you can only use gyro on PC with the Switch mode, which on the other hand turns the triggers digital instead of analog. Yeah I don't think I'm a fan... Maybe I'll just have to go with a DualShock 4 then. Incredible how difficult it is to just find a controller that works.

[@Neelo5000]

I think it was a good idea to include digital shoulder buttons as well analog triggers. Personally I don't find this to be incohesive. It seems to be intended as a general purpose controller. It should function for modern devices or emulators equally well.

[@RetroGameCorps]

I definitely agree with that, Mr. Bakula. It's extremely functional, I just wish it had a bit of its own signature look to it as well :)

[@phillipivey4833]

@@RetroGameCorps It has a signature look. I don't see many controllers that resemble it on the market.

[@SomeYoutubeGamerUK]

Are you actually measuring button sizes???? HAHA love this channel

[@_bhp]

it's a comparison i didn't know i wanted but do.

[@Blueflag04]

the comparison nobody expected haha

[@steel5897]

Tbh if they were unique and different for the sake of it I wouldn't get them. They're literally SNES controllers if the SNES controller adopted every major innovation of the last 3 decades into its design, and that's why I love them.

[@DonaldWyman]

See for me this controller is perfect. It combines aspects of my favorite controllers to make an awesome controller. I love the snes controller for older style games but obviously having only 1 l and r button means no ps1 games and no thumb sticks means no newer than ps1 that need those. And I absolutely hate the Xbox/switch placement of the analog sticks so much so I was kinda mad that the switch pro went that route when I thought the Wii U pro as well as the Wii classic pro were both great layouts in their own ways. So this controller fixes that for me. All in all this is the controller made for me.

[@corndog9482]

I agree it's a mishmash of different controllers, but in this rare case it's a winner, in my opinion. It incorporates all the good design aspects of some legendary controllers of the past.

[@robinrai4973]

I have the Pro+ and just bought 2 of the Pro 2. I love these controllers, and love the look of the red buttoned one - just a hint of SNES and Famicom while looking like a modern sensible controller. It really is the jack of all trades controller, and does everything well. I've also disassembled the Pro+ and they are built outstandingly well, everything is super chunky and well made. The only one downside I've discovered is the sticks are made from quite a soft material, my friend managed to chew them up. Replacements are available and I think you can fit PS4 sticks though.

[@robinrai4973]

Also I hate the face buttons labels on your colour of the Pro 2, I'm glad the other two colours and Pro+ are different

[@fryke]

Btw.: I'd love a video on OpenEmu for macOS and maybe some other options for emulation on the Mac (Dolphin for example).

[@goodboy-zg3xo]

8bitdo pro 2 is the way to go

[@54356776]

What about vs a switch Pro controller ? Do you have any views on that ? I can't decide whether to just buy the switch Pro, the 8bit pro2 or just get another cheap pad.

[@Josuh]

@@54356776Depends on how important waking up the switch with a controller and amiibo NFC scanning is to you, you could still keep a joycon nearby just to wake it up but idk, have you decided yet?

[@toasty3719]

Thr Switch pro controller is such a good controller. I have 2 of them. The only thing the Switch pro controllers falls short is the D-pad. The D-pad is far inferior to 8bitdo's Pro 2. The Switch Pro controller has very good motion controls and can wake the switch from a sleep state. The Pro 2 is much cheaper as well and has functionality across many systems.

[@kox-killzcymerii3322]

That what i wanted to hear. Just ordered mine. Nice

[@kupari906]

I wanted to love the Pro and the Pro 2 so much, they tick all the boxes I'm looking for in a controller, but I can only play on them for like half an hour before my hands start aching. I don't have a problem with any other controller, and it seems like few other people have the same issue, so maybe I have a really specific type of RSI. :P Thanks for another great video! You're quickly becoming one of my favorite KZbinrs!

[@trickyrat483]

Use my Pro+ for hours on end without issue. Feels better than my Dualshock4 or XBOX S controllers.

[@ATrainToAfrica]

The intro of this one made me laugh out loud thank you for working on this!

[@carlcouture1023]

There's also the Pro+ which is basically the same thing but without the rear macro buttons and gyro controls. It does all the rest including macros, analog adjustments and profiles for only $35 so if you're not sold on the Pro 2, this might be something to consider. I use the Pro+ and love it. Great for retro and modern.

[@jrb363]

As a native English speaker I've never heard that saying before lol

[@grzzltn]

as a non-native English speaker I find it fascinating that I did hear this before, although only in an I believe economic class or something like that (or a youtube video that had stuff about economy that was needed for a class, I don't know, but it was to demonstrate what kind of weird stuff can be the result of a commitee decision).

[@midshipman8654]

Ive heard it once or twice, but its not the most common phrase. I think I heard it more in R&D talk.

[@russiancheems2275]

I wasn’t even sure it was English, and I get a’s in honors English

[@ens0246]

Well now we know what to get you for your birthday then. "The Big Book of English Sayings"

[@RFLCPTR]

I have heard it from the open source community as an argument for a more centralized project management that leads to a better product by only wanting to do one thing well instead of trying to do a lot of things at once and failing

[@duckhead014]

This review is excellent and thorough!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Glad you liked it!

[@tankarliang]

keep doing what you do! ever since watching your retroid pocket 2 videos i subbed and been watching your other videos and waiting for new ones! love the videos!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks so much!

[@tylerdurden783]

18:50 ..hmmm, let's flip the script at the end here: "...and it's gonna do all the things that you need it to do; but at the same time, I would be really interested to see if BIGBIG Won ever does a refresh at some point, where they make an entirely new IP that has all these functions, but with a design all their own. Because they obviously make very good controllers; I would just like them to make a controller that's fully theirs."

[@RetroGameCorps]

I honestly think that 8BitDo has been in the game for so long at this point that they must have a pretty seasoned R&D department nowadays. I mean, I have their original gamepad, which has to be 10 years old at this point. They do keep coming out with newer controller ideas, but not for this "flagship" level. I would much rather see what they can come up with than BIGBIG Won. I'd say BIGBIG Won is just good at copying others, while 8BitDo shows hints of genuine artistry.

[@tylerdurden783]

@@RetroGameCorps While true, there are only so many ways you can make a comfortable controller for human hands, and most if not all of them will be derivative because of that. I mean look at the Xbox controllers; they have been largely only very incrementally different for going on 11 years now, and Microsoft's R&D budget would far far outstrip 8bitdo's.

[@RetroGameCorps]

@@tylerdurden783 good point!

[@NoobixCube]

As much as I love 8Bitdo controllers, the Pro Plus didn’t need a revision like this. It’d be great if my Pro Plus could get a firmware update to use the Android app, rather than me having to use the only Windows machine in the house (all of mine run Linux) to change the settings on the controller. My favourite 8Bitdo controller is still the M30, their Sega style pad. All I really want from 8Bitdo is an M30 Pro, for lack of a better word. Sega style pad, two sticks, triggers below the shoulder buttons, and just have the C and Z buttons on the face mapped to the triggers at 100%, or something, so for some games you can treat them like a button, for others, you can use the triggers.

[@dontknow6213]

Loving this detailed review.

[@ChrisKliewer]

I love my SN30 Pro...it looks just like your Pro 2, except without the grips...I love it, and use it for all games. Looking to get another..8bitdo really do make great pro controllers.

[@ChrisKliewer]

You should test controls playing Castlevania sometimes..? Just an idea

[@warnacokelat]

It’s a pretty good controller. Wont beat Dualshock 4 in term of comfort or how the button feels and how it’s easy to accidentally pressed the shoulder button. But considering how it just works on windows and linux, have 4 different modes and software support, it’s pretty dang good for the price.

[@dougclendening5896]

I agree and love the ps4/5 controllers but they are the absolute worst thing to deal with when plugged in. They start losing the connection all of the time no matter what cable I've tried in the past. The ps4 dpad and face button responsiveness though... drool

[@fpsalien]

I love your reviews! I just picked one of these up today, the Black Clear version, and I have to say.. First impressions off of looks and feel. It's better than my go-to PS4 Controller. I love the PS4 Controller, but man, this thing just feels soooo much better. LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT! ❤

[@neoxbomb]

I immediately ordered the Elitist controller after watching your video on it. Im lovin it

[@Ghost_Matter]

Thanks for using SI units!

[@pdahandyman]

Couldn't disagree more! Keep up the great work :)

[@hantke1989]

Thanks!!!! My favourite review about this controller! And not because I agree with you opinion, but because I really fill it non-bias, more than any other review. Please keep it going!!!

[@roguespartan2854]

I'm watching this because i was able to land myself the G Classic Edition, and I'm excited to play my Switch games on it. I'm mainly going to use this for my 2D games, and I actually enjoyed the dualshock 4 (from my neighbors) as much as I do with xbox

[@ZeedBadguy]

Nice new intro👍

[@RetroGameCorps]

You’re the first to notice! 😎

[@josephgoodtime]

I thought it looked different! I’m liking how it POPS

[@andrewcrossman2165]

I bought this controller, and I have not found a better one. The D pad is on touchable and it's balance is exactly what I wanted. It feels excellent in hands. It gets everything right for me, especially the retro look, the only thing I'm not crazy about is the triggers, especially for like bow and arrows, in breath of the wild

[@Klatchan]

So, thanks to you, I now own a Bigbig Won. I also have an 8Bitdo SN30 Pro+. And you know what? I plan on using them both. I vastly prefer the "Xbox" style of controller when I have to actually use the analog sticks, and the "Playstation" style when I'll mainly be using the D-Pad. So, both of them are better (for me) at one kind of game or another.

[@RetroGameCorps]

I kinda came to the same conclusion -- they are both getting equal play time from me :)

[@MysticMike]

@16:37 You mention that 8bitdo Pro2 controller does not have Gyroscope but actually it does.

[@stormeagle]

I never expected to see a HTC phone lol. Thank for the review!

[@cossakrose]

Oh yes! The review and comparison with the Elitist is here! Thank you very much Russ!

[@DanStormVO]

I already had the SN30 Pro which I used occasionally for PC and Switch, and just picked up the Pro+ yesterday. I feel like the ergonomics are more comfortable, and will probably be a good controller for Playstation emulation and 2D games.

[@aichpvee]

I don’t know about this new one, but my SN30 Pro+ wakes my Switch up just fine. Feels “iconic” af, to, if you ask me.

[@Nexus71c]

"I've been playing this game [Contra] for 30 years" "Let me play a game I've never played before.....Contra. Yeah that'll work" I swear lol. I'm glad I found this channel by looking up reviews on Anbernic devices lol

[@Funem]

Im sure the Pro2 has montion sensors that work with the Switch, the original version did as well.

[@torafuma]

Hey Russ. I literally bought one of the Elitist S controllers after your other video. My old 360 adapter for the PC died a few months ago, and I had been using my Switch Pro Controller on my PC (using one of the 8Bitdo Adapters). I was looking for something similar to the Pro controller layout, and the Elitist S fit the bill! Thanks so much for the review!

[@shaunbowen]

@torafuma did you manage to get the Elitist S to work wirelessly on your PC? I sent mine back as it connected but just wouldn't register any button presses. I tried both Bluetooth and the included dongle.

[@torafuma]

@@shaunbowen Yes, I had to hold down the Pair button (little one on the top of the controller, right next to the Micro USB port) for a while and then it paired with the dongle.

[@shaunbowen]

@@torafuma yes I got it to pair okay and it showed up in the devices list. But just didn't work when pressing buttons or running the configuration app.

[@torafuma]

@@shaunbowen Wow, that sucks. Must have a dud or something?

[@jesseboy7951]

Thank u very much, Russ, great review, great comparison. I'm gonna go with Pro 2, I already have a bunch of 8bitdo controllers, I'd like to be loyal to the brand plus I liked what I saw so far. Again, thank you and have a good one.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks Jessie, I really don't think you can go wrong with either -- so good choice! :)

[@heimanlee5955]

I grow up with PS Dual Shock layout, so this works fine. After all, this is a look of the parallel world which Nintendo got their PlayStation released and they made their Dual Shock. Guess this would be my pick before Retro Fighters Defender make it like months later.

[@anshulsingh8326]

Do u put something on the table? That Green cutting guide. Is that some adhesive paper for table?

[@Gossamer2]

I recently bought the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ controller with the blue buttons, and love it! I found out a few days later that the Pro2 was out. D'OH! Oh well, I am still very happy with my purchase. Those back buttons would be nice though.

[@Blueflag04]

i bought SF30 when they announced that.

[@SwattaVII]

Best controller there is on the market, even got a 2nd black one where I switched the buttons to be xbox ones (you can buy them from their store). Ever wanted an xbox configured controller with gyro that is wireless too. I know I did. Nice review mate.

[@comixof2morrow]

Folks should note that the 8BitDo controllers are designed more for retro gaming and the D-Pads for controllers that aren't geared toward retro gaming aren't going to be good for retro. The D-Pads on the 8BitDo Pro 2 compared to Xbox or PS4 controllers are better for retro. That's one of the main reasons I bought the 8BitDo Pro 2 (darker gray one with symbols on the buttons). Also, the 8BitDo pro 2 can be customized through the app. You can change how far down you have to squeeze the triggers,Macro,and etc. Pretty amazing.

[@persechini]

One thing I ended up liking on the Pro+ (same shape as the Pro2) was the vertically shorter core body compared to the xbox one controller (I've used xbox controllers on pc since the 360). I can go from xbox to pro+ and back in a pinch, but games that make heavy use of the shoulder buttons actually make me like the 8bitdo over the xbox as it's easier on the fingers. Mind you, I don't have experience with playstation controllers ever since the PS1, so this particular shape hits me as new. The overall design, I like it, found it weird at first for the same reasons as the video, but now days I like it and find it cute

[@DavidReyes0224]

As someone who grew up playing my dad's old super Nintendo then graduating to playstation later on, this controller seems like exactly what I'm looking for

[@raindrainxi]

The ability to wake the Switch up is the biggest missing feature that is disappointing for me with 8bitdo, but overall this is my favorite controller, although I may be biased because my favorite consoles are the SNES and the PS1.

[@GalacticoUC]

This controller is perfect for almost everything, fighting games, FIFA, race games, i love it

[@mljh11]

Nice thorough review, but odd criticism. The Frankenstein / camel comment only makes sense if your idea of "cohesiveness" is that little design flourishes must exclusively *belong* to one manufacturer or another. I don't see why this should be the case, or more importantly, why this supposed lack of cohesiveness is a bad thing. For example, the fact that that grippy texture of the sticks isn't replicated elsewhere on the controller, like say the d-pad, has zero negative impact on me. In fact the lack of cohesiveness here is actually a good thing because I usually want to maintain a solid hold on the sticks in 3D games so the grippy texture is great, but when it comes to the d-pad I'd rather my thumb have an easier time rolling between its axes so I can throw a haduken more consistently, in which case smoothness is more preferable. Similarly I don't really care that the shape or feeling of the shoulder buttons doesn't match those of the triggers' - I am more concerned that I can easily differentiate between the two of them so I don't mistakenly hit the wrong button during gameplay, in which case different sensory feedback is a welcome sensation. In either case, I think comfort trumps design cohesiveness, and this controller has been very comfortable to use since I got it a few weeks ago. So overall I find this a weird thing to criticize the controller for... Maybe it'd make more sense if this critique was made by a designer who's more concerned about aesthetic choice rather than practical purpose? 🤷

[@jakesmith5278]

Bought one about a week ago. The dpad is a godsend for fighting games. Almost as good as a good arcade stick. Don't really care about the a/symmetric joysticks. Grow up with PS and Xbox and got used to both styles. The Pro2 does have motion control. Best controller I've ever bought.

[@kevin1337ninja]

Personally I love my Pro 2 and I use it for emulation a lot. When playing on my Switch I always pick up my Pro Controller

[@LordValFromHell]

Nice comparison, but 'Micro-USB' should be in dark red! ;) The Elitist is great! It reminds me of the Power A, my favorite Controller.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yeah, funny sorry, I can't make multiple colors in the same row of text with the plugin I was using for that section, because I tried to make that part red :D

[@LordValFromHell]

@@RetroGameCorps 🤣🤣👍

[@vsuman66]

Are you sure the 8bitdo Pro 2 doesn't have gyroscope? I've got the 8bitdo Pro+ and that has a gyroscope! I can't imagine them taking it away for this updated version?!

[@ignacio8597]

It does

[@LuigiToby]

Hi there, I have being using this controller for the last week, and I love it, but I have noticed a snapback issue with the analog sticks, it does not show in regular gameplay just in menus to my surprise, have you experience this?

[@RetroGameCorps]

I haven't noticed that myself, sorry to hear that. I know it's an issue with the Switch Pro controllers too.

[@ignacio8597]

They just updated the firmware and it's supposed to address that.

[@jasper5945]

yes its a mish mash of different styles found from different controllers.. because its picking the best of each.. that's why it's the best controller

[@0neDoomedSpaceMarine]

The hinged shoulder buttons are certainly not the best kind.

[@ChrissyFreitas]

I have the original 8BitDo Pro and I like it a lot, especially that D-pad. My only gripes are the button labels on the black model needed white letters instead of black on black and the controllers don't wake up the Switch. Otherwise, it is a fantastic third-party controller and I want to get the newer model!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Agreed, I do wish it could wake the Switch. I was surprised to find the Elitist S had that function!

[@anthonyeldridge1316]

So 90 degrees rotation for the buttons? Cause a circle is 360 so from each of the buttons it should be 90 degrees, right? Aside from that wonderful video, very insightful and prompted me to invest and very satisfied with the controller and the content, keep up the great work

[@eaku7]

That's the best video about this controller in the internet

[@meghanjames565]

Great detailed review.

[@HighOctaneFun1]

Really love your reviews, you do a fantastic job at deep diving on these controllers! Have you considered doing a review on the Flydgi Vader 2? it is another controller I was looking at when comparing various controllers and was curious what your take on it would be! Awesome review as always!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Oh that one does look nice. I like its analog triggers, Z and C buttons, four macros, 2.4GHz option, and USB-C charging. The only thing that gives me pause is that it doesn't work on iOS. Either way, I just ordered it so we'll see :)

[@HighOctaneFun1]

@@RetroGameCorps Awesome! Can't wait to see the review, you do some awesome work! Keep it up you rock!

[@SimonNeilScott]

As someone who just moved Mac, it would be awesome not know more about that front end. Thanks for the honest review too.

[@RetroGameCorps]

It's super easy -- just install OpenEmu, drag in your ROMs, and off you go :). I can add it to my list of videos to tackle!

[@SimonNeilScott]

@@RetroGameCorps Just done it now, at like 9 am on a Saturday morning and that was insanely easy. So much easier then sorting out a front end on an Nvidia shield. Just seems the scraping isn't perfect as some games are missing box art :(

[@neoxnet]

I’ve never heard that phrase be used before but now it’s going to be my go-to saying when referring to how our IT systems are setup in our organisation haha.

[@ayobmedz]

Quick question, is it possible to assign macros to the back buttons on the fly, the way you assigned the turbo? Or do you have to open up the that software any time you want to change macros? This is the only question holding me back from pulling the trigger on a purchase,cant find an answer in other reviews. Thanks a lot for your time!

[@Gorgutsforcongress]

How's this thing out of the box? Analog sticks/ triggers wise? Do I need to mess about with the app or anything?

[@joshuawang5078]

What kind of kontrolfreeks/thumb grips will work with the pro 2?

[@TheGreatTave]

I too would like to know this.

[@hrviews00magnaball]

Russ on design idiosyncrasies of Pro2 control: “Your scientists were so obsessed with whether or not they could that they didn’t ask whether or not they should”