8BitDo is back with a fresh upgrade to its popular gamepad lineup. The Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller is here, and it’s packing a bunch of new features aimed at PC and Android gamers. From upgraded joysticks to better connectivity and more customization, this controller is shaping up to be a solid option for those looking to tweak their gaming experience.
If you’re familiar with the original 8BitDo Ultimate Controller, the Ultimate 2 builds on what worked while adding some handy improvements. One of the biggest changes is the switch from Hall Effect analog sticks to TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) sticks.
If that sounds complicated, here’s the simple version: TMR sticks work similarly to Hall Effect sticks by using electromagnetic resistance to prevent drift, but they’re designed to be even more durable and power-efficient.
Another noticeable upgrade? RGB lighting rings around the joysticks. These colorful accents react to your inputs and can be customized through 8BitDo’s software. Sure, they look cool, but they might also eat into battery life—though 8BitDo has bumped up the battery capacity to 1,000mAh, which should help balance things out.
The Ultimate 2 also makes some smart changes to its triggers. A new toggle lets you switch between long and short trigger pulls, making it easier to fine-tune the controller based on the type of game you’re playing. Need quick, snappy trigger responses for a shooter? Go with short pulls. Prefer gradual acceleration in a racing game? Stick with long pulls.
On top of that, two extra bumper buttons have been added alongside the remappable back triggers, giving players even more ways to customize controls. Whether you prefer assigning extra actions to these buttons or simply want more flexibility in competitive games, having additional inputs is always a plus.
One of the more technical but important upgrades is 8BitDo’s new “8Speed” wireless technology. The Ultimate 2 ditches the old USB-A dongle and now comes with a USB-C dongle for 2.4GHz wireless connections. This change isn’t just for convenience—it reportedly offers faster response times, with under 1ms latency and a 1,000Hz polling rate. For gamers, that means quicker inputs and smoother gameplay.
If you’re playing on Android, Bluetooth is still an option, keeping things flexible for mobile gaming. But here’s the catch: Right now, the Ultimate 2 only works on Windows (Windows 10 and later) and Android (Android 9.0 and newer). That means no official support for iOS, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch at this time. Given 8BitDo’s track record, it wouldn’t be surprising if future versions expanded compatibility, but for now, it’s a bit limited.
8BitDo is all about customization, and that continues with the Ultimate Software V2. Through this app (available for both PC and mobile), players can adjust:
You can also save up to three different profiles, making it easy to switch between custom setups for different games. And like previous models, the controller comes with a matching charging dock that also acts as a storage spot for the USB-C dongle.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is available now for $59.99 and comes in three colors: white, black, and purple. It’s currently up for grabs on Amazon, with immediate shipping in the U.S. and later release dates for other regions.
For advertising please contact the editor at indianalang@hometheaterreview.com
