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8BitDo Ultimate 2 review: A superior Switch 2 gamepad

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has emerged as a highly competitive wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering advanced features at a lower price point than official hardware. Retailing for $70, the device undercuts the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller by $20 while providing several technical advantages. Key hardware improvements include TMR analog sticks designed to prevent stick drift and Hall effect triggers that can switch between linear and tactile modes. The ergonomic, compact design is particularly well-suited for users with smaller hands and includes two additional rear bumpers for a total of six shoulder inputs. Users can also customize the experience through the Ultimate Software V2, which manages RGB lighting, input macros, and button remapping. While the low-profile profile buttons on the faceplate can be difficult to read, the controller excels in long-term comfort and battery reliability. The package includes a dedicated charging dock, a 2.4G USB-C dongle, and a shake-to-wake feature for the console. Despite lacking an NFC reader for Amiibos, its specialized hardware makes it a premium alternative for many gamers.

· Engadget

The essential points

  1. 01The controller features TMR analog sticks and Hall effect triggers to ensure long-term precision and prevent stick drift.
  2. 02Priced at $70, the device is $20 cheaper than the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
  3. 03Customization is extensive via dedicated software that controls RGB lighting, haptics, and complex input macros.
  4. 04The compact ergonomic design includes six shoulder inputs and a convenient charging dock included in the box.
The full brief

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has emerged as a highly competitive wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering advanced features at a lower price point than official hardware. Retailing for $70, the device undercuts the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller by $20 while providing several technical advantages.

Key hardware improvements include TMR analog sticks designed to prevent stick drift and Hall effect triggers that can switch between linear and tactile modes. The ergonomic, compact design is particularly well-suited for users with smaller hands and includes two additional rear bumpers for a total of six shoulder inputs. Users can also customize the experience through the Ultimate Software V2, which manages RGB lighting, input macros, and button remapping.

While the low-profile profile buttons on the faceplate can be difficult to read, the controller excels in long-term comfort and battery reliability. The package includes a dedicated charging dock, a 2.4G USB-C dongle, and a shake-to-wake feature for the console. Despite lacking an NFC reader for Amiibos, its specialized hardware makes it a premium alternative for many gamers.