8BitDo Ultimate 2C Controller review – a great value option for Switch

8BitDo is thought for making among the greatest third-party Nintendo Change controllers round, and the 8BitDo Final 2C Controller lives as much as that ordinary fame. Since 2013, this producer has been reimagining traditional controllers—NES, SNES, Sega—whereas packing them with trendy upgrades like Bluetooth, customizable buttons, and even Corridor Impact sticks (so no extra stick drift, which will likely be an enormous aid to Change followers).

However 8BitDo isn’t nearly nostalgia. It additionally makes implausible controllers for contemporary consoles, and the 8BitDo Final 2C Bluetooth Controller is one which we’d champion as being superb for followers of one of the best Change video games. It holds up nicely towards the opposite controllers featured in our greatest Change controllers article. In the event you’re after one thing reasonably priced, comfy, and filled with options, this may simply be the right companion in your subsequent gaming session.

Specs

Listed here are the 8BitDo Final 2C Controller’s specs:

Design

Let’s discuss colours. This controller is available in three trendy choices: coral pink, pastel blue, and darkish blue—lastly, a less expensive choice that doesn’t simply keep on with boring black or gray. Personally, I’m all concerning the pastel blue—it’s smooth, refined, and simply plain cool. I give it a giant thumbs up for the colour decisions.

This controller feels nice in hand, with a textured again for a safe grip and clean, high-quality plastic that feels premium. The buttons are well-placed and simple to press, with the X, Y, A, and B and bumper buttons delivering a satisfying click on with every press. The joysticks transfer seamlessly. It additionally consists of the traditional + and – buttons, together with two further buttons, identical to the 8BitDo Final Controller with Charging Dock. That mentioned, whereas taking part in Zelda: Echoes of Knowledge, I stored hitting the screenshot button as a substitute of the menu button—however let’s be trustworthy, that’s extra of a me downside than a controller concern!

One draw back is the triggers—they don’t have a lot journey. Whereas taking part in Metroid Prime Remastered, a sport that depends closely on set off inputs, one thing felt off. Evaluating it to the 8BitDo Final Bluetooth Controller, the distinction is evident—the Final’s triggers have a deeper press, making gameplay really feel far more satisfying.

Options

This controller is filled with options, beginning with a well-defined D-pad and responsive bumpers. It additionally consists of 6-axis movement management, which could not be a dealbreaker for many, however it’s nonetheless a function. There’s all the time that one good friend who insists on utilizing movement controls in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, so I gave it a shot—whereas it labored high quality with Mario Kart, it’s simply not my choice. Personally, movement controls are likely to frustrate me (bowling in Wii Sports activities is, in fact, the exception to the rule).

It additionally options further bumpers (R4 and L4) you can simply map to any button on the controller. This leads completely into the quick button mapping function—merely maintain the buttons you need to map and faucet the star button. Straightforward! For these of you who play Xbox rather a lot and wrestle to regulate to the Change structure, you’ll be able to swap the buttons round to make the expertise much less complicated.

One of many extra obscure options is the rumble vibration. Whereas many controllers in the marketplace provide this perform, it’s typically primary and lacks the refinement seen in premium fashions. We put it to the take a look at, whipping out Mario Kart 8 Deluxe once more, and the rumble efficiency was surprisingly strong. It is probably not HD rumble, however it will get the job finished and provides a satisfying stage of suggestions throughout gameplay.

Moreover, this controller comes with a turbo perform, permitting it to auto-press a button, which makes it excellent for fast-paced bullet hell video games like Ikaruga. In fact, it additionally options Corridor Impact joysticks, that means this controller is extremely proof against drift and may maintain performing flawlessly for a very long time.

Now, let’s discuss battery life. This controller comes geared up with a 480mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery. It takes about 2 hours to completely cost, which is fairly fast, and affords round 15 hours of gameplay. That’s greater than sufficient for a strong gaming session with out continuously needing to recharge.

Connectivity

This controller connects through Bluetooth and features a matching USB-C charging cable—good contact! It doesn’t include a plug, however let’s be trustworthy, most of us have one mendacity round. If not, charging through the console works simply high quality.

Pairing it with the Change is ridiculously simple. Simply hop into the controller settings, choose “Change Grip/Order,” press the center button, and increase—you’re good to go. Or, as Luigi says in Tremendous Mario Advance, “Piece of cake!”

I spent few hours on Stardew Valley with this controller, and it didn’t skip a beat. There have been no random disconnects, no enter lag—simply clean gameplay the complete time. Even from the opposite finish of my (admittedly small) lounge, it stayed responsive. General, it’s a rock-solid and dependable controller on the connectivity entrance.

Pricing

At simply $29.99 / £24.99, this controller is extremely well-priced for its high quality. It’s within the cheaper price bracket however nonetheless feels and appears well-made. As an illustration, the PowerA Wired Controller for Nintendo Change, though solely $25.99 / £17.99, feels extremely low-cost compared, to not point out being wired and extra restrictive… and your cats may need to play with the wire whilst you sport too. You may as nicely spring the additional cash as a result of the standard is double.

Though you don’t get the identical suite of options as you do with the absolutely licensed Nintendo Professional Controller (just like the NFC scanner or 40-hour battery life), the 8Bitdo Final 2C Controller nonetheless places up battle. In the event you don’t need to pay prime greenback however nonetheless desire a good, dependable controller, then that is excellent. Oh, and I discussed it is available in 3 colours, proper? I feel I might need.

Do you have to purchase the 8BitDo Final 2C Controller?

In conclusion, the 8BitDo Final 2C Controller affords distinctive worth for its worth, particularly with its vibrant coloration choices and smooth design. Whether or not you like coral pink, pastel blue, or darkish blue, this controller provides some much-needed character to the gaming setup.

It’s comfy to carry, has responsive buttons, and affords a number of helpful options like customizable again buttons and 6-axis movement management, turbo mode, and Corridor Impact joysticks to stop drift. The rumble vibration is a pleasant bonus, and whereas it isn’t as refined as dearer fashions, it nonetheless provides useful suggestions throughout gameplay. Whereas the shallower triggers may not enchantment to those that favor a deeper press, the general efficiency and performance make it a beautiful choice.

For simply $29.99 / £24.99, the 8BitDo Final 2C supplies spectacular efficiency with out breaking the financial institution. It affords strong connectivity and first rate battery life. In the event you’re searching for a reliable controller that doesn’t sacrifice high quality for affordability, it is a implausible alternative—particularly for anybody who doesn’t want all of the bells and whistles of pricier fashions just like the Change Professional Controller.

Purchase this if:

• You desire a good controller at an inexpensive worth
• You want trendy colors
• You care about longevity- with Corridor Results

Don’t purchase this if:

• You desire a controller with all of the bells and whistles
• You don’t desire a Third-party controller
• You need greater than a 15-hour battery

Options

Desire a controller to assist play video games in your cellphone? Take a look at our article on one of the best cell controller for Android and iPhone, or if you wish to see extra from 8BitDo, we even have an 8BitDo Final Cell Gaming Controller assessment that’s value a learn in case you’re scoping out the market.