8BitDo has thrown its hat into the mobile game controller race and the first dedicated mobile controller is available for pre-order. It’s called the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller and can compete with the likes of the Backbone One and Razer Kishi V2. The great thing about this controller is that it brings 8BitDo’s controller expertise to mobile gaming, with a strong focus on both build quality and performance. It is available in both black and white color options And follows the Xbox-style asymmetrical joystick layout.
In its compact form, the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller looks a lot like a wider Xbox controller with much of the same button layout. The joysticks are asymmetrical and there is a D-pad on the left side. In addition to the standard range of buttons, there are two paddle buttons on the back and a dedicated profile button, all of which can be assigned and customized via the 8BitDo Ultimate Software.
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The 8BitDo ultimate mobile gaming controller uses Bluetooth to connect to Android devices running Android 9.0 OS or later. In terms of compatibility, it fits most smartphones with a range of 100mm to 170mm. For reference, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is 163mm long. There’s no USB Type-C connection like the Razer Kishi or Backbone One, which makes plugging into the phone much easier.
What makes the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller stand out are the Hall effect joysticks and triggers. This makes the controller more accurate and durable than potentiometer-based options. Hall effect seems to have become the new standard and 8BitDo has been using this technology for a while. In addition to the Hall effect joysticks and triggers, there are two remappable buttons on the back. The software allows you to remap the buttons to your liking and also adjust the triggers to work faster and fine-tune the joysticks.
There is a 350mAh battery that supports the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller and the According to the company, it could take up to 15 hours. Even if the controller lasts almost 15 hours, this is more than enough playtime and solid battery life that can be topped up in just 1.5 hours via the USB Type-C port on the top. On its own, the controller weighs just 236 grams, which adds little to the heft of the overall experience.
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Although 8BitDo only advertises Android connectivity on the official website, the fact that this controller connects via Bluetooth should mean it can be used with iOS devices as well. At least that was the case with older 8BitDo controllers. But even if the controller works with iOS devices, it may not be on the list of supported controllers that sync with the 8BitDo Ultimate Software on iOS. This would prevent them from adjusting anything on the controller.
8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller Price and Availability
The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller costs $50 and is currently available for pre-order on Amazon. White and black color options are available, and according to Amazon, the controller will be released on November 29. The $50 price tag puts it in the same category as the Razer Kishi V2, but much cheaper than the Backbone One. The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller undoubtedly offers a more ergonomic and accurate gaming feel than the other two.
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