8BitDo has thrown its hat in the mobile game controller race and its firstdedicated mobile controlleris available for preorder. Called the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller, it stands to compete with the likes of the Backbone One and Razer Kishi V2. What’s great about this controller is that it brings 8BitDo’s expertise in the controller space to mobile gaming with a strong focus on both build quality and performance. It isavailable in both black and white color optionsandfollows the Xbox-style asymmetrical joystick layout.
In its compact state, the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller looks a lot like a widerXbox controller with mostly the same button layout. The joysticks are asymmetrical and there is a D-pad on the left. Along with the standard assortment of buttons, there are two paddle buttons on the back and a dedicated profile button, all of which can be mapped and customized through the 8BitDo Ultimate Software.
The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controlleruses Bluetooth to connect with Android devices with Android 9.0 OS or higher. In terms of compatibility, it can fit most smartphones with a range of 100mm to 170mm. For reference, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is 163mm in length. There is no USB Type-C connection like theRazer KishiorBackbone One, which makes slotting in the phone much easier.
8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller
The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller is an Android-friendly controller that brings Hall effect joysticks and triggers. It also has two extra buttons on the back and most of the controls can be customized through the 8BitDo Ultimate Software. The controller packs a 350mAh battery that can last for 15 hours.
What makes the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller stand out is the Hall effect joysticks and triggers. This makes the controllermore accurate and durable than potentiometer-based options. Hall effect seems to have become the new standard and 8BitDo has been using this tech for quite a while. Along with the Hall effect joysticks and triggers, there are two remappable buttons on the back. The software lets you remap the buttons to your liking and also tweak the triggers to actuate faster and tune the joysticks to be more precise.
There is a 350mAh battery backing the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller and thecompany states it can last up to 15 hours. Even if the controller comes close to 15 hours, it is more than enough game time and a solid battery life that can be topped back up in just 1.5 hours using the USB Type-C port at the top. By itself, the controller weighs only 236 grams, adding very little to the weight of the overall experience.
While 8BitDo only advertises Android connectivity on the official website, the fact that this controller connects over Bluetooth should allow it to be used with iOS devices as well. At least, that has been the case with older 8BitDo controllers. However, 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 customizing anything on the controller.
8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller Price and Availability
The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is priced at $50 and is currently up forpreorder on Amazon. There is a white and black color 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 less expensive than the Backbone One. Arguably, the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller provides a more ergonomic and accurate gaming feel than the other two.
