8BitDo is one of the leading quality brands focused on third-party licensed controllers on the market today. With 8BitDo - long gone are the days of ropey controllers you pulled the short straw for when playing with a bunch of friends - in are the days of super-customisable pads, cool liveries, and cross-platform compatibility backed by build quality that can rival, and in some cases even surpass, official console accessories. Here are some of the pick of the bunch of their currently available controllers:
8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller — (RARE 40th Anniversary Edition)
This article was inspired by the release of the frankly awesome-looking Rare 40th Anniversary edition of this pad (though other colours are available, including a stunning dark green version inspired by the original Xbox console).
When discussing Rare's legendary development history, we can think back on the many smash hit titles they've released over the decades, ranging from Battletoads to Banjo Kazooie, GoldenEye, Perfect Dark, Conker’s Bad Fur Day, and perhaps even the less celebrated titles such as Viva Piñata, Jet Force Gemini, and Kameo: Elements of Power.
It's worth noting that since their last major release in 2018’s Sea of Thieves, we've unfortunately not seen anything from the fabled developer, and with their most recent project, Everwild unfortunately being cancelled amid large-scale lay-offs across Xbox-owned studios we may have to wait a little longer to see any more brilliance they have left in the tank.
Maybe this new controller can help us all relive some of the classics while we hold out hope for a future Rare title release?
Spec Highlights:
- Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC; Bluetooth for Apple and Android devices
- Connectivity: Wired USB-C; Bluetooth; 2.4 GHz wireless via dongle
- Features: Hall Effect sticks & triggers; gold metal tactile D-pad; pro back buttons; three custom profiles; charging dock; 8BitDo Ultimate Software support
- Battery / Charging: 1000 mAh Li-ion; ~20 hours playtime; ~4 hours charging
8BitDo M30 Wireless Bluetooth Gamepad (Switch, Windows 10+, Android, Raspberry Pi)
Designed to be played with all things SEGA, this pad sports the aesthetics of both the Genesis and SEGA Saturn era, combined with an ergonomic and well thought-out button configuration.
It boasts high build quality and features turbo button functionality (except on Switch). It even comes in the Japanese SEGA Saturn livery, arguably the best-looking SEGA pad of all time.
Spec Highlights:
- Compatibility: Nintendo Switch; Windows 10+; Android; Raspberry Pi
- Connectivity: Bluetooth; Wired USB
- Features: Turbo function (not supported on Switch); SEGA-inspired designs; ergonomic button layout
- Battery / Charging: 480 mAh; ~18 hours playtime; ~1–2 hours charging
Also Read: Retro and Modern Gaming Consoles that Support Japanese Gaming Controllers
88BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth (Switch, Switch 2 & Windows PC Compatible)
Bluetooth controllers are notorious for lag, but this one has somehow steam rolled the issue with sharp, snappy inputs and stable connectivity. Well-proportioned, high quality, and featuring 8BitDo’s TMR joystick system, it offers higher sensitivity, accuracy, and durability. RGB fire rings, abrasion-resistant joystick rings, vibration and motion controls (Switch only), turbo function, and professional-grade features make this one of 8BitDo’s best offerings.
Spec Highlights:
- Compatibility: Switch; Switch 2; Windows PC; Android
- Connectivity: Bluetooth; Wired USB; includes charging dock
- Features: TMR joysticks; Hall Effect triggers; RGB fire rings; motion control (Switch only); pro back paddles; extra bumpers; three custom profiles
- Battery / Charging: 1000 mAh; ~20 hours playtime; ~4 hours charging
8BitDo Pro 2
Looking a little like the Switch Pro Controller, this one has the retro look face-on with all the ergonomic comfort provided by full handles for longer gaming sessions. Colour choices include a Super Famicom-esque grey with purple buttons, a favourite among fans.
This pad features two pro back paddle buttons, six-axis motion functionality, and is highly customisable with adjustable hair triggers and modifiable vibration. You can save three controller profiles and swap between them with a switch button.
Spec Highlights:
- Compatibility: Switch (v3.0.0+), Switch 2, Windows 10+, Android 9.0+, Apple platforms
- Connectivity: USB-C wired; Bluetooth wireless
- Features: Two back paddle buttons; Hall Effect joysticks; three custom profiles; motion control (Switch only); macros; adjustable triggers and vibration
- Battery / Charging: 1000 mAh Li-ion; ~20 hours playtime; ~4 hours charging
Also Read: 10 Rare Japanese Consoles
8BitDo Micro Bluetooth (Switch, Android, Raspberry Pi)
There are many of us who are big fans of the micro controller format. Though not ideal for marathon play sessions, the sheer cuteness, convenience, and portability of these pads make them highly appealing.
They’re also small and light enough to be used in multi-purpose ways, with users noting they work well as digital drawing tools or even page turners for e-readers.
The perfect counterpart to whip out on a train plane or pretty much any other place you can imagine for gaming on the go.
Spec list:
- Compatibility: Switch; Android; Raspberry Pi
- Features: Mode switch; button mapping; firmware updates; ultra-portable design
- Battery / Charging: 180 mAh; ~12 hours playtime; ~1–2 hours charging
8BitDo SN30 Pro (Switch, Steam Deck, Windows, Apple, Android, Raspberry Pi)
The SN30 Pro may be the pad of choice for retro gamers. Arguably the perfect in-between a classic retro pad and a fully fledged controller, it balances the classic D-pad form with modern high-quality joystick functionality. With newly upgraded Hall Effect sticks, this pad is better equipped to impress nostalgic players.
Spec list:
- Compatibility: Switch; Steam Deck; Windows; Apple; Android; Raspberry Pi
- Connectivity: Bluetooth; Wired USB (where supported)
- Features: Hall Effect sticks; rumble vibration; motion control (Switch only); turbo function
- Battery / Charging: 480 mAh Li-ion; ~18 hours playtime; ~1–2 hours charging
8BitDo continues to prove that third-party controllers no longer mean compromise. Whether you want retro aesthetics, pro-level customisation, or a micro pad that can double as a handy multi-purpose gadget, there’s something in their line-up for everyone.
And if you’re hunting for the more unusual editions - like the Rare 40th Anniversary Ultimate controller - ZenMarket can help you source them directly from Japan, along with games, tech, and collectibles you won’t find in other regions.