8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller review

Full review

The Ultimate 2 is aimed at PC and mobile players who want enthusiast features without paying for a first-party pro pad. This model supports Windows 10 version 1903 or later, Android 13 or later, SteamOS and Apple devices running version 26 or later. It uses a 2.4G USB-C dongle for Windows and Bluetooth for Android and Apple.

The sticks use TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance) sensors with a 12-bit ADC, which 8BitDo says deliver higher sensitivity and precision than standard sticks. The triggers can be switched between a linear Hall-effect mode and a tactile mode. Two back paddles plus L4 and R4 Fast Bumpers give you extra inputs, and the Fast Bumpers can be remapped without software.

For deeper tuning there is 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, which handles button mapping, stick and trigger adjustments, vibration, macros and three profiles, connecting over wired USB or 2.4G on Windows or macOS. 8BitDo lists a 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4G and wired, and an integrated charging dock keeps the pad topped up. The pad weighs 246 g.

Battery life is not published on the page. Note that 8BitDo sells a separate Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller for Switch and Switch 2, and this version is not listed for Nintendo or console use.