8BitDo has launched an updated version of its Ultimate Controller, which we consider one of the best PC controllers. The new Ultimate 2 features next-generation anti-drift TMR joysticks, four additional back buttons, shorter hair triggers, and other thoughtful upgrades designed to give PC gamers a competitive edge. It is available now on Amazon in purple, black, and white colorways.
The peripheral maker has been making waves in the controller world lately, becoming one of the few brands that make affordable, drift-free gamepads. With the Ultimate 2, 8BitDo is finally shifting to the much more durable and accurate TMR sensors, a notable upgrade from the Hall Effect sensors found in its predecessor. This puts 8BitDo’s new gamepad directly in competition with popular TMR-based controllers, such as GameSir’s Cyclone 2 and PB Tails Crush Defender.
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8BitDo Ultimate 2: 8BitDo-es It Again
The original Ultimate Controller earned our recommendation as a high-value pro controller. For a competitive price of $70 (often on sale for around $50), it delivered back buttons, rumble vibration, turbo functionality, motion controls (Switch version), a charging dock, and Hall Effect joysticks to prevent stick drift. The updated model builds on the success of its predecessor by introducing more pro-level features, positioning it as a strong contender for competitive racing and fighting games.
In terms of design, the Ultimate 2 looks exactly like the original. It retains the Xbox-style layout and ergonomic design but adds a few extras. The new model now has an extra menu button, and the joysticks are more durable and interactive, with anti-friction rings and RGB lighting surrounding them. In addition to the standard two back buttons, you’ll find two extra remappable shoulder buttons and physical trigger stops to switch between full analog and hair trigger mode.
Trigger stops used to be just for fancy pro controllers, like the Xbox Elite 2, but now they’re popping up on budget-friendly controllers, too. On the Ultimate 2, you get smooth Hall Effect triggers, which are great for racing games. But there’s more. A switch on the back lets you lock the triggers to just a tiny press, so you can fire way faster in FPS games. It’s a big upgrade from the first version, which didn’t even have Hall Effect triggers.
The new Ultimate 2 also marks 8BitDo’s first controller with TMR sensors in the joysticks. Just like Hall Effect, TMR joysticks are resistant to stick drift, but they’re even better. TMR sensors give you super-precise accuracy, even more than Hall Effect, and they use less power, which means your wireless controller is going to last longer. Plus, with a 1000Hz polling rate on both wired and 2.4G wireless, the Ultimate 2 debuts as one of the fastest gamepads out there.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Key Features
- TMR Joysticks
- Linear Hall Effect triggers w/ trigger stops
- Anti-friction joystick rings
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Two back buttons and two shoulder buttons
- 1000Hz polling rate over wired and 2.4G wireless
- 6-axis motion control
- Vibration feedback and turbo
- USB-C 2.4G dongle
- Compatibility: Windows (wired, 2.4G), Android (Bluetooth)
Overall, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is a significant upgrade, offering excellent value at $60 MSRP with a charging dock. It directly competes with the GameSir Cyclone 2, priced at $56 with an included charging dock. The two controllers offer almost the same features, with only a few differences. The Ultimate 2 uses membrane buttons, whereas the Cyclone 2 features mechanical face buttons. If you don’t prefer loud mechanical buttons, the new 8BitDo controller is a much better choice over the GameSir.
Buy the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 at Amazon
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