The SN30 Pro+ controller that came before the 8BitDo Pro 2 may appear to be almost exact replicas of one another at first inspection. Even though the new model maintains the same general appearance, there are several noticeable physical and software upgrades. This is the ultimate 8BitDo Pro 2 controller to own for retro lovers and contemporary gamers alike, with more of an emphasis on “pro” than ever before.
Here is our review of the 8BitDo Pro 2
Design and Features
The 8BitDo Pro 2 is modelled after the SNES controller and instantly evokes fond memories, but it has modern capabilities like two analogue sticks, vibration, and more. Because of the controller’s excellent ergonomics, holding it is delightful.
The Pro 2 weighs only 18 grams more than the DualShock 4 controller from PlayStation, making them nearly identical in size and weight. Both controllers have the same feeling, even with the “enhanced grip” on the rear. The 8BitDo’s stems are a little bit straighter than the DualShock 4’s, which extend at a slighter inclination.
The Pro 2 is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, Windows PCs, Mac OS computers, Android smartphones, Android tablets, and Raspberry Pi. If you want, it also has a wired mode and supports Bluetooth 4.0 on all compatible devices.
With the original size, shape, and feel preserved, 8BitDo has almost entirely polished the current D-pad. It seems like the greatest rendition of what was present on the SNES controller. Four face buttons (arranged in Nintendo’s A/B/X/Y manner) are located across from the D-pad, and they click satisfyingly when pressed. Although they are a little bit taller than the buttons on more recent controllers like the DualShock, DualSense, and Xbox Series X/S controllers, the point at which the button recognizes a press feels quite similar.
The analogue sticks are slightly further spaced out than those on the DualShock 4 and are located underneath the pill-shaped Start and Select buttons. The sticks individually feel a little stiff but are highly sensitive, returning to the default position nearly immediately. They both have a pronounced snap when pressed in and a convenient thumb slot.
The upper L and R buttons are also identical to those on a SNES controller. Both of the buttons are long, small, and easy to push. They curve with the controller. The L2 and R2 buttons further back have an excellent feel. They have some tension to them yet are still simple to press down. These triggers are analog, which means that games that support, them can tell how far you are pressing them.
The Star and Heart buttons, which are located on either side of the controller, are another feature on the controller’s front. These buttons can be assigned to any purpose you want on any platform. On the Nintendo Switch, they serve as the screenshot and home buttons, respectively. A button in the middle also enables you to easily choose between three pre-set profiles that you can modify.
There are two “pro” back paddle buttons on the back of the device. When pressed, these unique buttons emit an audible click and are snugly tucked within the grips’ organic curvature. One of the new features on the Pro 2 is this, which is a wonderful addition for anybody trying to get the most out of their input. A simple toggle switch on the rear of the device lets you choose between four new connectivity options: Switch, macOS, Android, and Windows. This is a welcome improvement from earlier 8BitDo controllers, which required simultaneous holding of the Start button and one of the face buttons to switch the associated device.
Battery
Additionally, there is a battery door that conceals the 1000mAh lithium-ion battery pack that is detachable from the 8BitDo controller, enabling you to swap it out if necessary without purchasing a new one. The USB-C port on top of the controller can recharge the battery, which has a 20-hour battery life and can be fully charged in around four hours. However, since the included USB-C cable is just around three feet long, you’ll probably want to buy a new one. Wired modes are enabled for charging and playing simultaneously
Software.
You could change almost every feature of the controller to fit your playing style by connecting it to your PC or Mac.
The Pro 2 stands out because it can now be connected to either an iOS or an Android device using a companion app. This completely changes the game because it enables even new players to start playing with their controllers and quickly remapping the buttons to their preferences.
The user interface (UI) is simple to use, and modifications sync instantaneously over Bluetooth. The only drawback is the strange omission that, despite the controller’s ability to be customized on iOS via an app, it cannot be used to play mobile games on an iPhone or an iPad.
The left and right analogue sticks’ active and inactive regions, as well as the axes for each stick, can all be changed inside the customization program or app. Additionally, you can choose how deeply to press each of the rear triggers by customizing them. Both sides of the controller’s vibration levels can be adjusted. Additionally, Ultimate Software lets you design your macros, which enable a series of actions to be executed with a single button push.
The pro back paddle buttons can only be set up using the customization program, which is available on PC/Mac, iOS, and Android. This is because they aren’t pre-assigned. Although the ability to set these back paddles straight from the controller would have been excellent, the fact that you no longer require a computer for customization is a significant improvement.
You can save each customization you make to one of three unique profiles, which you can switch between by pushing the button in the centre of the controller. The fact that it saves three profiles for each platform is fantastic since it allows you to create distinct profiles for various Switch games without interfering with settings for specific PC games.
Gaming
On the Pro 2, the platform toggle on the rear makes switching between games on Nintendo Switch and PC a breeze. Once the controller and device have been connected for the first time, it will remember the device for each input mode, making it simple to utilize a single controller on many platforms.
Final Verdict
With new features including reversible rear paddles, an improved grip, and a quick way to switch between custom settings on the fly, the 8BitDo Pro 2 enhances an already excellent controller. The connection with the new Ultimate Software app for smartphones, which makes it possible for practically anyone to customize their controller very easily right out of the box, is its largest improvement.
