There are countless controller options but there’s one brand that commands an enthusiast’s attention in this market: 8BitDo. Nearly a decade after the company’s founding, 8BitDo is recognized for bringing high-quality controllers to the forefront, especially on Nintendo Switch and PC. Now, 8BitDo looks to make a statement with the new Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller, a low-price controller that packs some premium features.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller comes in a discrete package with a USB-A to C cable and a 2.4GHz wireless dongle. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the controllers 2.4GHz wireless capabilities, as it ensures every single action with this controller is accurate and swift. This is due to the 1000Hz polling rate, which is also active when the controller is wired.
8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller Punches Above its Weight
I’ve purchased many controllers over the years but the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller stands out for its price and the features you get at the price. For $29.99, you have the aforementioned 2.4G wireless connection and 1000Hz polling rate, along with Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers. It’s safe to say that Hall Effect is going to be the standard for keyboards and controllers alike, and it’s impressive for a controller that’s half the price of a DualSense.
The core design of Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller is very similar to the current Xbox Series X|S controller, but I prefer the feel of the former. The controller is very lightweight at just 200 grams, and the controller grips feel very comfortable. On the back of the controller, you can switch 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth with a toggle at any time, and the pairing button is also here as well.
I’ve mostly used the controller in 2.4G since the input latency is quite low. Gamepadla’s testing reveals input latency on the sticks as low as 4.94ms with the dongle and 3.21ms through a wired connection, which is very impressive at this price. Input latency on the buttons is just as impressive, averaging just 5ms with dongle and wired connections.
It’s worth noting that the best possible performance does come at the cost of battery life. You can expect up to 19 play hours with wireless 2.4G before needing to recharge, while Bluetooth supports 32 play hours with worse input latency. It can take up to two hours to charge the 480mAh battery, and LED indicator for battery status is located near the USB-C port, as expected with 8BitDo controllers.
Satisfying Presses and Clicks
The Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller includes the standard layout of buttons you can expect on most controllers these days, along with the asymmetrical thumbsticks I’ve come to know and love. The thumbsticks offer an incredible amount of grip—more so than the DualSense, Switch Pro, and 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ controllers I have. There’s also a Turbo button, which is designated with a star icon.
The buttons have a satisfying press, and the D-pad has a clicky and tactile press that I actually enjoy. The triggers have a good amount of travel distance, which is great for racing games like Forza Horizon 5 or shooters like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. On the other hand, the bumpers are rigid and clicky, reminiscent of the Xbox 360 controller’s bumpers.
Beside the standard triggers and bumpers are the L4 and R4 bumpers, which are fully programmable. You can configure it by holding down either bumper and the button you would like to configure, and then pressing the Mapping button. This process can be repeated without software, but I would have preferred a remapping feature via software. In fact, you can update the controller’s firmware via the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 application, but it doesn’t support button remapping at this time.
Stylish but Simple
The controller is available in six different pastel-toned colors (Mint, Peach, Green, Purple, Blueberry, and Brownie), so it doesn’t compromise on style. For this review, I was given the Mint color and although I’m not the biggest fan of green colors, I do think Mint looks really great. The four face buttons, D-pad, and thumbsticks have a darker olive-tone color, which I think pairs well with the lighter colors of the Mint controller shell. The dongle you get with the controller is also appropriated color-matched with the shell.
The controller’s drawbacks really only come from the lack of platform compatibility and the state of Ultimate Software V2 at the moment. Android, Windows 10/11, and Raspberry Pi are the only supported platforms out of the box. I really only intended to use this controller for Steam and emulators so it’s no big deal for me, but I can see some people wanting to use this stylish controller natively on a platform like Switch or Xbox.
The aforementioned Ultimate Software V2 is good to have for firmware updates that will ensure the controller is optimized. However, the lack of a button remapping feature at the present means the application can be an afterthought. It’s a double edged sword in a way, since the controller’s full suite of features can be used without software at all.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller is the Ultimate Budget Option
Overall, I think the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller is an incredible choice for PC, and it does everything you need it to, especially for Steam. The controller’s impressively low input latency and Hall Effect thumbsticks are hallmarks of its design, along with its stylish features. The clicky buttons and comfortable grip make this controller one of the most satisfying to use, and it’s going to be a daily driver for PC games for me.
You can often find the controller for less than the MSRP price, making it a great bargain. Despite the lack of compatible platforms, this controller makes for an excellent stocking stuffer or a birthday gift for a PC gamers. If you want those special Brownie and Blueberry colors, you can head to https://www.8bitdo.com/ultimate-2c-wireless-controller/ to secure this awesome controller.
Disclaimer: 8BitDo and Game Outlet Europe sent out a 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller sample for review purposes.
