Engadget Review Calls 8BitDo Ultimate 2 the Best Switch 2 Controller

The package includes the controller, a charging dock with a USB-A cable, a 2.4G USB-C dongle that can plug into the bottom of the dock, and a spare set of key caps with neon splotches. The review describes the gamepad as compact and ergonomic, fitting smaller-than-average hands and supporting long play sessions with a smooth plastic chassis, textured grips, adjustable haptics, two rear buttons, three custom profiles and remappable controls.

The Ultimate 2 has Hall effect triggers with physical switches that turn them into non-linear tactile triggers, plus two extra bumpers, L4 and R4, bringing shoulder inputs to six. The extra bumpers sit between the traditional triggers and shoulder buttons and are easy to press without interfering with familiar movements, according to the review. Its offset TMR analog sticks are designed to offer lasting precision and never drift, and they press in with a soft click even when angled. Mirrored rings of RGB lighting encircle the sticks and can be adjusted with a star button or through 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2, which also supports specific light colors, input macros, button remapping and firmware updates.

The review says the controller feels small, sturdy and balanced, with smooth triggers, a pleasant bounce to the face buttons and a D-pad that is weightless but firm. The reviewer identifies one tiny flaw: four circular, sprinkle-sized front buttons marked with plus, minus, square and star icons are difficult to read at a glance because they are low-profile and the same color as the faceplate. The review says the problem fades with muscle memory and is present in most other Switch 2 controllers, including Nintendo's Pro model.

During testing, the reviewer played many hours of Resident Evil Requiem, Hello Kitty Island Adventure and Mario Kart World. The review says their hands never slipped or cramped and the controller's precision did not drop. With the charging dock plugged in nearby, the reviewer did not run into battery life problems after multiple days of intermittent play with RGB lighting on and vibration at maximum. The Ultimate 2 connects seamlessly with the Switch 2 in 2.4G mode, and in Bluetooth mode it can be set to wake the console when shaken.

The review says the Ultimate 2 offers features the Switch 2 Pro Controller does not, including TMR thumbsticks, Hall effect triggers, a charging dock, RGB lights, remapping software, extra bumpers and customizable haptics. Nintendo's Pro Controller instead includes a 3.5mm audio jack, an NFC reader for Amiibo and proprietary soft-hit thumbsticks that make no noise, and it costs at least $20 more than the Ultimate 2. The reviewer says the Ultimate 2 is the controller they reach for when playing Switch 2, describing it as comfortable, mappable, durable, versatile and cute, with clicks as satisfying as a fidget spinner.