8BitDo Ultimate 2C Controller review – a great value option for Switch

8BitDo is known for making some of the best third-party Nintendo Switch controllers around, and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Controller lives up to that usual reputation. Since 2013, this manufacturer has been reimagining classic controllers—NES, SNES, Sega—while packing them with modern upgrades like Bluetooth, customizable buttons, and even Hall Effect sticks (so no more stick drift, which will be a huge relief to Switch fans).

But 8BitDo isn’t just about nostalgia. It also makes fantastic controllers for modern consoles, and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller is one that we’d champion as being ideal for fans of the best Switch games. It holds up well against the other controllers featured in our best Switch controllers article. If you’re after something affordable, comfortable, and packed with features, this might just be the perfect companion for your next gaming session.

Specs

Here are the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Controller’s specs:

Design

Let’s talk about colors. This controller comes in three stylish options: coral pink, pastel blue, and dark blue—finally, a cheaper option that doesn’t just stick to boring black or grey. Personally, I’m all about the pastel blue—it’s sleek, subtle, and just plain cool. I give it a big thumbs up for the color choices.

This controller feels great in hand, with a textured back for a secure grip and smooth, high-quality plastic that feels premium. The buttons are well-placed and easy to press, with the X, Y, A, and B and bumper buttons delivering a satisfying click with each press. The joysticks move seamlessly. It also includes the classic + and – buttons, along with two additional buttons, just like the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller with Charging Dock. That said, while playing Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, I kept hitting the screenshot button instead of the menu button—but let’s be honest, that’s more of a me problem than a controller issue!

One downside is the triggers—they don’t have much travel. While playing Metroid Prime Remastered, a game that relies heavily on trigger inputs, something felt off. Comparing it to the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller, the difference is clear—the Ultimate’s triggers have a deeper press, making gameplay feel much more satisfying.

Features

This controller is packed with features, starting with a well-defined D-pad and responsive bumpers. It also includes 6-axis motion control, which might not be a dealbreaker for most, but it’s still a feature. There’s always that one friend who insists on using motion controls in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, so I gave it a shot—while it worked fine with Mario Kart, it’s just not my preference. Personally, motion controls tend to frustrate me (bowling in Wii Sports is, of course, the exception to the rule).

It also features extra bumpers (R4 and L4) that you can easily map to any button on the controller. This leads perfectly into the fast button mapping feature—simply hold the buttons you want to map and tap the star button. Easy! For those of you who play Xbox a lot and struggle to adjust to the Switch layout, you can switch the buttons around to make the experience less confusing.

One of the more obscure features is the rumble vibration. While many controllers on the market offer this function, it’s often basic and lacks the refinement seen in premium models. We put it to the test, whipping out Mario Kart 8 Deluxe again, and the rumble performance was surprisingly solid. It may not be HD rumble, but it gets the job done and adds a satisfying level of feedback during gameplay.

Additionally, this controller comes with a turbo function, allowing it to auto-press a button, which makes it perfect for fast-paced bullet hell games like Ikaruga. Of course, it also features Hall Effect joysticks, meaning this controller is highly resistant to drift and should keep performing flawlessly for a long time.

Now, let’s talk about battery life. This controller comes equipped with a 480mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery. It takes about 2 hours to fully charge, which is pretty quick, and offers around 15 hours of gameplay. That’s more than enough for a solid gaming session without constantly needing to recharge.

Connectivity

This controller connects via Bluetooth and includes a matching USB-C charging cable—nice touch! It doesn’t come with a plug, but let’s be honest, most of us have one lying around. If not, charging via the console works just fine.

Pairing it with the Switch is ridiculously easy. Just hop into the controller settings, select “Change Grip/Order,” press the middle button, and boom—you’re good to go. Or, as Luigi says in Super Mario Advance, “Piece of cake!”

I spent a good few hours on Stardew Valley with this controller, and it didn’t skip a beat. There were no random disconnects, no input lag—just smooth gameplay the entire time. Even from the other end of my (admittedly small) living room, it stayed responsive. Overall, it’s a rock-solid and reliable controller on the connectivity front.

Pricing

At just $29.99 / £24.99, this controller is incredibly well-priced for its quality. It’s in the lower price bracket but still feels and looks well-made. For instance, the PowerA Wired Controller for Nintendo Switch, although only $25.99 / £17.99, feels incredibly cheap in comparison, not to mention being wired and more restrictive… and your cats might want to play with the wire while you game too. You might as well spring the extra money because the quality is double.

Although you don’t get the same suite of features as you do with the fully licensed Nintendo Pro Controller (like the NFC scanner or 40-hour battery life), the 8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Controller still puts up a good fight. If you don’t want to pay top dollar but still want a good, reliable controller, then this is perfect. Oh, and I mentioned it comes in 3 colors, right? I think I might have.

Should you buy the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Controller?

In conclusion, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Controller offers exceptional value for its price, especially with its vibrant color options and sleek design. Whether you prefer coral pink, pastel blue, or dark blue, this controller adds some much-needed personality to the gaming setup.

It’s comfortable to hold, has responsive buttons, and offers several useful features like customizable back buttons and 6-axis motion control, turbo mode, and Hall Effect joysticks to prevent drift. The rumble vibration is a nice bonus, and while it isn’t as refined as more expensive models, it still adds valuable feedback during gameplay. While the shallower triggers might not appeal to those who prefer a deeper press, the overall performance and functionality make it an attractive option.

For just $29.99 / £24.99, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C provides impressive performance without breaking the bank. It offers solid connectivity and decent battery life. If you’re looking for a dependable controller that doesn’t sacrifice quality for affordability, this is a fantastic choice—especially for anyone who doesn’t need all the bells and whistles of pricier models like the Switch Pro Controller.

Buy this if:

• You want a good controller at a reasonable price
• You like stylish colours
• You care about longevity- with Hall Effects

Don’t buy this if:

• You want a controller with all the bells and whistles
• You don’t want a 3rd-party controller
• You want more than a 15-hour battery

Alternatives

Want a controller to help play games on your phone? Check out our article on the best mobile controller for Android and iPhone, or if you want to see more from 8BitDo, we also have an 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller review that’s worth a read if you’re scoping out the market.