8Bitdo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller - Hall Effect Joystick Update, for Switch/Switch 2, Windows, Apple, Android, Steam Deck, and Raspberry Pi (Gray Edition)

I love my 8bitdo controllers. I initially bought one years ago to use with my iPad to play my retro games. Was so impressed with it that I bought another model (SN30 Pro+) to use with my retro pie (raspberry pie) that I have that’s loaded with retro consoles and games. I also use that one with my newer iPad to play the games I have installed with the Delta app. They work flawlessly and the battery life is amazing. The quality is definitely there as well. They’re essentially universal and seem to work with every application I’ve applied them to. I use them with my iPhone and iPad, my MacBook Pro, my NES classic and my retro pie. Can’t recommend these enough.

8BitDo is my go-to company for PC controllers. Given the multitude of garbage options out there, and the ridiculous pricing of first-party console controllers, I'm happy these guys are around.Having owned the N30 Pro and wired SN30 for a few years now, I decided to upgrade to the black version of this Pro 2; per usual, I was not disappointed, and it exceeded the quality of my previous models, surprisingly.Thumbsticks: Most third-party or no-name controllers have unbearable deadzones that make aiming or navigating pointer-style menus a pain. Like my previous models, the Pro 2 doesn't have that problem at all. They feel on par with a PS4 controller, but I feel that the tactile feel of the Pro 2 is a bit more enjoyable.D-Pad: This is a big one for me. On the N30, I had d-pad issues. Nothing major, but enough to occasionally annoy me. With a DualShock 4, the d-pad is really awkward to use. The Pro 2 is accurate like the DualShock, but it doesn't have the awkward separated buttons. However, I'd check the d-pad upon receiving to ensure you get one that is up to par.Buttons: Far above any other controller I've used, and I adored the buttons on the Wired SN30. The Pro 2 somehow beat those. There is plenty of tactile feedback, when I hit a button, it does not stick or get jammed in the shell slightly. It simply works. Not to mention, the unlabeled look is really attractive. There are slightly off-color labels next to each button on the controller, but from a couple feet away, it's just a beautiful black piece of art. The two extra buttons on the bottom side are also welcome. I like to replace the L3 and R3 button functions with them.Triggers and Shoulders: Triggers and shoulders are great. About what you'd expect from a first-party console controller.Shell: I didn't know if I'd enjoy the "SNES with handles" look, but it is surprisingly sharp looking in person. Better yet, the contours of the controller rest better in my hands than any other controller I've held. Matched with the jet-black unlabeled theme, this is one I'll be babying to keep in tip-top aesthetic shape.Connectivity:Being my second wireless 8BitDo, this is no surprise, but I didn't notice any input lag. I'm sure it's there as with any other controller, but it's not in any way detrimental to even fast-press gameplay. 10/10. There are several connection modes, but I'll only be using this wirelessly with PC games. I can't comment on its Android or Switch functions. Definitely not Apple.Overall:This is now my favorite controller. It took the SN30 I have loved for quite a while, and it beefed up all the areas that could have been improved. While the SN30 felt great, the Pro 2 feels better. The same goes for its button feel, tactile feedback, comfort, and connectivity. When I hold this, I feel like I have the Bugatti of controllers, and if they made it compatible with the two main consoles, I'd never buy a first-party controller. 8BitDo has given me far fewer problems (practically none), lasts longer, feels more comfortable, and costs less.If I have one big complaint, it's that I can't hook it up to my PS4 when I want to game with my partner. Maybe work on that for the next upgrade if possible.

I bought this controller last year for both myself and my son to use with our computers for gaming. While he mainly uses it for modern PC games, I’ve mostly paired it with emulators to replay classics from my childhood—and it’s been a great experience on both ends.The controls are well-mapped to match their original systems and can be easily remapped within any emulator or game. The input response feels just as smooth and timely as it did on the original hardware, which is a huge plus for retro gaming.Bluetooth connectivity makes it super convenient to use from anywhere in the room, and you can charge it with any standard USB-C cable—no proprietary nonsense. The battery life has been solid so far too.I especially like the two rear paddle buttons, which you can customize based on your needs. I’ve personally used them to fine-tune responsiveness in certain games that require more precise inputs.And the retro transparent blue design? Total nostalgia. It’s a perfect throwback for anyone who grew up in the '90s when everything cool had that see-through plastic look.One of my favorite features is the switch on the back that lets you easily toggle between device types. It’s preprogrammed for different platforms, so switching between them is quick and effortless.Overall, this controller nails both form and function. Great for modern games, perfect for retro ones, and packed with thoughtful features.

So i give this controller a 4 out of five. The joysticks work great. the things i don't care for are more of a personal gripe of mine based on years of gaming with various controllers. So I feel the d pad is a bit chunky and is made out of a kind of plastic that i honestly dont care for. the d pad feels cheep. Further more because of the cross style d pad. You can not do what you can do with the old playstation 1 style d pads. Which were really just four triangle which I think would have been a better choice in d pad configuration. Second I think a different kind of plastic would go a long way to make it softer on the hands while on a gaming binge. now that the d pad is out of the way. I think my other gripe is on the bottom two trigger buttons. first I will state that they are way to large. You have to pull them in for a much longer squeeze in order to get them to trigger. Thus my thoughts are that the triggers should have been inlaid in to the controller at a different angle and take up more of a bumper shape than that of these current triggers. This would maintain its ergonomics better and reduce some of the time it takes to get the triggers to respond. Other than that the game controller is honestly a pretty solid brick for all intended purposes. works well on both my steam deck and my switch.