8BitDo’s New Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller

8BitDo is back at it with their Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller! 8BtiDo is well known in the controller and peripheral space. They’ve made everything from Arcade sticks to retro-themed mechanical keyboards, retro-style controllers, and even modern controllers for the Xbox and Nintendo Switch.

As spotted by The Verge, the previously announced smartphone controller went on sale on November 29th, 2024. It’s up for sale on Amazon for $49.99 which is the cheapest Android controller we’ve seen in a long time

The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller seemingly has it all. Hall-effect triggers, programmable rear buttons, and wear-resistant metal joystick rings. The 8BitDo software allows users to mess with the mapping of buttons, adjust analogue stick dead zones and sensitivity and tweak the adjustable triggers that allow gamers to set working ranges. 

The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller uses Bluetooth to connect to a device as opposed to a wired connection through a phone’s charging port. In theory, this means greater compatibility as well as less power drain. But it also means that you’ll have another device to charge. According to the 8BitDo website, the built-in 300mAh Li-on battery will give 15 hours of battery life after 1 and a half hours of charging time. 

Unfortunately, the Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is a hefty boy. It weighs 236 grams, so when paired with a mobile device you’re looking at between 350-500 grams total weight. Additionally, there’s no mention of screen mapping in the included software which means that Android games that don’t have controller support will be unplayable with this controller. So just keep that in mind. 

If you’d like to read about 8BitDo’s recent Xbox-themed mechanical keyboard click here. If you’d like to find out more about 8BitDo’s Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller click here.