8BitDo was once known as a supplier only Nostalgia inspired by Nintendoin recent years it has expanded in every way game controllers and accessories. The company’s latest venture is mobile gaming controllers. 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Game Controller takes its highlights the well-received Ultimate series – Hall effect included! — and brings them to an expandable accessory that attaches to your smartphone, a la the Backbone and Razer Kishi.
First, the bad news (for some). The 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Game Controller it’s Android only, so no love here for iPhone owners. It’s also a Bluetooth accessory, not just a plug-in Spinal columnthis means it has a 350 mAh battery and is heavier than some of its competitors. (as The Verge notesit tips the scales at 236g, which makes it 71 percent heavier than the BackBone One.) 8Bitdo says its battery lasts up to 15 hours on a 1.5-hour charge.
But for Android device owners, this is a very versatile controller. 8Bitdo says it’s compatible with mobile devices from 100mm to 170mm in length. This may even include some small tablets, although not many today. (Even Amazon is relatively small Fire hd 8 about 32mm too wide.) However, it should fit almost any Android phone.
The controller has Hall effect triggers and joysticks, so you don’t have to worry about any drifting. It includes the standard four action buttons, a click, smooth, and touch D-Pad, a profile button, and two paddle buttons on the back. The sticks have “wear-resistant metal joystick rings”.
It works with 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software, allowing you to reposition buttons, adjust sticks and adjust sensitivity, and create or edit profiles. The app is available on Windows and Android. The iOS version can be installed on Macs from the App Store.
You can’t get the 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller yet, but you can pre-order now from Amazon. It costs $50 (half the price of the Backbone One!), comes in black and white, and arrives on Black Friday, November 29th.
