The one finest wi-fi controller I’ve ever used

Sean Hollister is a senior editor right here at The Verge. He runs information, writes opinions, and edits tales, and he makes a speciality of, as he places it, “enjoyable devices.” He goes on to say, “It hit me not too long ago that I’m principally an enormous child: I wish to play. So now I attempt to spend most of my time toying with nerdy {hardware} and filming it weekly for you. Please inform me when you see one thing I completely should strive!”

After we requested him to decide on one in all his favourite present devices, he volunteered to speak in regards to the 8BitDo Final Bluetooth Controller.

The place did you first hear in regards to the 8BitDo Final Bluetooth Controller?

Effectively, I heard about it in The Verge’s newsroom, and, frankly, I wished to make enjoyable of it instantly as a result of I believed it was bullshit. How may it’s the “final” controller if it solely helps a single Bluetooth system at a time and has no interchangeable batteries, whereas the 8BitDo Professional 2 can change between 4 completely different units, helps each AAs and a chargeable pack, and prices $20 much less?

I used to be unsuitable in regards to the controller, however not in regards to the identify: 8BitDo has made so many alternative “Final” controllers that the phrase is meaningless. Importantly, the one I’m speaking about is the Bluetooth and a couple of.4G model with Nintendo Swap compatibility and drift-resistant Corridor impact sticks.

When did you purchase it, and what went into the choice to purchase one?

Like so a lot of my favourite devices, I purchased it after I realized I wished to maintain it. 8BitDo despatched us one for assessment, and it’s Verge coverage that our employees can’t settle for something of worth from an organization, even when they don’t need it again. As quickly as we now not have a legitimate editorial purpose to maintain it, it will get returned, donated, or given away (and to not our pals or kin, both).

However I didn’t wish to half with it, so I paid money for my very own.

Talking of which, my assessment unit is at present in a assessment closet awaiting a reader giveaway — I’m hoping to ship it to some fortunate Verge subscriber this summer time or fall!

What do you want about it?

It’s the one finest wi-fi controller I’ve ever used. It’s the most effective I’ve used for a PC, and it doubles as one of many high three for the Nintendo Swap, which, for me, simply makes it the most effective general. I do know that seems like a excessive bar, however a lot of the competitors falls quick as a result of most producers appear to assume PC avid gamers will both tolerate Bluetooth latency or wired USB cables as a substitute of constructing a bulletproof 2.4GHz resolution.

For over a decade, I’d sworn by Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Wi-fi Receiver for Home windows due to its unmatched pace, reliability, and wi-fi vary, however the 8BitDo Final lastly beat it — and with out sacrificing correct rumble like so many wi-fi PC and Swap pads do. Plus, it provides an above common D-pad and magnetic Corridor impact sticks that ought to final.

It’s one of many few controllers that may flip each a Nintendo Swap and a Steam Deck on from throughout the room, letting me laze on the sofa whereas they’re docked to my TV — and a good built-in gyroscope means I get gyro aiming on Steam Deck and Swap, too. (You hit energy, then shake the controller to activate the wake-on-Bluetooth command.)

The battery life is superb, too: I clocked over 33 hours of play throughout a number of months earlier than needing to drop it again on its bundled charging dock, which additionally neatly turns the controller on and off once you dock and undock it.

Is there something about it that you simply dislike or that you simply assume may very well be improved?

I might undoubtedly pay $10 extra for a model that might pair to extra Bluetooth units, so I don’t should disconnect from my Steam Deck after I hook up with my Swap and vice versa. I suppose I may depart the two.4GHz dock plugged into my Steam Deck dock, however I desire to maintain it linked to my desktop PC.

I’d additionally like to have the ability to remap the 2 again buttons with out plugging the controller right into a PC and utilizing particular software program. The brand new Final 2 and 2C do this, however I don’t want any of the opposite new options like LED lighting, adjustable triggers, or additional buttons.

Who would you suggest it to?

Do you have got a PC and a Swap or Steam Deck? At its typical $50 sale, purchase this gamepad. Do you solely have a Swap and don’t care for the way the Swap Professional controller feels? Purchase this gamepad. However when you primarily play on residence consoles, telephones, tablets, and many others., then don’t purchase it.

I even have an 8BitDo Professional 2 that I desire to stuff right into a bag for on-the-go use, and Mechanism makes a terrific grip for it which you could pair with its Cellphone Mount to magnetically connect it to your telephone.

Is there something I ought to have requested that I didn’t?

Have I used the Final 2C, which will be had for simply $25-$30 with a lot of the identical options and some enhancements however has half the battery capability and doesn’t include a dock? No, I’ve not, as I’ve been utterly happy with the Final Bluetooth. At half the value, it may be the higher decide, simply as long as pastel colours are your factor.