Our Favourite Controller for PC, Swap, and Cell

While you purchase by means of our hyperlinks, Insider could earn an affiliate fee. Be taught extra

8BitDo is greatest identified for its retro-inspired gamepads, often styled like basic Nintendo and Sega controllers. However its premium providing, the Final Controller, is definitely a full-sized wi-fi gamepad with a contemporary design and options. It is available in two completely different variations: the Final 2.4g ($50), that is made for PC, Mac, Nintendo Swap, and cellular; and the Final Bluetooth ($70), which provides Swap movement controls and Corridor Impact joysticks.

I’ve spent months testing dozens of controllers throughout completely different video games, genres, and techniques. However by means of all of it, I’ve but to seek out one higher than the 8BitDo Final. It is snug, straightforward to customise, appropriate with a great deal of completely different gadgets — and, better of all, surprisingly reasonably priced. Irrespective of which model you purchase and what sort of video games you wish to play, the 8BitDo Final is my prime advice.

The 8BitDo Final Controller is snug and tactile

Each variations of the Final Controller really feel fantastic to carry. Every deal with has hundreds of tiny bumps that I like working my palms over, and which be sure that the controller stays firmly in hand. Simply be aware that in the event you purchase the controller in white, these buttons have a tendency to select up filth simply.

The joysticks are equally grippy, which is nice for video games like Mario Kart that require lots of stick mashing. The Final Bluetooth Controller joysticks are even constructed with Corridor Impact magnets, which signifies that (in concept) they’re going to by no means undergo from drifting. Nevertheless, the cheaper 2.4g mannequin solely has normal ALPS joysticks.

The buttons are simply as good. The Final Controller’s face buttons are clicky and responsive. Not like many different Swap-compatible gamepads, the triggers are analog, that means PC video games like Grand Theft Auto will truly detect precisely how arduous you are urgent down on the fuel. It is also obtained a strong D-pad, and though the pad wobbles a bit in its casing, it isn’t noticeable throughout gameplay.

The one buttons that are not as much as snuff are the additional paddles on the again of every deal with. In comparison with different controllers, the Final’s paddles are far too shallow — simply gripping the controller naturally is sufficient to press them down, forcing misinputs. When you determine to make use of the paddles, you will must be cautious about the way you maintain the controller.

Not like many different third-party controllers, the Final Bluetooth mannequin additionally helps movement controls on the Swap (nice for video games like Splatoon), and each fashions have rumble. The rumble response, particularly, feels incredible on the Final, even higher than the official Nintendo Professional Controller’s “HD” rumble, though you will not get the game-specific vibrations that some Swap titles have. It additionally would not assist Amiibo scanning.

The Final Controller claims to have about 22 hours of battery life, which is ok however not so good as the Professional Controller’s 40 hours.

The Final Controller’s 2 fashions are each nice however have key variations

As I famous within the intro, 8BitDo sells two variations of the Final Controller: the Final 2.4g Controller ($50) and the Final Bluetooth Controller ($70). Regardless of the complicated names, each variations assist 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections, and each are appropriate with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Nintendo Swap, Steam Deck, and Raspberry Pi. The primary distinction between them is that the Bluetooth Controller has Corridor Impact joysticks and an inside gyroscope that permits you to use movement controls on the Swap.

Though they appear largely the identical, the 2 fashions even have barely completely different face buttons. The Final 2.4g Controller has its face buttons within the conventional Xbox structure, which places the A button on the underside and the B button on the correct. The Bluetooth Controller, because it’s geared towards Swap house owners, places the buttons in Nintendo’s structure as an alternative, which reverses the A and B placement.

When you’re selecting between the 2 fashions, I like to recommend the two.4g Controller. It is just about the very same gamepad, however $20 cheaper. I might solely suggest the Bluetooth Controller in the event you’re shopping for it primarily to your Nintendo Swap otherwise you’re a Corridor Impact purist — which is certainly comprehensible, contemplating how badly Nintendo’s official controllers can drift.

However regardless of which model you go together with, truly determining which wi-fi mode to make use of with completely different gadgets may be complicated. In my expertise, the Swap can join with Bluetooth or 2.4GHz, though the steps to attach are completely different. My iPhone, iPad, and Android telephone can solely join by means of Bluetooth, although 8BitDo claims {that a} wired connection will work with the iPhone 15. And my PC wants both the two.4GHz dongle or a direct wired connection. You may additionally have to flip a tiny change on the again of the controller, relying on which means you are connecting.

However these small moments of confusion are completely price it for a way versatile the Final Controller is. There is a cause I contemplate it not solely the greatest PC gaming controller, but additionally the greatest Nintendo Swap controller and the greatest iOS gaming controller. Irrespective of the system, it excels.

An included charging dock and customized profiles make the Final Controller extremely handy

Each Final Controller comes with a charging dock included. It is wonderful.

The charging dock is compact, has a classy LED mild that activates when charging, and even acts as a case to your controller’s 2.4GHz dongle. It makes charging and storing your Final Controller really easy.

If some other firm (e.g. Nintendo) have been promoting this controller, they’d cost an additional $50 for the charging dock and doubtless $15 for the dongle. However 8BitDo simply offers them to you. 

I additionally need to shout out the free Final Software program app, obtainable on PC, Android, and iPhone/iPad. This app allows you to customise almost any a part of the Final Controller, from the button layouts to the joystick deadzones and the rumble vibration power. You’ll be able to even arrange macros, or particular button mixtures, to carry out set duties.

The app allows you to save as much as six completely different “profiles” to the controller (three every for PC and Swap), and each can have its personal distinctive setup. Final Software program is one of the best controller mapping app I’ve ever used and turns the Final Controller into a very pro-level gamepad.

Must you purchase the 8BitDo Final Controller?

The 8BitDo Final Controller is a superb gamepad, whether or not you play video games on each platform it helps or not, and whether or not you are a hardcore gamer or informal participant. It is snug, customizable, and handy. It feels nice and appears nice.

Since 8BitDo primarily markets the Final Bluetooth version as a Nintendo Swap accent, it is pure to check it to the official Nintendo Swap Professional Controller, one other favourite of mine. The foremost variations are that the 8BitDo Final Controller has simply remappable buttons, a better-feeling grip, and an included charging dock. However the Professional Controller offers you longer battery life, game-specific HD rumble, and Amiibo scanning, which could possibly be must-haves for some Swap house owners.

However which one is healthier? In relation to pure worth, 8BitDo comes out on prime, and I completely assume it is definitely worth the cash. However whichever means you go, they’re each nice gamepads for almost any type of sport.