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8Bitdo Pro 2 vs. Ultimate vs. SN30 Pro+ vs. Lite 2: Differences and Reviews 2024

8Bitdo Pro 2 vs. Ultimate vs. SN30 Pro+ vs. Lite 2: Differences and Reviews 2024

    8Bitdo is a premier 3rd party video game hardware company with a special focus on retro themed game controllers. Renowned for producing the highest quality retro controllers on the market. 8Bitdo's controller line has been referred to as,“a range of excellent retro-style game controllers" by The Verge. People who know 8Bitdo should have heard of 8Bitdo Pro 2, Ultimate, SN30 Pro+, and Lite 2. But which one is best for you? What's the differences between them? Therefore in this 8Bitdo Pro 2 vs. Ultimate vs. SN30 Pro+ vs. Lite 2 comparison, we want to look at these four controllers from top to bottom. This includes their specs, price & avaliablity, designs, pros & cons, features, compatibility, connectivity, battery life, reviews, and more!

8Bitdo Pro 2 vs. Ultimate vs. SN30 Pro+ vs. Lite 2


8Bitdo Pro 28Bitdo Ultimate8Bitdo SN30 Pro+8Bitdo Lite 2
Price$49.99$69.99Currently unavailable$34.99
Release TimeApril 12, 2021August 30, 2022August 7, 2019April 16, 2024
Dimensions

6.06 x 2.56 x

3.98 inches

14.84 x 8.31 x 

7.44  inches

7.13 x 2.95 x 5.24 

inches

4.72 x 0.31 x 

0.31 inches

Weight8 Ounces1.41 Pounds12.8 Ounces2.57 Ounces


Connectivity

Wireless 

Bluetooth 4.0

Bluetooth 5.0

Wireless 

Bluetooth 4.0

Wireless 

Bluetooth

USB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-C

2.4g Connectivity

Battery Type1000mAh Li-on battery, rechargeable

480mAh Li-on 

battery, 

rechargeable

Battery Life

20 play hours

with 4 hour 

charging time

22 play hours 

with 2-3 hours 

charging time

20 play hours with 4 hour charging time

18 play hours

with 1-2 hour 

charging time

8Bitdo Pro 2 Reviews

Available in two colors - translucent purple & smoke black. Pro 2 gives you more ways to play. The custom profile switch button holds 3 custom profiles that can be switched on the fly. With an enhanced grip, Pro 2 allows you to hold the controller with even less effort. The new 4-way Mode Switch button allows you to instantly switch between Switch, Android, D-input and X-input so you can pair to any device as easily as possible. Pro 2 features two Pro-level back buttons. These buttons give you more control so you don't have to take your thumbs off the thumbsticks. 

With 8BitDo Ultimate Software you can assign any button function and macros, too. Ultimate Software gives you elite control over every piece of your controller - now on Android and iOS. Customize button mapping, adjust stick & trigger sensitivity, vibration control and create macros with any button combination. Create controller profiles and switch between them at any time with the custom profile switch. Ultimate Software is not supported on Mac mode.

image.png

Source:8bitdo.com

Switch. Windows. macOS. Android. 8Bitdo controllers are designed to be as versatile as possible with each of your modern devices. Now with a 4-way mode switch, you can instantly pair your controller via Bluetooth. You can even use Pro 2 as a wired USB controller with the included USB cable.

  • Compatible with iPhone, iPad, macOS and Apple TV now. (Officially Supported)

  • Compatible with Apple, Switch, PC, Android, Steam Deck and Raspberry Pi.

  • 2 pro-level back Buttons.

  • Ultimate software now on PC, Android and iOS.

  • Custom profile switching, enhanced grip & 4-Way mode switching button.

  • Wireless Bluetooth, rumble vibration, motion controls, USB-C, 20 hour rechargeable battery.

Where to Buy Gaming Controllers?

You can buy Gaming Controllers at Best BuyGameStopWalmart.com, or Amazon.com.

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8BitDo Ultimate Controller with Charging Dock Reviews

Ultimate Software gives you elite control over every piece of your controller - now on Android and iOS. Customize button mapping, adjust stick & trigger sensitivity, vibration control and create macros with any button combination. Create controller profiles and switch between them at any time with the custom profile switch.

Ultimate Bluetooth controller features two Pro-level back buttons. These buttons give you more control so you don't have to take your thumbs off the thumbsticks. With 8BitDo Ultimate Software you can assign any button function and macros, too.

1690427034638706.png

Source:8bitdo.com

Switch. Windows. 8BitDo controllers are designed to be as versatile as possible with each of your modern devices. Now with a 2-way mode switch, you can instantly pair your controller via Bluetooth.

  • Compatible with Switch and Steam Deck via Bluetooth/2.4g adapter/USB Cable, Windows with a 2.4g adapter/USB Cable.

  • Multifunctional Charging Dock - Stable connection and controller will be automatically switching ON/OFF while it is undocked/docked.

  • Hall Effect Sensing Joystick

  • Ultimate Software on PC and mobile (Android/iOS)

  • 2 Pro back paddle buttons, Custom Profile Switch Button, Player indicators & 2-way Mode Switching button.

  • Rumble vibration, motion controls, USB-C, 22 hours rechargeable battery.

8BitDo SN30 Pro+ Reviews

With 8BitDo Ultimate Software: Customize everything on Pro+ from button mapping, stick & trigger sensitivity, vibration control and even create macros with any button combination. Easily save your settings on a game by game basis with custom profiles.

Pro+ can be used wired or wirelessly so you have instant access to the lowest latency possible for pro level gaming. With the 8Bitdo Smartphone Clip, you can turn your SN30 Pro+ into a dedicated mobile game system. Compatible with nearly all smartphones.

1690427925824640.png

Source:8bitdo.com

8Bitdo controllers are designed to be as versatile as possible with each of your modern devices. Easily pair your controller as an X-input or D-input device via Bluetooth You can even use it as a wired USB controller with the included USB cable. They're regularly updating the firmware with new system compatibility like the Nintendo Switch, Raspberry Pi and more.

  • Wireless Bluetooth, rumble vibration, motion controls, USB-C

  • Button mapping for system-changing accuracy and modifiable vibration

  • Adjustable Hair trigger buttons plus 6 axis motion sensor

  • Modifiable joystick sensitivity

  • Customize your gaming experience further with ultimate software for Windows and macOS

8BitDo Lite 2. Ultra Portable Reviews

8BitDo Lite 2 is the evolution of 8BitDo Lite - now featuring joysticks and shaped trigger buttons. Lite 2 is an ultra-portable controller made for 2D games & more. Lite 2 is the most ultra-portable controller, fully featured 8BitDo controller.

These controllers are designed to be as versatile as possible with multiple devices. Easily pair your controller as S-input or D-input device via Bluetooth You can even use it as a wired USB controller with the included USB cable. We're regularly updating the firmware with new system compatibility like the Switch, Android, Raspberry Pi and more.

image.pngimage.png

Source:8bitdo.com

  • Ultra Portable

  • Fully Featured - now featuring joysticks and shaped trigger buttons

  • Rumble vibration, motion controls

  • Customizable turbo functionality (D-input)

  • Wireless Bluetooth, USB-C, rechargeable battery

  • Compatible with Switch, Switch Lite, Android and Raspberry Pi

Differences Between Pro 2, Ultimate, SN30 Pro+, and Lite 2

Next, we will compare these four controllers in detail from the following aspects:

1. Price & Avaliablity

2. Designs

3. Performance

4. Compatibility

5. Connectivity

6. Battery Life

1. Price & Avaliablity

8Bitdo Pro 2 for $49.99 @Amazon.com;

8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock for $69.99 @Amazon.com;

8Bitdo SN30 Pro+ @Amazon.com, currently unavailable;

8Bitdo Pro 2 for $34.99 @Amazon.com.

2. Designs

8Bitdo Pro 2

Mapping: Assign the buttons with the functionality to your liking.

image.png

Sticks: Customize each stick for a higher precision control.

image.png

Triggers: Adjust the ranges of your triggers to act faster.

image.png

Vibration: Modify the vibration intensity for a better comfort during gameplay.

image.png

Macros: Assign a long sequence and action to one single button.

image.png

8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock

Mapping: Assign the buttons with the functionality to your liking.

image.png

Sticks: Customize each stick for a higher precision control.

image.png

Triggers: Adjust the ranges of your triggers to act faster.

image.png

Vibration: Modify the vibration intensity for a better comfort during gameplay.

image.png

Macros: Assign a long sequence and action to one single button.

image.png

8Bitdo SN30 Pro+

Mapping: Assign the buttons with the functionality to your liking.

image.png

Sticks: Customize each stick for a higher precision control.

image.png

Triggers: Adjust the ranges of your triggers to act faster.

image.png

Vibration: Modify the vibration intensity for a better comfort during gameplay.

image.png

Macros: Assign a long sequence and action to one single button.

image.png

8Bitdo Lite 2

The first thing you'll notice about the 8BitDo Lite is that it's small – even smaller than the 8BitDo's SN30. 

The second thing you'll notice is its two asymmetrical D-Pads. 8BitDo makes a decent D-Pad, and the Lite is no exception. The concave D-Pad fits your thumb pleasantly and depresses with a reassuring click. The frame is equipped with two rounded triggers and two minuscule chiclets for the bumper buttons. The bumpers are oddly named R2 and L2 instead of ZR and ZL, but they work the same. There's an LED indicator on the bottom and 8BitDo's trademark Star and Heart buttons on the face – used for navigation, screenshots, and Turbo on PC.

image.png

3. Performance

8Bitdo Pro 2

The controller worked flawlessly with with a Windows 10 PC and a Nintendo Switch. It easily paired with both systems, and reconnected when you switched between them. Both the direction pad and face buttons felt excellent, responding immediately to your actions. The direction pad was particularly good, hitting all directions consistently without accidental direction shifts.

And the analog sticks were just as responsive as the direction pad, with firm motion that feels just as good as the Switch Pro Controller. Whatever system you use it with, the Pro 2 simply feels very good to use. It’s slightly lighter than the Switch Pro Controller and its grips are a bit more narrow, but it’s still quite solid and fits comfortably even in large hands. The controls are all nicely firm under the thumb with high-quality, springy feedback.

8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock

The Ultimate Controller mostly lives up to its gaming potential. Once it’s paired, the Ultimate controller is a pleasure to use. It felt great to hold, thanks to its more ergonomic handles, which sport a far more noticeable grip on the handles than its predecessors – in fact, the grip feels almost identical to that on modern Xbox controllers. The bumpers and the analog triggers also feel much better than the Pro 2's, which felt a bit mushy and cheap. That said, the triggers still feel hollow and less resistant than other premium controllers.

8Bitdo SN30 Pro+

The Pro+ is just .4 ounces heavier and feels almost identical in the hands. Which is to say, because it's so lightweight, the controller feels a little on the cheap side – especially when compared to other options like the Switch Pro controller.  The Pro+ is well-balanced.

To use the controller for specific devices, you have to turn it on using a combination of buttons. For instance, to play on Switch, press Start + Y. Unfortunately, it doesn't turn the Switch on, but pairing it is luckily a cinch. On PC, Mac, and Switch, the controller can be used in both wired and wireless modes. 

And the triggers are analog, and it's one of the areas the Pro+ outshines the Switch Pro controller. The triggers have a pleasant resistance and a concave curve, ideally situated for your index fingers. The controller also requires pretty significant thumb travel to move the right thumbstick to the upper left. That can be pretty annoying in fast-paced games like shooters. The bumpers and face buttons are snappy and pleasing to click, and A, B, X, Y are easy to navigate thanks to a combination of concave and convex buttons. Like the DualShock 4, the thumbsticks are symmetrical. They sport a textured ridge, which helps your thumbs maintain grip. 

8Bitdo Lite 2

8BitDo boasts that the Lite is "designed with two D-pads for total 2D gaming action." 8BitDo calls out Tetris 99 specifically as a game that the controller is uniquely suited for. The right D-pad does, in fact, make it easier to cycle between attacking strategies. But by default, the left D-pad doesn't even do anything.

The D-Pads themselves are exceptional. They have that "clicky" feel you want from a D-Pad. But unfortunately, for how solid they are, the controller's size makes them difficult to use. The Lite's profile is so small, and its body so thin, it all becomes uncomfortable quickly. When you use 8Bitdo Lite 2, your hand may cramping between the pinky and ring finger.

4. Compatibility

8Bitdo Pro 2

  • Switch 3.0.0 and above

  • SteamOS Holo 3.4 and above

  • Windows 10 and above

  • Android 9.0 and above

  • Raspberry Pi

  • Apple iOS 16.3 and above

  • Apple iPadOS 16.3 and above

  • Apple tvOS 16.3 and above

  • Apple macOS 13.2 and above

8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock

  • Switch 3.0.0 and above

  • SteamOS Holo 3.4 and above

  • Windows 10 and above

8Bitdo SN30 Pro+

  • Windows, macOS, Android, Steam, Switch, Raspberry Pi

8Bitdo Lite 2

  • Switch (S-input), Android(D-input)

  • Apple iOS 16.3 and above

  • Apple iPadOS 16.3 and above

  • Apple tvOS 16.3 and above

  • Apple macOS 13.2 and above

5. Connectivity


8Bitdo Pro 28Bitdo Ultimate8Bitdo SN30 Pro+8Bitdo Lite 2


Connectivity

Wireless 

Bluetooth 4.0

Bluetooth 5.0

Wireless 

Bluetooth 4.0

Wireless 

Bluetooth

USB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-C

2.4g Connectivity

6. Battery Life


8Bitdo Pro 28Bitdo Ultimate8Bitdo SN30 Pro+8Bitdo Lite 2
Battery Type1000mAh Li-on battery, rechargeable

480mAh Li-on 

battery, 

rechargeable

Battery Life

20 play hours

with 4 hour 

charging time

22 play hours 

with 2-3 hours 

charging time

20 play hours with 4 hour charging time

18 play hours

with 1-2 hour 

charging time

Bottom Line

8Bitdo upgrades the already excellent SN30 Pro+ to the Pro 2, adding programmable rear buttons and multiple profiles to an already feature-packed gamepad that works with multiple game platforms.

The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is a fantastic gamepad, just like the SN30 Pro+ before it. It feels good in the hand, performs well on both Windows and Switch, and is packed with customization options. The new programmable buttons are a nice addition, as is the easy access to three profiles for each system. All of that for under $50 is an amazing value.

The 8BitDo Pro 2 improves an already good controller with new features such as customizable rear paddles, a better grip, and an easy way to swap between custom profiles on the fly. Its biggest upgrade, though, is compatibility with the new Ultimate Software app for smartphones, allowing virtually anyone to personalize their controller with relative ease right out of the box.

And The 8BitDo Ultimate Controller is hands-down the company's best yet. Small changes add up to a noticeably more polished gamepad. While it still feels a tad cheaper than the Xbox Series controllers it cribs its design language from, it also feels like a more complete package. Thanks to rear paddles, an included rechargeable battery and charging dock, and its robust customization software, the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller feels like the best controller you can get for under $70.

8Bitdo Lite 2 – this is not a controller you want. Despite having two high-quality D-Pads, a stellar battery, and a chic design, I don't recommend this controller for anyone. By doubling the D-Pads, the entire controller – and pretty much every game you're playing – feels worse.

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2023-07-26 20:40801