8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth controller is truly ultimate
This gamepad is always charged and ready to get your game on.
Credit:
8BitDo/Reviewed
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
Third-party Nintendo gamepads used to be almost universally dicey, but there are plenty of offerings available now that aren't just "good enough," they're comparable to the pricey models Big N puts out themselves. 8BitDo is one of the brands that offers a fair amount of innovative offerings in this space. The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock is one its latest and greatest, and I can't imagine gaming without it.
8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock
Even though many gamepads eschew AA batteries for USB chargers, there's still the danger of forgetting to plug it in after hours of your latest Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild replay. The attractive dock that this controller grabs its power from is far too easy to utilize every time, instead of fumbling for a free charging cable. Just under the dock is a small compartment that holds a 2.4g receiver that's compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC, and even Steam Deck. Of course, like any great gamepad, it also has full-blown Bluetooth capabilities.
The back of the controller even has a small button that switches connectivity types so you can bounce between consoles at will. If you're the kind of gamer that divides your time between next-gen PC gaming and the unique first-party experiences you can only tap into on a Nintendo Switch, this gamepad isn't just recommended: it's essential. Unlike other gamepads, you don't need to sync and disconnect every time you want to use your controller on another platform.
Aside from its seamless connectivity qualities, the build couldn't be more pristine. The matte finish on the back of the gamepad feels great in your palms and you can even customize button layouts via a handy Windows PC or Android app. And even on the rare occasion that you forget to dock this bad boy, a full battery lasts as long as 22 hours. It's also available in both black and white colors which fit with almost any aesthetic you're going for in your gaming stations.
Related content
-
-
CES 2025: Complete coverage from tech's biggest event
editorial-series
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.