Replace: The 8BitDo Final Bluetooth controller is on sale for a fantastic value at Amazon. The black mannequin is right down to $59.50 (click on the coupon field), and the white mannequin is $63. Each variants include a charging dock that doubles as a show stand. The Final is our choose for the perfect PC controller in 2023, and it is the perfect Professional controller various for Change. It is also a pleasant alternative for Steam Deck homeowners. With stellar ergonomics, excellent customization choices, and assist for each 2.4GHz wi-fi and Bluetooth, the 8BitDo Final is a high-performing pro-style controller with a funds value.
If you wish to study extra concerning the 8BitDo Final, take a look at our full evaluation under (initially revealed in November 2022).
Third-party controller producer 8BitDo has launched no scarcity of nice controllers for Nintendo Change and different platforms, however lots of them fall into the class of “situational” choices–controllers that are perfect for sure video games and genres. The 8BitDo Final Bluetooth Change controller is a unique beast. Not solely does it have excellent ergonomics, pro-style options, and customization galore, however it additionally comes with a charging stand and might join by way of Bluetooth or 2.4GHz.
The sturdy function set makes the 8BitDo Final the priciest conventional gamepad from the producer but at $70. But, that is the identical value as Nintendo’s official Professional controller. For the primary time for the reason that Change launched 5 years in the past, there is a controller for docked mode that surpasses the Professional controller. In case you’re searching for a brand new Change controller, the 8BitDo Final is the one to purchase.
One of many apparent the explanation why the 8BitDo Final is a wonderful various to the Change Professional controller is its kind issue and button format. The Final has the identical common format with offset sticks and ergonomic handles. Previous to the Final, 8BitDo’s premium Change controllers (such because the Professional 2) had aligned joysticks like PlayStation controllers. The Professional 2 was and nonetheless is nice for a lot of forms of video games, however its kind issue made it excel significantly with retro video games. The Final is barely extra compact than Nintendo’s Professional controller, although it nonetheless feels pure to make use of, at the same time as somebody who has spent 5 years with the Professional controller. That mentioned, when you’ve got giant palms, it might take some getting used to or really feel a bit cramped in comparison with the Professional controller and even an Xbox controller.
The face buttons have a dome design that make them really feel nearly precisely like Xbox controller inputs. In the meantime, the shoulder buttons and triggers aren’t as extensive as those on the Professional controller, however they’re chunkier. Past simply extending the triggers again additional, they’ve an extended pull distance, which makes them higher fitted to first-person shooters.
The Final additionally has two rear buttons which can be situated throughout the curves of the handles on the again. My center fingers relaxation completely on the buttons with out having to change my grip in any respect. If you have not used an 8BitDo controller with rear buttons earlier than, they’re low profile, so they are surely buttons relatively than triggers.
The joysticks use Corridor Impact sensors, which imply that inside elements don’t rub collectively as you progress the sticks. As a substitute, it makes use of a magnetic sign to register inputs. The Corridor Impact sticks on the Final have a tighter really feel than the sticks on the Professional controller. It is also essential to notice that Corridor Impact expertise eliminates the likelihood for dreaded stick drift.
Even when the controller’s major perks have been merely higher sticks and again buttons, it’d nonetheless be price a glance over the Professional controller. However the place the Final actually excels is with customization. 8BitDo has a proprietary app known as Final Software program, which could be put in on iOS, Android, and PC. The app syncs up with the controller by way of Bluetooth and permits you to modify settings on the fly. On a primary degree, you should utilize the app to remap inputs and create profiles (as much as three). You too can modify stick pressure, set off sensitivity, rumble depth, and arrange macros. As talked about already, the Final has triggers with an extended pull distance and tighter sticks, so fine-tuning pressure/sensitivity works exceedingly nicely and actually permits you to personalize the expertise to your liking.
The controller charging stand looks like an added bonus to an already great controller. It matches the controller–either white or black–and has a USB-C port on the again. It connects to the USB port in your Change or PC by way of the included cable. On the underside of the stand, there is a compartment that stows the two.4GHz adapter. You may have the choice to attach the controller by way of Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wi-fi. The Bluetooth setting was very steady for me, with no noticeable enter lag, however the choice is there.
You are in all probability questioning for those who’d be lacking any of the quirks of Nintendo’s controllers by going with a third-party controller? Sure, however solely a few small issues. The Final has rumble, however it would not have Nintendo’s “HD rumble.” That mentioned, you may modify the vibration depth, so it is good on this entrance. The Final does have movement controls, too, in case you might be a fan of waving your Professional controller round. What it would not have, nevertheless, is NFC assist for Amiibo figures. That is in all probability not a dealbreaker, however no third-party Change controllers have this function.
Although I’ve nearly solely talked concerning the Final as a Change controller as a consequence of it surpassing the (superior) Professional controller, it is also totally appropriate with PC. After all, PC gamers have extra choices already, together with Xbox and DualSense controllers, however the Final is a wonderful controller for PC gamers, too.
On that word, it is price mentioning that 8BitDo created two variations of the brand new Final controller. The $70 version is appropriate with Change and PC. There’s additionally a budget-friendly $50 model that solely presents 2.4GHz wi-fi and is appropriate with PC, Raspberry Pi, and Android. Functionally the identical controller, those that need it for PC ought to in all probability go for the cheaper version–unless you intend on grabbing a Change sooner or later. Plus, this model additionally presents a Pastel Pink coloration choice and the face buttons are labeled like an Xbox controller, not a Change controller. The one major distinction outdoors of compatibility is that the Change controller can final for 22 hours, whereas the two.4GHz-only mannequin runs for 15 hours between expenses.
No matter which mannequin you go together with you, you are getting a well-made controller with distinctive customization options that put it on the high of its class, particularly at this value level. 8BitDo has been the perfect third-party controller producer for years, and the Final controller is simply the newest instance of that.
The merchandise mentioned right here have been independently chosen by our editors.
GameSpot might get a share of the income for those who purchase something featured on our web site.