By Taylor Bennett 
8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller Review: A Gamer’s Delight
In today’s gaming landscape, a reliable and responsive controller is paramount for an immersive experience. Today, we’re diving deep into the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller, a feature-packed gamepad designed for Windows PC and Android platforms. Sporting a vibrant green color, a high polling rate, Hall effect sensors, and customizable buttons, it aims to deliver a competitive edge. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype.
Detailed Review
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller immediately impresses with its build quality and ergonomic design. The controller feels sturdy and comfortable in hand, thanks to its enhanced grip. The vibrant green color adds a unique aesthetic touch, and it’s also available in Mint, Peach and Purple, allowing users to choose one that suits their personality.
One of the standout features is the 1000Hz polling rate for both 2.4G and wired connections. This translates to exceptionally low latency, ensuring that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously. This is particularly crucial for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. The product description states the data is from 8BitDo’s lab and it is based on an ideal environment. Real world usage may vary slightly, but during testing I did not experience any noticeable lag.
The Hall effect joysticks and triggers are another significant upgrade. These sensors use magnets to detect movement, eliminating the problem of stick drift that plagues traditional potentiometers. The wear-resistant metal joystick rings also contribute to the controller’s durability, ensuring a longer lifespan. The triggers provide a smooth and precise feel, ideal for racing games and other titles that require fine-grained control.
Customization is a key aspect of the Ultimate 2C. The addition of remappable L4/R4 bumpers provides extra input options, which can be incredibly useful in various game genres. The custom button mapping feature, accessible without the need for dedicated software, allows you to tailor the controller layout to your preferences. The Turbo function is also a nice addition for specific games, enabling rapid-fire inputs with ease.
Finally, the refined bumpers and D-pad offer a tactile and responsive feel. The D-pad is particularly well-designed, providing accurate directional inputs without accidental diagonal presses. The controller’s compatibility with both Windows and Android devices expands its versatility, allowing you to use it across multiple platforms.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1000Hz Polling Rate for Low Latency | Wireless Connectivity is 2.4G and not Bluetooth |
| Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers for Precision and Durability | |
| Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers for Customization | |
| Custom Button Mapping without Software | |
| Compatible with Windows and Android | |
| Wear-resistant metal joystick rings. |
Excellent Alternatives
- Xbox Wireless Controller – A widely compatible and reliable option with a comfortable design.
- Sony DualSense Wireless Controller – Offers immersive features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for compatible games.
- Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma – A premium wired controller with customizable RGB lighting and responsive buttons.
Final Verdict
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller is a fantastic choice for gamers seeking a responsive, customizable, and durable gamepad for Windows PC and Android. Its high polling rate, Hall effect sensors, and remappable buttons make it a competitive option for various game genres. While the reliance on 2.4G wireless might be a minor drawback for some, the overall performance and features make it a worthy investment.
Our Rating
★★★★★ 4.5/5