8BitDo Pro 2 vs Ultimate – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

8BitDo Ultimate 2 & 8BitDo Pro 2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 rather than the 8BitDo Pro 2. 

Table Of Contents hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The 8BitDo Ultimate 2?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The 8BitDo Ultimate 2? 

  • The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 features TMR magnetic joysticks for superior precision and long-term drift resistance, while the 8BitDo Pro 2 uses hall-effect joysticks with slightly less sensitivity and durability.
  • 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has hall-effect triggers with a trigger mode switch for more accurate control in racing and shooter games, whereas the 8BitDo Pro 2 uses standard analog triggers without adjustable modes.
  • It includes an integrated 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for lower-latency gameplay and faster response times, while the 8BitDo Pro 2 relies solely on Bluetooth and wired connections.
  • The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 comes with an RGB Fire Ring around the sticks for customizable lighting and easy visual feedback in low-light environments, whereas the 8BitDo Pro 2 has no stick lighting.
  • 8BitDo Ultimate 2 features an included charging dock for convenient storage and continuous charging, while the 8BitDo Pro 2 requires direct USB-C cable charging without a dedicated dock.
  • It supports higher polling rates up to 1000 Hz in wired and 2.4 GHz modes for smoother and more responsive input, whereas the 8BitDo Pro 2 operates at lower polling rates in its available modes.
  • The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has additional R4 and L4 bumper buttons for expanded control options and quicker in-game actions, while the 8BitDo Pro 2 lacks these extra bumpers.
  • 8BitDo Ultimate 2 provides improved battery efficiency for longer wireless play sessions on a single charge, compared to the 8BitDo Pro 2 which delivers slightly shorter battery life under similar usage conditions.

Maybe the 8BitDo Pro 2 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the 8BitDo Ultimate 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature8BitDo Ultimate 28BitDo Pro 2
Joystick typeTMR joysticksHall effect joysticks
Trigger typeHall effect triggers with trigger-mode switchAnalog triggers
Extra bumper buttons (R4 / L4)YesNo
RGB “Fire Ring” (LED ring around sticks)YesNo
Charging dock includedYesNo
2.4 GHz wireless + USB-C adapter includedYesNo
Wireless modesBluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired USB-CBluetooth, Wired USB-C only
Extra lights / LEDsRGB Fire Ring & light modesNo RGB stick rings or similar lighting features
Weight246 g228 g
Battery lifeApprox 22 hoursApprox 20 hours
Charging timeAbout 2-3 hoursAbout 4 hours
Software versionUltimate Software V2Ultimate Software
Trigger travel customizationYesNo
Wear-resistant joystick ringsYesNo
PriceCheck 8BitDo Ultimate 2 PriceCheck 8BitDo Pro 2 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • D-pad: Both controllers feature a precise D-pad that supports accurate directional input, making them ideal for retro games and 2D platformers where digital movement is critical.
  • ABXY button layout: Each model follows the classic Nintendo-style ABXY arrangement, ensuring comfortable gameplay and familiarity across Switch and PC titles.
  • Dual analog sticks: Both controllers include two full analog sticks that deliver smooth 360-degree movement, essential for modern 3D games and precise aiming in shooters.
  • Back paddle buttons: Each controller has two rear paddles that can be mapped to any function, allowing quick access to commonly used actions without shifting finger placement.
  • Gyro / motion sensor: Both devices integrate a 6-axis motion sensor, enabling motion-based aiming and motion-controlled gameplay on supported systems like the Nintendo Switch.
  • Vibration feedback: Each controller provides rumble motors for immersive haptic feedback, enhancing the tactile feel of explosions, collisions, and environmental effects.
  • Turbo function: Both models support turbo mode, letting users hold a button to repeat inputs rapidly, which is especially helpful in arcade or action games.
  • Profile switching: Each controller can store and switch among three custom profiles, allowing players to quickly change layouts for different games or platforms.
  • Custom button mapping: Both support full button remapping through the 8BitDo Ultimate Software, letting players tailor the control scheme to personal preferences.
  • Adjustable stick sensitivity: Both controllers let users fine-tune analog stick sensitivity, improving performance for games that require precise movement or aiming.
  • Adjustable trigger sensitivity: Each model allows trigger response adjustment, giving players flexibility for racing or shooter games that depend on nuanced pressure control.
  • Wired USB-C connection: Both can operate as wired controllers via USB-C, ensuring low-latency input and convenient charging while gaming.
  • Rechargeable battery: Each controller includes a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, removing the need for disposable batteries and reducing long-term costs.
  • Multi-platform support (Switch, PC, Android): Both are compatible with major platforms, providing versatility whether gaming on a console, PC, or mobile device.
  • Firmware update via software: Each supports firmware updates through the Ultimate Software, ensuring long-term improvements and feature additions.
  • Ergonomic controller grip: Both share a comfortable, sculpted design that reduces hand fatigue during extended play sessions.
  • Ultimate Software compatibility: Each works seamlessly with 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software for desktop and mobile, enabling deep customization of buttons, sticks, and vibration settings.

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Common Features

Feature8BitDo Ultimate 28BitDo Pro 2
D-padYesYes
ABXY button layoutYesYes
Dual analog sticksYesYes
Back paddle buttons22
Gyro / motion sensorYesYes
Vibration feedbackYesYes
Turbo functionYesYes
Profile switching3 profiles3 profiles
Custom button mappingYesYes
Adjustable stick sensitivityYesYes
Adjustable trigger sensitivityYesYes
Wired USB-C connectionYesYes
Rechargeable batteryYesYes
Multi-platform support (Switch, PC, Android)YesYes
Firmware update via softwareYesYes
Ergonomic controller gripYesYes
Ultimate Software compatibilityYesYes
Price Check 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Price Check 8BitDo Pro 2 Price

FAQ

What platforms are supported by both controllers?
Both the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and the 8BitDo Pro 2 work with Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, macOS, Android devices, and Steam Deck through Bluetooth or wired USB-C connections, giving players flexibility across a wide range of gaming systems.

Do both controllers have motion controls?
Yes, each includes a 6-axis gyro sensor that enables motion-based aiming and control for compatible games, which is particularly useful for titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Splatoon.

Can the buttons be remapped on both models?
Both controllers can have every button remapped using the 8BitDo Ultimate Software, allowing complete customization to suit personal play styles or specific game requirements.

Are there rear paddle buttons on these controllers?
Yes, both feature two programmable back paddles that can be assigned to any function, letting players perform complex actions without removing their thumbs from the sticks.

Do they support wired gameplay?
Each controller supports a wired USB-C connection, which provides a stable low-latency option and charges the internal battery while playing.

Is vibration feedback available on both?
Both controllers feature adjustable rumble motors to deliver vibration feedback, adding a tactile layer of immersion to games.

Do they have profile switching capabilities?
Yes, each controller can store and instantly switch among three separate custom profiles, allowing different settings for various games or consoles.

Can the analog stick sensitivity be adjusted?
Both models allow fine-tuning of analog stick response curves in the Ultimate Software, helping players achieve precise control in genres like racing or first-person shooters.

Do they include rechargeable batteries?
Yes, both come with built-in rechargeable lithium batteries, eliminating the need for disposable batteries and providing hours of continuous play on a single charge.

Is trigger sensitivity adjustable on both controllers?
Each model supports adjustable trigger sensitivity through the software, letting players customize the feel for racing games, shooters, or other genres that rely on precise pressure control.

Are firmware updates supported?
Yes, both the Ultimate 2 and the Pro 2 can receive firmware updates via the Ultimate Software, ensuring ongoing improvements and new features over time.

Can they connect to mobile devices?
Both controllers pair easily with Android phones and tablets over Bluetooth, making them excellent choices for cloud gaming services or native Android games.

Do they include a turbo function?
Yes, each offers a turbo mode that automatically repeats button presses when held, a convenient feature for action games and arcade shooters.

Are they compatible with Steam games?
Both controllers integrate smoothly with Steam on Windows and Steam Deck, supporting X-input and D-input modes for wide-ranging game compatibility.

Is the ergonomic design similar for both?
Yes, both share a comfortable, well-contoured grip that minimizes hand fatigue during long gaming sessions, making them suitable for extended play.

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