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8BitDo has collaborated with Xbox on a new version of its Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller. Differentiating from the initial model introduced last holiday season, the Xbox-branded variant is compatible with iPhone. We will evaluate the updated model in the upcoming weeks and refresh this article with our feedback, but it maintains the same attributes as the Android-exclusive original— which is exceptional.
As with all 8BitDo controllers, the Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth offers an affordable price: $50. Despite a company recognized for delivering customizable pro-style controllers with top-notch performance at cost-effective prices, the $50 tag is somewhat unexpected. Other partnerships of 8BitDo with Xbox—Series X|S controllers, arcade sticks, a keyboard, and a matching mouse—typically come at a slightly higher cost compared to equivalent versions lacking the Xbox endorsement. However, the $50 price here aligns with the cost of the Android model, and the new iteration accommodates both iPhone and Android. It replaces the standard 8BitDo home button with an Xbox button, which can be utilized to access the Xbox Cloud Gaming guide menu.
8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller for iOS & Android (Black)
$50 | Officially sanctioned by Xbox
The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller is now available for delivery on Amazon with Prime shipping. It comes in two colors, black or white. Both variants include black joysticks, face buttons adorned with the standard Xbox color palette, and the
The retro-inspired D-pad located on the majority of 8BitDo controllers features tactile handles that are shaped to resemble and feel quite comparable to a console/PC controller.
The Ultimate’s array of high-quality components and attributes establishes it as a formidable rival to mobile controllers that cost twice as much (or even more). It includes two back buttons that can be remapped and will be familiar to those who have utilized one of 8BitDo’s Ultimate Controllers for PC or Nintendo Switch.
The full-sized thumbsticks leverage Hall Effect sensors, which provide a more fluid experience and tend to be more resilient than traditional analog sticks as they eliminate concerns about stick drift. Both the right and left triggers are also engaged using Hall Effect sensors. With 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2, you have the ability to reconfigure inputs, modify stick and trigger sensitivity, and establish up to three personalized profiles.
The extendable bridge is spacious enough to accommodate all iPhone variants and most Android devices. As long as your gadget measures between 100-170mm (3.93-6.69 inches) in length, you’re set to proceed. For context, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple’s largest model to date, is 6.42 inches long.
The phone holder ensures a snug fit due to several design elements. It features a rubberized rear and tabs on either side to secure your phone while also protecting against scratches. The rubber back is patterned with a collection of button icons that provide a textured touch. Additionally, the bottom corners protrude slightly from the handles for added stability.
Since it connects wirelessly to your device through Bluetooth, it can also be utilized with Android tablets, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and even the Apple Vision Pro. According to 8BitDo, the 300mAh battery provides up to 13 hours of usage on a full charge (approximately 1.5 hours to recharge).
8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller for iOS & Android (White)
$50 | Officially licensed by Xbox
Here’s a brief summary of the specifications, which are almost identical to its forerunner. However, like all Xbox-licensed 8BitDo controllers, this unit lacks a turbo button.
- Officially licensed by Xbox for Cloud Gaming
- Available in black and white
- Bluetooth wireless connection
- Supports iPhone and Android phones
- Adjustable bridge accommodates devices 3.93-6.69 inches long
- 2 back buttons that can be reprogrammed
- Hall Effect sticks with metal rings
- Hall Effect triggers
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad
- Xbox Guide button
- Battery life of up to 13 hours
- Charges through USB-C
- Customize settings using Ultimate Software V2:
- Modify stick/trigger sensitivity
- Reconfigure inputs
- Develop custom profiles
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8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller with USB-C
Earlier this year, 8BitDo unveiled a mobile controller that connects to your smartphone through USB-C, but it has stayed somewhat unnoticed. Crafted in partnership with XR glasses producer Viture, the translucent black 8BitDo Mobile Controller with USB-C is exclusively compatible with Android and retails for $79. A version for iPhone of the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate is under development and is expected to launch this year. You do not require Viture XR Glasses for using the USB-C variant, but we suggest exploring the XR glasses anyway since the wearable display technology is incredibly striking.
8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller vs. the competition for iPhone
The Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller is priced at half the usual cost of the renowned Backbone One. The term usual is italicized because Amazon currently has the Backbone One 2nd Gen priced at $70 (originally $100) and the 1st Gen versions for $60 as well. From a construction viewpoint, I favored the initial 8BitDo Mobile Controller for Android over the Backbone One. That being said, Backbone’s app serves as a remarkable console-like launcher, while 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software is solely for configuration of controls. The Backbone attaches to your phone’s USB-C or Lightning port, which generally offers superior input response times than Bluetooth–though many users may not perceive the difference. The Backbone One lacks rear buttons or full-sized sticks; for those features, you will need to upgrade to the recently launched Backbone Pro. It’s a superb controller–you can view our review here–but it’s also costly at $170.
Razer also produces renowned USB-C mobile controllers for both iOS and Android. Just last month, the popular
manufacturer launched the Kishi V3 series featuring three distinct models beginning at $100. Only the $100 Kishi V3 base variant is equivalent to the 8BitDo Ultimate or Backbone, yet it’s a quite remarkable choice due to TMR electromagnetic sticks, customizable back buttons, and an upscale construction. The $150 Kishi V3 Pro is also compatible with iPhone and Android devices, along with 8-inch tablets. It includes additional capabilities such as remappable claw bumpers and Razer’s mecha-tactile, mouse-like buttons. The $200 Kishi V3 Pro XL, for reference, is exclusively designed for 11- to 13-inch tablets, including the iPad Pro.
8BitDo’s Mobile Controller is not less expensive than all its rivals. GameSir, a controller producer that is gaining traction, offers a variety of mobile controller selections for iOS and Android with diverse designs, connection methods, and pricing. The GameSir X5 Lite, for example, was introduced in April with a $35 price tag. It connects to iPhone 15/16 and smaller tablets like the iPad Mini through USB-C. This model lacks back buttons but is equipped with Hall Effect sticks. GameSir has also developed its own application named GameHub, featuring a launcher interface resembling Backbone. GameSir presents several other enticing mobile controller alternatives, including the G8 Plus Galileo, an $80 Bluetooth controller compatible with iOS, Android, and Nintendo consoles. The G8 Plus even supports Switch 2. Walmart is currently offering the G8 Plus for $50 at the moment, but this promotion is likely to vanish tonight (July 13).
More Xbox-licensed 8BitDo Gaming Gear
The latest Ultimate Mobile Controller is simply the newest addition to numerous partnerships between Xbox and 8BitDo. Earlier this year, 8BitDo introduceda mechanical gaming keyboard and mouse influenced by the clear green original Xbox console. To clarify, neither gadget is functional on Xbox consoles, but both can be utilized on PC and mobile gadgets. The keyboard/mouse were succeeded by a coordinated transparent green Ultimate 3-Mode Controller. This represents 8BitDo’s premium Xbox controller, however, much like every other standard 8BitDo Xbox controller, it only operates with a wired setup on Xbox. You can make use of it wirelessly on PC (2.4GHz) and Android (Bluetooth).
Later this month, 8BitDo is launching an all-button arcade controller. Two versions are ready to preorder at Amazon, including a $100 edition that’s licensed by Xbox. Similar to the initial 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox, the leverless arcade controller supports 2.4GHz Wireless on Xbox. The only additional wireless controllers for Xbox manufactured by 8BitDo are the Lite SE accessibility controller and the media remotes.
8BitDo produces various other wired Xbox controllers, including the Pro 2, which features a PlayStation-style stick arrangement, the Sega Genesis-inspired M30, and the economically priced Ultimate C and Mini Controllers.
A few years back, 8BitDo introduced an Xbox edition of its acclaimed SN30 Pro Controller. Although the Xbox iteration appears stylish, it’s compatible solely with Android and Apple devices, whereas the unlicensed version is supported on Switch and PC and has been upgraded with Hall Effect sticks.
- 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse (PC, Mac, Mobile) — $54 (
$60) with coupon - 8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (PC, Mac, Mobile) — $110 (
$120) - 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, Android) — $70
- 8BitDo Pro 2 Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $40.49 (
$45) - 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller — $50
- 8BitDo All-Button Wireless Arcade Controller (Xbox, PC) — $100 | Launches July 25
- 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick – Black (Xbox, PC) — $95.40 (
$120) with coupon - 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick – White (Xbox, PC) — $96 (
$120) - 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Mobile) — $36 (
$40) - 8BitDo M30 Sega-Inspired Wired Controller (Xbox) — $31.49 (
$35) - 8BitDo Lite SE Wireless Accessibility Controller (Xbox, PC) — $40.33 (
$60) - 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $30 (
$45) - 8BitDo Ultimate C Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $31.49 (
$35) - 8BitDo Ultimate Mini Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) — $31.49 (
$35) - 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote – Short Version — $20
- 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote – Long Version — $25
- 8BitDo Xbox Controller Charging Dock — $22.49 (
$25) - 8BitDo Xbox Dual Controller Charging Station — $30 (
$45)
For additional Xbox-branded 8BitDo gadgets, explore the Amazon hub we established below:
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