Launching July 2025
The accessory manufacturer 8BitDo has revealed that it will unveil a brand-new arcade controller for the Nintendo Switch, and indeed, it appears truly spectacular.
Available for shipping starting from 15th July 2025 in North America and from 15th August 2025 in Europe, pre-orders have opened today. The controller will come in two versions: an Xbox branded variant and a standard version. Our focus is on the latter, as 8BitDo emphasizes that this controller is “crafted for professionals, competitive players, and enthusiasts of arcade-style controllers”.
It has been described as “remarkably slim”, measuring only 1.6cm in thickness and roughly the dimensions of an A4 sheet of paper. Players can enjoy gaming wirelessly using an included adapter or opt for a wired connection for minimal lag in competitive matches. Additionally, a rechargeable battery is provided for those who prefer wireless play.
This controller is compatible with both Switch and PC, allowing users to switch between Switch (S-Input) and PC (X-Input) modes, effectively adjusting the controller’s layout based on the selected platform. Competitive gamers will appreciate features like SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) cleaning and a tournament lock option.
The cost is set at €89.99 / £74.99 for the standard model. The Xbox edition is slightly pricier at €99.99 / £84.99 and features optional RGB lighting, which… well, may not be a significant perk.
If you’re interested in the Xbox version, our friends at Pure Xbox have a detailed article below:
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may earn a small commission from the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for further details.
What are your thoughts on this new arcade controller from 8BitDo? Do you plan to pick one up? Share your opinion in the comments.
Nintendo Life’s resident horror enthusiast, when not engrossed in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie enjoys delving into a thrilling horror novel while sipping a delightful cup of tea. He also relishes long walks and listens to a diverse range from TOOL to Chuck Berry.
