Looking at the past while moving forward is hard to do, but not with this controller. 8BitDo’s latest Bluetooth controller bridges the old and the new into one device. In our 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad review, we’ll talk about a device that’s not like any other.
8BitDo brings in a design from the past that fits well in any gaming rig or setup. It is made for either quick or long gaming sessions. Whether it be light or tight gameplay, you will find joy in this controller.
With that all said, let’s jump right into our 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad review.
8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad – Packaging
Before we get right into our 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad review, we will tell you all the items the come with the product.
The 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad comes in a small white package. There, you will see the image of the product right in front of the package. Other than that, the logo and labels can be seen.
Flipping the package to its back, you will find the controller’s compatibility with several platforms. This controller can work with almost all devices and platforms. With that, let’s check inside the package.
To open the package, you have to slide out the cover sleeve. From there, gently lift the cover out. Inside the package, you will be given the controller, instruction manual and USB Type-C cable.
The controller is placed in a plastic mould that keeps it in place. This prevents it from moving about in the package. There is also a layer of plastic on top of the controller to shield it from unwanted substances.
With that in mind, 8BitDo are aware of keeping their products safe when they arrive on your doorstep.
8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad Review – Design and Functionality
Alright, now let’s go into the product’s physical characteristics in our 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad review. By dissecting this product, we can learn more about it.
The 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad controller is the latest addition of controllers from 8BitDo. It’s built for multi-platform play and versatility for any kind of gamer. It has become the perfect partner for anyone looking to enjoy quick or long gaming sessions.
One of the best things about this product is its wide compatibility. Whether you play on the Mac, Windows, Android or even Switch, the controller syncs well. Enjoy any game anytime, anywhere. Other than that, it features a variety of modes and customisations to go through.
The Pro 2 Gamepad controller comes in white, grey and black styles. It gives you that retro aesthetic to it with its look. Besides that, it has a smooth and elegant touch to it that make it easy to hold and handle.
Thanks to its retro design, it takes you back through nostalgia for all the 90’s gamers out there. It brings back the classic vintage design we all know and love. Its shape, form, and font style simulate being a kid again in his or her room just playing games all day.
Apart from style, the controller moreover features the classic buttons and D-pad from the 90s. Although the buttons may look old and classic, they added a modern touch to them. The buttons are tactile that offer direct press with zero delays.
The Pro 2 Gamepad controller may look old, but it feels just as new and refreshing as it can be. 8BitDo has levelled up the classic vintage controller design with new button mappings, precise sticks, adjusted triggers, modifiable vibrations and macros.
Yes, you read that right, macros in a retro controller, who would have thought? It is like they took a Ferrari’s engine and placed it in a Mini Cooper. 8BitDo has done an amazing job in bringing back this timeless design and took it a step further.
Key Features of the 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad
Going away from the design, we now move on to the features of this product in our 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad review. The features of the product keep it distinct from similar products.
Old on the Outside, New on the Inside
The Pro 2 Gamepad controller comes with software that allows you to fully customise your controller. This program is called the Ultimate Software, which is available on PC, Android and iOS devices.
Thanks to this, you can completely remap your button layouts to however you want to fit your games or preferences. These remappings make it much easier to play games the way you want to play them.
Other than that, the controller itself comes with customisable stick modifications and adjustments. This heightens your accuracy when using analog sticks.
Aside from that, you can further readjust the ranges of the triggers to react faster. This allows for quick and direct pressing. It also makes it more efficient when playing games that require fast reactions.
The controller too, allows modifiable vibration settings for higher or lower intensity. This adds more comfort to your enjoyment and experience. By that, you can either lessen or add the gravity of the vibrations.
Lastly, the addition of macros into this classic controller design. Macros are specific patterns that identify how a certain input should be assigned to a replaced output.
In a game sense, you can assign long sequences and actions to a single button. Things like combos or patterns, you can let one button do that job.
4-Way Mode Switching
Our Pro 2 Gamepad controller makes it easier for the player to switch between platforms in an instant. Due to the 4-way mode, you can swap platforms or devices automatically. This makes pairing with devices faster and more reliable without the heavy long wait times.
Custom Profile Switching
Besides switching between platforms and devices, you can also switch between profiles and custom setups. The Pro 2 Gamepad controller holds up to 3 custom profiles. These profiles can be shared with friends or family that might want to play but have their own specific controls.
With this mode in play, you can all enjoy playing games together without having to go deep into the game to change things. Everything is already prepared beforehand, so with a tap of a button, you can switch easily.
Wide Compatibility
One of the best features that we stated before is its compatibility. The Pro 2 Gamepad controller can connect with Windows, macOS, Android, Steam, Switch and Raspberry Pi. These are the most common devices and platforms that would need a controller to play.
Other that than, if you have multiple devices and platforms, it should make your life easier. With the 4-way mode, you can simply change platforms. Another thing is that it makes it more accessible to a wide range of players, especially mobile gamers.
Mobile gaming is the most recent platform for gaming, and a device like this can help players enjoy more.
Overall, the 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad controller is a brilliant device that is versatile in both compatibility and efficiency. It also helps bridge the old and the new together in one controller.
Specifications
Our 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad review will discuss the technical details regarding the properties.
Physical Aspects
The 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad controller sizes 153.6 by 100.6 and 64.5 millimetres. It only weighs 228 grams which is very light for a controller. By being light, it makes it easier for the player to enjoy longer gaming sessions.
For the battery, it contains a 1000 mAh Li-on batty that makes it rechargeable. This removes the hassle of having to replace batteries. With the 1000 mAh Li-on, you can play up to 20 hours with a 4 hour charging time.
Regarding the specific components, it comes with 2 Pro back paddle buttons, Mode Switch button, enhanced grip, modifiable vibration program and a six-axis motion sensor.
Other than that, it comes with a USB Type-C cable and wireless Bluetooth version 4.0.
System Aspects
Our 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad controller is compatible with various platforms such as Nintendo Switch, Steam, macOS, Android and Raspberry Pi. It has four controller modes which are Switch mode, X-input, Mac mode and D-input.
Lastly, it comes with a custom profile feature for button customisation and optimisation. This makes it easier to switch settings depending on the game or player.
Hands-on with the 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad
For us to understand deeper about this product, we have to look beyond what’s on paper. We can tackle this issue by running tests that will allow us to observe the product.
In our 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad review, we handle this by putting the product through tests. By this, it makes it easier for us to find out where the product succeeds or fails.
Regarding the testing, we would like to know more about the buttons’ quality and their customisation features. Besides that, checking the custom profiling and 4-way mode is a must.
When testing the product, we had to play in several platforms and devices that work well with the controller. We also needed to know the games that support the Bluetooth controller. Luckily, we were able to find several games that were compatible with the controller.
During the test, we found the controller to be comfortable to hold. It had a wonderful grip that felt pleasant to use. Besides that, the buttons felt quick and straightforward. There weren’t any delays or lag inputs when pressing, and we found the buttons to prop up fast.
For the analog sticks, they moved fluently. We had no trouble with it, and it was accurate in its movements. Regarding the trigger buttons, we could easily press and react towards them with no lateness.
After testing the product, we wanted to customise it. We remapped the button layouts, adjusted the stick and trigger buttons and added some macros here and there. Using the Ultimate Software program made remapping much more reliable and efficient in our reconfiguration.
Plus, it made it easier for us to play as we could play to how we wanted our controls to be.
Profiling our configurations for the controller wasn’t a problem. It was simple and effective to us. During our tests, when swapping turns, we simply relied on the custom profile that allowed us to change our settings. This made it easier to share the game with others around us.
Apart from that, we had no trouble switching between platforms and devices. Usually, what you would have to do is unpair the controller from the device then repair it with another. This process takes too long and reduces the engagement and enjoyment the player experiences.
With the 4-way mode, we were able to reduce this problem and enjoy a fuller and brighter experience. It had no connectivity problems, and we were lucky enough to play the games we wanted to play.
All in all, the 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad controller is genuine in its form and play and enhances the player’s experience. We must award 8BitDo for their brilliant job in bridging the old and the new into one controller for gamers everywhere.
8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad Review Summary
Before we come to our conclusion in our 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad review, we will provide you with our final thoughts.
The 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad controller is a controller that excels in bringing the classic vintage feel to modern gaming. With tactile press and comfortability, you can relax and enjoy as you play.
Thanks to its custom profiling, 4-way mode and intelligent software programs, you can heighten your level of play no matter what device or platform you play in.
To put this into perspective, we had a blast learning about this product. By this, we are happy to tell you that we loved this product and we recommend it. This product is made for those who want to take a look back to the past while moving forward into the future.
With all that’s been said, if you are interested in learning about this product or any of 8Bitdo’s product, then click here.
