The 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G Controller is a flexible various to a standard Xbox gamepad that works simply throughout Home windows PCs, Macs, Steam Deck and cell gadgets. It connects over Bluetooth, wi-fi dongle or USB cable and notably makes use of magnetic Hall effect sensors in its joysticks, which implies it’s a lot much less inclined to growing the dreaded “stick drift” than conventional controllers. Whereas it’d really feel a little cramped for these with notably massive arms, its form doesn’t have any bizarre curves or quirks, and all its inputs are appropriately crisp to press. Battery life is respectable at 15-ish hours, too, and the entire thing comes with a slick charging dock.
If dad needs to get hardcore, 8BitDo’s companion software provides a wealth of customization choices, equivalent to adjusting the sensitivity of the triggers or assigning macros to sure buttons. 8BitDo sells just a few totally different variants of this controller, which may get complicated: That is the most effective one with an MSRP underneath $50, however another model works with the Nintendo Swap and makes use of that console’s button format, whereas the newer Ultimate 2 pad provides just a few additional buttons and options for $60. — J.D.
