# 8BitDo Ultimate 2

- Source: https://stierproducts.com/products/8bitdo-ultimate-2
- Category board: https://stierproducts.com/categories/game-controllers
- Placement: #3 of 23 in Game Controllers, S tier
- Brand: 8BitDo
- LP on this board: 898
- Last researched: 2026-09-10T05:24:49.978Z
- Method: https://stierproducts.com/methodology
- Dataset: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22062813 - every board at once, one dated snapshot per release, same licence, prices and photographs left out
- Reuse: Text, rankings, tier assignments, LP values and verdicts are free to quote and reuse with attribution to stierproducts and a link to the source URL (CC BY 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Product photographs are not covered: they belong to their respective owners and are reproduced to illustrate the product being reviewed. Do not redistribute them under this licence.

## Verdict

Mature hardware backed by the best firmware-longevity reputation in third-party controllers.

## For

- Backed by 8BitDo's multi-year firmware update habit
- Part of 8BitDo's most mature controller line
- TechRadar counts 8BitDo among the top gamepads it tested and recommends
- Dock charging included
- Supports button remapping

## Evidence

Consolidated from 59 cited sources across 54 outlets

| Outlet | Said by | Stance | Link | Link status |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| HowMuchTech | - | - | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIndKFtX35c | fetched and confirmed |
| Facebook | Dustin McGrew | B | https://www.facebook.com/groups/3961172720869362/posts/4357403137912983/ | fetched and confirmed |
| Nintendo Life | Nintendo Life | B | https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/8bitdo-ultimate-2-wireless-controller-ultimate-no-but-decent-doesnt-have-the-same-ring | fetched and confirmed |
| CGMagazine | Khari Taylor | B | https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/hardware/8bitdo-ultimate-2-wireless-controller/ | fetched and confirmed |
| GAMINGbible | Olly Smith | B | https://www.gamingbible.com/reviews/8bitdo-ultimate-2-bluetooth-controller-review-936641-20260107 | fetched and confirmed |
| GamesRadar+ | gamesradar.com | C | https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/gaming-controllers/8bitdo-ultimate-2-review/ | fetched and confirmed |
| MKAU Gaming | Sammy Hanson | B | https://www.mkaugaming.com/all-review-list/8bitdo-ultimate-2-bluetooth-controller-hardware-review/ | fetched and confirmed |
| Mama Geek | Zoe | B | https://mamageek.co.uk/review-8bitdo-ultimate-2-wireless-controller/ | fetched and confirmed |
| Tiktok | tiktok.com | B | https://www.tiktok.com/@itswavelengths/video/7575916899884748046 | fetched and confirmed |
| Official GBAtemp Review | gbatemp.net | C | https://gbatemp.net/review/8bitdo-ultimate-3e-wireless-controller.2740/ | fetched and confirmed |
| Pure Xbox | Pure Xbox | C | https://www.purexbox.com/reviews/8bitdo-ultimate-3-mode-controller-for-xbox-rare-40th-anniversary-edition-a-new-gold-standard | fetched and confirmed |
| Instagram | - | C | https://www.instagram.com/p/DPT6TkUgcEX/ | fetched and confirmed |
| Deadlock | DeadlockerFanReporting | B | https://forums.playdeadlock.com/threads/steam-input-controller-does-not-work-on-startup-04-17-2026-steam-beta-client-has-fixed-this-bug.98353/ | fetched and confirmed |
| GamesRadar+ | gamesradar.com | C | https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/gaming-controllers/these-are-the-7-best-tmr-controllers-on-the-shelves-right-now-based-on-in-game-testing-with-each-one/ | fetched and confirmed |
| Ceejaybrand | Ceejaybrand | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMHkffkHHJI&vl=en | fetched and confirmed |
| Mr K | Mr K | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7_jWfuDoVg | fetched and confirmed |
| Switch Unboxing Party! 🎉 | Switch Unboxing Party! 🎉 | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2HszZ3pC_Q | fetched and confirmed |
| Corrupt | Corrupt | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P1s2lrk1rU | fetched and confirmed |
| Garrett Crespo | Garrett Crespo | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li8dJGqlPog | fetched and confirmed |
| Chill Dad Reviews | Chill Dad Reviews | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtD7FvWLYD0 | fetched and confirmed |
| Tefty | Tefty | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi0z8x_YpeE | fetched and confirmed |
| Game Tech Talk | Game Tech Talk | C | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg5n555azm0 | fetched and confirmed |
| Adin Walls | Adin Walls | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GuNMgPsDs8 | fetched and confirmed |
| iReviewThis | iReviewThis | C | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xQphxydZ_k | fetched and confirmed |
| Adin Walls | Adin Walls | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WBWhhxbj4A | fetched and confirmed |
| It Came From A Box | It Came From A Box | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIupeZNK978 | fetched and confirmed |
| The Co-op Company | The Co-op Company | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNaAgKVMqgA | fetched and confirmed |
| Deegital Tech | Deegital Tech | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7YbWDYOIY0 | fetched and confirmed |
| VK's Channel | VK's Channel | D | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3i_MVwJHXk | fetched and confirmed |
| Kephren | Kephren | C | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1_iI6x34gY | fetched and confirmed |
| Toasty DIY | Toasty DIY | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz1MpSAInpQ | fetched and confirmed |
| Top 5 Gadgets | Top 5 Gadgets | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS8xDJ2-WMc | fetched and confirmed |
| Deegital Tech | Deegital Tech | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E1a-MDpTe4 | fetched and confirmed |
| Gojeda Tech | Gojeda Tech | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IzjJPoAp-c | fetched and confirmed |
| goukigod | goukigod | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNSv47ld7ns | fetched and confirmed |
| Joey's Retro Handhelds | Joey's Retro Handhelds | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EegLrM6ZKjc | fetched and confirmed |
| NihongoGamer | NihongoGamer | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqT4zpmRaEE | fetched and confirmed |
| Craig from YourTech | Craig from YourTech | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf08sCE9AbE | fetched and confirmed |
| Streaming Iraq War Veteran | Streaming Iraq War Veteran | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdfOmMhtZ3U | fetched and confirmed |
| The Portly Gamer | The Portly Gamer | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NrKOYw2Fvg | fetched and confirmed |
| Marc The Geek | Marc The Geek | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hggIyV19EkM | fetched and confirmed |
| VK's Channel | VK's Channel | C | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5WyMDbZjeo | fetched and confirmed |
| Red Bandana Gaming | Red Bandana Gaming | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnNCDj7zOtk | fetched and confirmed |
| Dad Life Gaming | Dad Life Gaming | C | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is6vwXsER6g | fetched and confirmed |
| TheBlackDon | TheBlackDon | - | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX47O5EHWoQ | fetched and confirmed |
| That_New_Guy | That_New_Guy | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx86GYcRIVU | fetched and confirmed |
| Midas Collector | Midas Collector | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg5H613fV-I | fetched and confirmed |
| Frame Counting | Frame Counting | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E6FTrIcy1A | fetched and confirmed |
| Amazon Reviews with Brandon & Hazel | Amazon Reviews with Brandon & Hazel | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjldo2BAnis | fetched and confirmed |
| ALT + TAB | ALT + TAB | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBe_n39Auv8 | fetched and confirmed |
| Retro Universe & Beyond | Retro Universe & Beyond | C | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjeIUfySV7A | fetched and confirmed |
| Brutal Reviews | Brutal Reviews | D | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLDXbHEK4VQ | fetched and confirmed |
| TechRadar | - | B | https://www.techradar.com/best/best-pc-controllers | fetched and confirmed |
| Tom's Guide | - | - | https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-pc-game-controllers | fetched and confirmed |
| Preem Gaming Gears | Preem Gaming Gears | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMJ3SZunenU | fetched and confirmed |
| Uncle Geeb | Uncle Geeb | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NU3e_wG1cM | fetched and confirmed |
| TechCravers | TechCravers | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3NOwZsK7-A | fetched and confirmed |
| Uncle Geeb | Uncle Geeb | B | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG58g-wtDGg | fetched and confirmed |
| Tynology Gaming | Tynology Gaming | - | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gna1ictq4Fo | fetched and confirmed |

## Nearest alternatives on this board

| Rank | Product | Tier | Page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Xbox Wireless Controller | S | https://stierproducts.com/products/xbox-wireless-controller |
| 2 | GameSir G7 Pro | S | https://stierproducts.com/products/gamesir-g7-pro |
| 4 | Valve Steam Controller (2026) | A | https://stierproducts.com/products/valve-steam-controller-2026 |
| 5 | Sony DualSense Wireless Controller | B | https://stierproducts.com/products/sony-dualsense-wireless-controller |
| 6 | Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller | B | https://stierproducts.com/products/nintendo-switch-2-pro-controller |
| 7 | GameSir Nova Lite | B | https://stierproducts.com/products/gamesir-nova-lite |
| 8 | ASUS ROG Raikiri II | B | https://stierproducts.com/products/asus-rog-raikiri-ii |
| 21 | PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless | F | https://stierproducts.com/products/powera-fusion-pro-wireless |
| 22 | Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 | F | https://stierproducts.com/products/xbox-elite-wireless-controller-series-2 |
| 23 | PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller | F | https://stierproducts.com/products/powera-enhanced-wired-controller |

The full board is at https://stierproducts.com/categories/game-controllers.

## What this tier means

- S: Exceptional. Finishes top run after run; capped at 3 slots per category.

## How to read this

- Each category is researched in four independent runs, one per lens (expert consensus, value, reliability, community pulse). Every run ranks a board of candidates that deliberately includes products buyers cross-shop but should avoid. Placements score on a ranked ladder (LP), and tiers are derived from LP, so no tier is ever assigned by hand.
- LP is this product's points on its own category ladder. It is comparable within a category and not across categories.
- Link status reports what our pre-publication link check found when it fetched the cited URL. It says nothing about the quality of the review.
- A citation with no usable link is listed rather than dropped, and is excluded from the counted total above.

## Image

https://stspimgdevmfyk46r5vwkay.blob.core.windows.net/images/products/8bitdo-ultimate-2.webp

Product photographs are not covered: they belong to their respective owners and are reproduced to illustrate the product being reviewed. Do not redistribute them under this licence.