8BitDo All-Key Arcade Controllers for Nintendo Switch 1/2, PC and Xbox consoles are on sale at amazing prices on Amazon. wireless retro version for Switch 1/2 and PC can be purchased for $70.68 (was $90), and officially licensed version for Xbox and PC reduced to $80 (was $100). The Xbox version deal is exclusive to Prime membersbut all buyers can get a discount on the Switch 1/2 version.
Last July, 8BitDo released arcade controllers with a full set of buttons. Both models were included in Amazon's Black Friday sale; The Xbox version sold for the same price as it does now, but the Nintendo version was more expensive during the Black Friday sale.
If you prefer a traditional wireless fighting stick, 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox and PC available for just $90 (was $120) for Prime members, and 8BitDo Bluetooth Arcade Stick for Switch 1/2 The PC costs $83 (was $90).
$80 (was $100) | Always low price
The multi-button arcade controller has 12 round buttons representing inputs for the D-pad, face buttons, and bumpers/triggers. These buttons feature RGB rings with six customizable effect modes. It also has four bean-shaped buttons. Two of them are for clicking the right and left joystick (RSB/LSB), and the other two are for additional reassignable buttons (P1/P2).
All buttons use low-profile Kailh Wizard mechanical switches. Like 8BitDo's original Arcade Stick, the arcade controller features a hot-swappable design. The button caps can be easily removed to clean the switches or replace the caps with new ones. The arcade controller comes with four locking caps for RSB/LSB and P1/P2 in case you want to disable them to avoid accidental pressing.
Being an officially licensed controller, it has the usual settings buttons found on the Xbox Wireless Controller on the top row: Xbox, View, Menu, and Share. You can adjust the brightness of the light ring and switch between lighting modes using the RGB button. The P1/P2 buttons can be remapped on the fly using the Star button, and with the Profile button you can switch between custom control layouts. The two dials in the upper left corner enable/disable tournament mode and adjust the audio volume when using a wired headset. The Xbox version of the full-button controller has a 3.5mm audio jack.
With 8BitDo's Ultimate Software X for Xbox and PC, you can remap all inputs, customize RGB lighting effects, and select SOCD priority mode.
The arcade controller has a compact form factor and is only 1.6 cm thick. The control panel has a smudge-resistant tempered glass faceplate, and a silicone mat underneath prevents movement during gameplay. Foldable magnetic legs can be flipped down to adjust the angle.
You can sync wirelessly to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or PC using the included 2.4GHz adapter, which is stored in a magnetic compartment at the bottom of the battle panel. The USB-C charging cable can also be used in wired mode. With the RGB lighting turned on and headphones connected, the battery will likely run out in about 20 hours. If you turn off the RGB lighting rings and don't use a wired headset, you can get up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge.
$70.68 (was $90) | Always low price
The Nintendo Switch 1/2 version features the retro red/black/gray NES color scheme seen on a number of 8BitDo controllers. The overall design is the same as the Xbox version, but there are a few differences.
This version supports Bluetooth on Switch and Switch 2, 2.4GHz wireless on PC, and wired connectivity on both consoles and PC. When fully charged, you can get up to 20 hours of gaming time.
The Switch version has eight red round buttons and four black directional inputs. One interesting feature is that when you switch the drive from S-Input to X-Input, the button labels on the faceplate change from “Switch to Xbox Layout”.
Instead of RSB/LSB buttons, the Switch version has two additional programmable buttons (P3/P4). However, it still comes with programmable button caps. The right and left stick clicks are in the top row as L3 and R3, in the same place as the RGB button in the Xbox version. The Switch version does No have light rings or a 3.5mm audio jack.
The input mode dial replaces the volume control, but the other dial still locks/unlocks tournament mode. Instead of the Xbox button, the Switch version has a Bluetooth pairing button. Star and Profile buttons allow you to remap the four programmable buttons on the fly and switch between control presets. These buttons match the colors of the Super Famicom controller.
With 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 you can change SOCD modes, reassign all buttons and create macros.
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Before you buy an NES-style full-button Switch controller, you might want to check out the upcoming transparent purple Signature Edition. Developed in collaboration with professional fighting games Zhen and Vxbao, Signature Edition Full Button Controller available for pre-order for $95 ahead of the January 31st launch.
Note: Nintendo Switch 2 users may need to update the firmware of their multi-button arcade controller in order to establish a wireless connection. You can update the controller using Final software V2 or 8BitDo Firmware Update Tool application. And if you choose the 8BitDo Arcade Stick, you can update your Switch 2 controller using the Firmware Updater app or original Ultimate software desktop application.
8BitDo Wireless Arcade Joystick Offers
As mentioned, 8BitDo arcade sticks are also sold on Amazon. The Nintendo Switch 1/2 and PC version costs $83 (was $90).. Also inspired by the color schemes of the NES and SNES controllers, this hot-swappable wireless battle stick syncs wirelessly to Switch 1/2 consoles via Bluetooth and to PCs using the included 2.4GHz dongle. It features a high-quality arcade joystick, eight action buttons, and the same dials and customization buttons as a full-button arcade controller.
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick can last 30 hours on a single charge via Bluetooth and 40 hours on 2.4GHz. The included USB-C charging cable can also be used in wired mode. The charging port is located next to the 2.4GHz dongle storage compartment. You can close the cover of the compartment with the cord attached to prevent accidental disconnection in corded mode.
The Xbox version of the 8BitDo Arcade Stick features a hot-swappable design and is available in white or black. The white edition only sells for $90 (was $120); The black model is actually priced slightly higher than MSRP because it's only available through third-party retailers at the moment. This edition, officially licensed by Xbox, supports wireless and wired connections at 2.4 GHz. Like the full-button controller, the Xbox version has a 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones. Battery life is 20-30 hours between charges.
