Is the 8BitDo Pro 2 Controller Really That Good? 

"One Million comments"-- Your sense of humor is the singular reason why you are the most subbed and followed personality on RU-vid, Russ.

I've owned my 8BitDo Pro 2 for a while now, and while I agree with many of the points raised in this video, I think I have to strike out on the final one... "It lacks the sort of iconic feel to it" I think it does the absolute best thing a controller can do while I'm playing games: vanish. I don't need my controller to be a uniquely designed piece of art, so much as I need to be the least invasive part of my gaming experience, and I think this one does that well.

16:50 Correction the 8bitdo controller absolutely has a gyroscope ive used it on many switch games

I love that we’re in a day an’ age where 3rd party controllers have better build quality at a lower price than OEM controllers.

I think the "Franken-device that does everything you want well", is basically what their customers want. They want a fully featured modern gamepad with good ergonomics, but without compromising that optimal retro/2D feel. 8Bitdo fans love the feel of their controllers, so while the modern gamepads may be more cohesive from design standpoint, for 8Bitdo redesigning for a cohesive whole would come at the cost of the central pillar of the controller's design philosophy and selling point. Having a somewhat awkward build aesthetic is just a price they're willing to pay. Keeping the D-pad, face buttons, and front shoulder buttons exactly as they are is pretty much key. While the handles/ergonomics, analog sticks, and triggers can be optimized for modern games, since that's why they're there. Gamepad triggers in particular are something that's been perfected specifically in modern controllers (obviously with different solutions from each manufacturer), so that's the standard they're modelled to. I prefer offset sticks as well. But on the 8Bitdo that would 100% be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Your mother-in-law vacuums your house? Doesn't get any more retro than that.

A big plus for the Pro 2 is that if you are using more than one device, for example PC and Switch, you have one controller that works well for both.

I'm a huge Contra fangirl, and that enemy shooting down while aiming diagonally is perfectly normal! Contra has some weird quirks like that.

The rear buttons made playing Metroid Dread so smooth. I flipped my R and R2 buttons on the Switch software and then assigned the L and R buttons to the corresponding rear buttons. I never had to move my fingers off the back triggers, which made the controller melt into my hands

For me, the D-PAD placement sells the 8bitDo over the Elitist .... I have big hands and the DPAD being lower sucks

I've owned the Pro 2 for about 10 months, I bought it June '22 on Amazon UK. It was £31.75 at the time, so I got it + the phone clip for £40.99 (basically around the RRP/MSRP, although I've seen it regularly for around £35 for one of the 3 colours on Amazon). I think I went for it due to its versatility, I was initially looking at potentially getting a controller clip-on for my phone, as I was wanting to try some emulation. But looking at the costs of the, let's face it, fairly so-so controller clips, I decided to instead just get the Pro 2, which I saw was basically just an iteration of their fairly successful 'SN30 Pro+'. And the bonus of also being able to use it on my Switch & PC sold me on it. I think a main difference between the Pro 2 & SN30 Pro+ was the little toggle on the back, allowing for easy switching between the 4 modes (Switch, Apple, D-input & X-input), I believe the SN30 Pro+ required a certain button press combination to switch between modes. The software was shown off in this review, but they didn't mention that each mode could have up to 4 different button configs. So if you used all 4 platforms, you could have up to 16 different profiles (well technically 4 standard + 12 custom). A great amount of customisation options and I took advantage when I tried it on PC. I was playing an older game that wouldn't let you invert controls, so I setup a custom profile for that. I also like that due to the toggle, there was no chance of controlling multiple devices at once (eg if you connect a PS4 controller to PS4 & PC you could see inputs on both devices). I'm fairly versatile in regards to PS vs XB style analogue stick placement, so that wasn't ever a major concern either way and the sticks feel great, as good as any 1st party controller. The D-pad is a lot better than the Switch Pro controller, which I was never happy with (on Switch Pro it's too easy to hit up/down with left/right button and vice versa). I also really liked that the Pro 2, like an XB controller, allows for both AAs and a rechargeable battery pack. But unlike XB, the rechargeable is included with the controller and considering the XB controller retails for almost £10 more (approx £50), its a bit stingy that the XB controller doesn't. I know MS have a Duracell deal, but there would be nothing stopping them including a Duracell branded rechargeable battery or simply a pair of AA rechargeables. The only issues I had with my Pro 2 was initially it not charging, but I think the battery had just become unseated and was clicked back into place. Also on PC one time it became unresponsive, but on rebooting my laptops bluetooth connection it was instantly fixed, so likely an issue with the BT chip in the laptop, as I never had issues on Switch or on Android. I also tried a USB connection on PC and that had zero issues. I can understand the "Frankenstein" comments about the controller design, but personally it feels good in the hand. So while it's similar to X, and have features of Y, it is just a solid, fairly affordable option, especially for people wanting to use it on multiple devices (easy switching with the toggle).

The Pro 2 should have gyroscope, I believe. The SN30 Pro+ had it, and 8bitdo says the Pro 2 has it on their website, as "6 axis motion sensor".

goodness i love how honest and thorough this channel is with just about everything (the enthusiasm from measuring button sizes is so infectious), russ never fails to deliver

First of all - thanks for all the great reviews and videos on your channel. I don't yet have the Pro2, I only have the Pro+ (the old version), which has become my main controller, but I have something to say about a feature, which survives with the Pro 2 as well. When you speak of the "replaceable battery", you forgot to mention that if you need to do so - you can actually just use two AA batteries. For some more forgetful players, who don't remember to regularly charge the controller, this might also tip the scales.

Measuring button sizes and comparing them between other controllers is why I’m here

I fuckin love this controller, man. It's like a classic SNES gamepad fused with a PS4 gamepad. Assuming you like the layout, it's kind of the perfect all around controller you can buy (PS4 is as good or better, minus back buttons, and plus a touchpad; but a bit more expensive, and needs extra software to work well on PC) All the hardware feels great, just as good as 1st party controllers. The profiles are pretty convenient for back button configs, or custom controls on literally any PC or Switch game. In Switch mode, it has access to a gyro. I'm genuinely surprised at the price point considering the quality and features. My favorite controller that I recommend to anyone who's fine with the symmetric analog stick layout.

Apart from the master-level comedy, I liked the fact that you didn't just make a review on a controller, but also compared it to various different brands. Having only tried a PS and SNES gamepad this gave me a great sense of what it actually feels like. Thanks!

you can lead a camel to water but you can't make him drink a controller

I have the 8bitdo Pro+ and it has gyroscope for switch, from what I can find elsewhere the Pro 2 has gyroscope functionality for the switch. Sorry to split hairs, appreciate the review. I'm a lefty so the offset analogue sticks are not my thing so this would be the way to go out of the two controllers

Are you actually measuring button sizes???? HAHA love this channel

I appreciate the review and your honesty, but I do think your are being a bit harsh on the SN30 Pro 2. And your are incorrect about it not having gyro. It's on the product page and was in the app. You also overlooked being able to edit the controller settings with your phone.

At this point, I come here for camels, bears, vacuums and villains shooting in a weird way. With some retro stuff on the side.

Even after the 8bitdo ultimate came out I chose to buy a Pro 2 plus. I like the SNES / PS1 form factor and analog stick placement over the Chunky Xbox style. This is my go to controller to play my switch, MiSTer and analogue consoles at home and when I travel.

keep doing what you do! ever since watching your retroid pocket 2 videos i subbed and been watching your other videos and waiting for new ones! love the videos!

Top review Russ, I do enjoy the way you give the pros and cons, it's so unbiased and refreshing.

I got the SN30 Pro for over a year now and absolutely love it. But seeing how tight this dpad is and not loose like that one, damn. Might have to grab one of these as well just for that.

I modded my pro2. Gave it click switches for the L and R buttons and replaced the sticks for xboxelite2 sticks. I also changed one of the rumble motors (the small one) for a light but larger one. This is my go-to controller and I own a vast variety of controllers (all of the 8bitdo line up, xbox and playstation controllers as well as my own modded creations and some weird controllers for novelty) Great review!

I wanted to love the Pro and the Pro 2 so much, they tick all the boxes I'm looking for in a controller, but I can only play on them for like half an hour before my hands start aching. I don't have a problem with any other controller, and it seems like few other people have the same issue, so maybe I have a really specific type of RSI. :P Thanks for another great video! You're quickly becoming one of my favorite RU-vidrs!

Oh yes! The review and comparison with the Elitist is here! Thank you very much Russ!

Btw.: I'd love a video on OpenEmu for macOS and maybe some other options for emulation on the Mac (Dolphin for example).

Loving this detailed review.

The intro of this one made me laugh out loud thank you for working on this!

I love your reviews! I just picked one of these up today, the Black Clear version, and I have to say.. First impressions off of looks and feel. It's better than my go-to PS4 Controller. I love the PS4 Controller, but man, this thing just feels soooo much better. LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT! ❤

so the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ is very similar to the pro 2 and its what ive been using for the past 12 months. i think the "frankenstein" design works well specifically cause it took what was best from a number of popular controllers and slammed em together. my biggest issue with the sn30 pro+ were mapping issues with buttons, connection issues, and the R1 button is no longer clicky but has become mushy, and im hoping the pro 2 has improved all these issues since ill be buying it to replace my sn30 pro+

Love how indepth this video was, totally getting a Pro 2 tomorrow as a result... I bought a Dualsense controller the other day and found out it's totally bugged and doesn't even work properly with my phone, so I'll gladly replace it with this instead.

Thanks!!!! My favourite review about this controller! And not because I agree with you opinion, but because I really fill it non-bias, more than any other review. Please keep it going!!!

In my case I bought the Pro 2, since I prefer analog R buttons to digital, and the mode selection and profile buttons come very handy.

The thing I love about the 8bitdo Pro 2 is that it is perfect for SNES and other classic games but also works well enough as a modern controller. The original Pro only works as a SNES pad because the balance is completely off when using the analog sticks, and most modern controllers aren't great at classic games. I also have an Xbox One pad and a Switch Pro, but I barely use them anymore because it's just easier to use one controller for everything. My only complain would be that the triggers should have just been buttons. Because when you actually try to use them as analog triggers, they are very hard to control compared to the Xbox triggers.

8bitDo Pro 2 does have gyros. 16:31

Really love your reviews, you do a fantastic job at deep diving on these controllers! Have you considered doing a review on the Flydgi Vader 2? it is another controller I was looking at when comparing various controllers and was curious what your take on it would be! Awesome review as always!

"These two controllers are the best two third party controllers you can buy" I'm so glad ordered the 8BitDo pro 2 after this video. haha I ordered the gameboy style version. It has everything i would ask for and i absolutely dig the style. Thank you for this review!

I immediately ordered the Elitist controller after watching your video on it. Im lovin it

This review is excellent and thorough!

Thank u very much, Russ, great review, great comparison. I'm gonna go with Pro 2, I already have a bunch of 8bitdo controllers, I'd like to be loyal to the brand plus I liked what I saw so far. Again, thank you and have a good one.

There's also the Pro+ which is basically the same thing but without the rear macro buttons and gyro controls. It does all the rest including macros, analog adjustments and profiles for only $35 so if you're not sold on the Pro 2, this might be something to consider. I use the Pro+ and love it. Great for retro and modern.

I never expected to see a HTC phone lol. Thank for the review!

I have the Pro+ and just bought 2 of the Pro 2. I love these controllers, and love the look of the red buttoned one - just a hint of SNES and Famicom while looking like a modern sensible controller. It really is the jack of all trades controller, and does everything well. I've also disassembled the Pro+ and they are built outstandingly well, everything is super chunky and well made. The only one downside I've discovered is the sticks are made from quite a soft material, my friend managed to chew them up. Replacements are available and I think you can fit PS4 sticks though.

Thanks for using SI units!

Quick question, is it possible to assign macros to the back buttons on the fly, the way you assigned the turbo? Or do you have to open up the that software any time you want to change macros? This is the only question holding me back from pulling the trigger on a purchase,cant find an answer in other reviews. Thanks a lot for your time!

@16:37 You mention that 8bitdo Pro2 controller does not have Gyroscope but actually it does.

Great review, thank you. To me (in Italy) it arrived today ... I will also do mine soon on my channel. Regarding the Elitist S it is identical to the one I have reviewed, and loved, I ... the PDP Afterglow Wireless. Who do you think copied whom?

Hey Russ. I literally bought one of the Elitist S controllers after your other video. My old 360 adapter for the PC died a few months ago, and I had been using my Switch Pro Controller on my PC (using one of the 8Bitdo Adapters). I was looking for something similar to the Pro controller layout, and the Elitist S fit the bill! Thanks so much for the review!

Great detailed review.

I think it was a good idea to include digital shoulder buttons as well analog triggers. Personally I don't find this to be incohesive. It seems to be intended as a general purpose controller. It should function for modern devices or emulators equally well.

Hello, quick question-i have the 8bitdo Pro 2 controller. I get it to set up via Bluetooth for my raspberry Pi 4 and I get it to map no problem. However, when I shut the system down-when I go to reload the system the controller is no longer registers with the system. I have to go in and remove Bluetooth devices and then reinstall everything again. Do you know of a way to fix this

I realllllly like the design. Its stupid comfortable in my hand and as far as making a controller that's entirely theirs? Well I like that they aren't trying to reinvent the wheel. Either way nice thorough review... no matter how wrong you wanna be ;)

As a native English speaker I've never heard that saying before lol

Do u put something on the table? That Green cutting guide. Is that some adhesive paper for table?

I already had the SN30 Pro which I used occasionally for PC and Switch, and just picked up the Pro+ yesterday. I feel like the ergonomics are more comfortable, and will probably be a good controller for Playstation emulation and 2D games.

Hiya. Have the same gamepad as yours. If I want to put the Switch in Dock mode do I have too reconnect again or not? And can I take screenshot using the gamepad? Please help. Thanks.

I'm watching this because i was able to land myself the G Classic Edition, and I'm excited to play my Switch games on it. I'm mainly going to use this for my 2D games, and I actually enjoyed the dualshock 4 (from my neighbors) as much as I do with xbox

How's this thing out of the box? Analog sticks/ triggers wise? Do I need to mess about with the app or anything?

Nice review!

Nice new intro👍

Does this work with an OTG cable on Android? Can´t stand the lag.

Nice comparison, but 'Micro-USB' should be in dark red! ;) The Elitist is great! It reminds me of the Power A, my favorite Controller.

I recently bought the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ controller with the blue buttons, and love it! I found out a few days later that the Pro2 was out. D'OH! Oh well, I am still very happy with my purchase. Those back buttons would be nice though.

One thing I ended up liking on the Pro+ (same shape as the Pro2) was the vertically shorter core body compared to the xbox one controller (I've used xbox controllers on pc since the 360). I can go from xbox to pro+ and back in a pinch, but games that make heavy use of the shoulder buttons actually make me like the 8bitdo over the xbox as it's easier on the fingers. Mind you, I don't have experience with playstation controllers ever since the PS1, so this particular shape hits me as new. The overall design, I like it, found it weird at first for the same reasons as the video, but now days I like it and find it cute

This controller is amazing. To me this is the controller from an other universe where Nintendo and Sony's deal didn't fall of. This is the Nintendo Playstation controller we never got.

Do you have the original pro+? I love 8bitdo's other controllers, but when I got the plus I felt like every reviewer out there lied to me. The controller itself felt too light, the dpad felt too stiff, and the analog sticks felt like they had way less resistance than the Dualshock 4, which are my favorite sticks and go to controller for anything not on a nintendo console. The sticks were the biggest issue I had with the plus and I returned mine after a few days. I'd be willing to give the pro 2 a shot if the sticks really do feel like a DS4's. Edit: Love openemu

does macro has "repeat" function? I wonder if I could leave it connected to the switch and it repeatedly do the same thing I set.

Would LOVE more videoes on modding/hacking the ps vita, tutorials for getting roms and gameplay footage :)

does this review have joystick hall effect 3 years ago? I saw something online last April that they upgraded it? DId they just add the hall effect as of 2024?

I’ve never heard that phrase be used before but now it’s going to be my go-to saying when referring to how our IT systems are setup in our organisation haha.

This controller came out like two weeks after I got my SN30 Pro+. Still a little salty about that lol

Ia there any spare parts if the button get worn out or the analog is broken

I was thinking the same about the Contra shooter as you. LOL

Can I connect this controller with the super console x with bluetooth or I need a 8bitdo wireless adapter to connect it wirelessly?

Hi there, I have being using this controller for the last week, and I love it, but I have noticed a snapback issue with the analog sticks, it does not show in regular gameplay just in menus to my surprise, have you experience this?

So, thanks to you, I now own a Bigbig Won. I also have an 8Bitdo SN30 Pro+. And you know what? I plan on using them both. I vastly prefer the "Xbox" style of controller when I have to actually use the analog sticks, and the "Playstation" style when I'll mainly be using the D-Pad. So, both of them are better (for me) at one kind of game or another.

Does it work flawless with Batocera ? Almost bought it but I want to make sure :)

So 90 degrees rotation for the buttons? Cause a circle is 360 so from each of the buttons it should be 90 degrees, right? Aside from that wonderful video, very insightful and prompted me to invest and very satisfied with the controller and the content, keep up the great work

Never heard such a saying before, but damn that is profound as hell lol.

tnks was full review and intresting controller tnks you are great.

As much as I love 8Bitdo controllers, the Pro Plus didn’t need a revision like this. It’d be great if my Pro Plus could get a firmware update to use the Android app, rather than me having to use the only Windows machine in the house (all of mine run Linux) to change the settings on the controller. My favourite 8Bitdo controller is still the M30, their Sega style pad. All I really want from 8Bitdo is an M30 Pro, for lack of a better word. Sega style pad, two sticks, triggers below the shoulder buttons, and just have the C and Z buttons on the face mapped to the triggers at 100%, or something, so for some games you can treat them like a button, for others, you can use the triggers.

Will the letters on the ABXY buttons fade over time? Or are they edged in like the dualshock 4 controller?

Tbh if they were unique and different for the sake of it I wouldn't get them. They're literally SNES controllers if the SNES controller adopted every major innovation of the last 3 decades into its design, and that's why I love them.

I have the original 8BitDo Pro and I like it a lot, especially that D-pad. My only gripes are the button labels on the black model needed white letters instead of black on black and the controllers don't wake up the Switch. Otherwise, it is a fantastic third-party controller and I want to get the newer model!

Im sure the Pro2 has montion sensors that work with the Switch, the original version did as well.

What kind of kontrolfreeks/thumb grips will work with the pro 2?

I don't have this, but are you sure the pro2 doesnt have gyro? I swear I saw people say it had it. So much so that it's an issue of either being too sensitive to vibration or the vibration of the pro2 is too strong.

If I bought this and wanted to use it on my super console x king do I have to buy the adapter?

can you swap the x y b a buttons if you unscrew it ? i really don't like the layout but i like the general look of it i wanna buy it but like i said i don't like the layout.

I just found out that my 8bitDO Pro 2 controller does not wake up when in wireless mode and now I have to go back and Pair the controller with my retro pi each time I take a 15 min break? Also i tried to re-pair the controller and i can't get it to work again. The green indictor lights just keep flashing from right to left and i can not get the controller to enter pair mode. This is redicilous and to much hassle to even worry about. Would have been nice though to play all my games wirelessly beacuse the cable weight has pulled my pi 400 onto the floor quite a few times but If I have to go t hrough this each time i want to play a game, its not worth it.

The Contra baddie you brought up is an easy explanation, I'm not huge on Contra 1 (more of a Hard Corps fan personally), but I am an amateur game dev. So basically, the coders probably allowed enemies to shoot in 8 directions, but the artists never made a sprite for those particular enemies shooting down. So the game's code is generating a bullet that moves straight down, but the closest directional frame the enemy has for shooting down is one for shooting at an angle downward. I hope that makes some sense, it's a bit complicated to wrap your head around if you've never coded before, but I tried to make the explanation as simple as possible. I think in layman's terms, it's best boiled down to "the team was cutting corners and skipped on drawing some animation for that particular enemy."

I agree it's a mishmash of different controllers, but in this rare case it's a winner, in my opinion. It incorporates all the good design aspects of some legendary controllers of the past.

Hey Russ it looks like you made some small tweaks to the opening and closing animations (outline to the lettering as well) I really like them. Just a nice teensy bit of smoothness and polish, very tasteful. Makes it pop a bit more and adds dimensionality. Oh and the review wasn't half bad either 😂 I kid, great work! 👍

Jokes on you! My mum was vacuuming in the background too so I didn't even notice your mum vacuuming in the background

It’s a pretty good controller. Wont beat Dualshock 4 in term of comfort or how the button feels and how it’s easy to accidentally pressed the shoulder button. But considering how it just works on windows and linux, have 4 different modes and software support, it’s pretty dang good for the price.

As someone who just moved Mac, it would be awesome not know more about that front end. Thanks for the honest review too.