Let’s compare: 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth vs Xbox One Controller (vs Ultimate 2)

8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth and Ultimate 2 and both great alternatives for Xbox One/Series controller which is now really lacking lots of features. Ultimate 2 released in 2025 seems to be the best choice thanks to its TMR joysticks, trigger locks, both analog and hair triggers, 4 back buttons and 1000Hz polling rate with the best latency. Only one thing Xbox One wins at is the Xbox support, but if you want a superior controller with Xbox compatibility then I would suggest Gamesir G7 SE.

Here’s a concise comparison of the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth, Ultimate 2, and Xbox One Controller focusing on the most important differences:

Feature	8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth	8BitDo Ultimate 2	Xbox One Controller
Price	$59.99	$59.99	$59.99
Stick Type	Hall effect	TMR	ALPS
Back Buttons	2	4	None (unless Elite version)
Trigger Lock	No	Yes	No (unless Elite version)
Gyroscope	Yes	Yes	No
Connectivity	Bluetooth, 2.4G, USB-C	Bluetooth, 2.4G, USB-C	Bluetooth (on newer models), USB-C
Polling Rate	1000Hz (wired), 250Hz (dongle)	1000Hz wired, 1000Hz (dongle)	125Hz wired
Battery Life	~20 hours	~15–20 hours	~30–40 hours (AA or battery pack)
Trigger Vibration	No	No	Yes
Triggers	Analog	Analog/hair	Analog
Custom Profiles	Yes (via software)	Yes (3 profiles)	No (unless Elite version)
Platform Support	Switch, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, iOS	Windows, Android, Xbox
Software Support	PC + Mobile	PC only	Xbox Accessories App (limited)
Main Button Type	Membrane	Membrane	Membrane
D-pad Type	Membrane	Membrane	Membrane

So which one is the best?

• Ultimate Bluetooth is the great all-rounder with wide platform support, motion controls, and hall sticks.
• Ultimate 2 has the best TMR sticks, analog and hair triggers, more back buttons and it’s the best choice out of these in my opinion.
• Xbox One Controller is solid but lacks features like back buttons, gyro, and custom profiles.

Main differences between 8bitdo and Xbox controllers

• 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth controller uses hall effect sticks and Xbox One controller has analog sticks. Hall effect sticks are far better, because they don’t develop stick drift and are more durable, meaning this controller should last you for a few more years. I love Xbox controllers, but I usually replace mine every 2-3 years.
• 8BitDo Ultimate is lighter as it has a built-in battery inside and not AA batteries like Xbox controller
• 8BitDo Ultimate is compatible out-of-the-box only with Windows, Switch and Android. For Xbox or Playstation connection you need to buy a $20 adapter.
• 8BitDo controller has rear paddles, Xbox does not.

The 8bitdo Ultimate has also a Wired version and its biggest con is the affixed cable, but it’s cheaper than the Bluetooth version.

Design and Comfort

The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller exhibits a sleek design that sits well in the hands of gamers. Weighing in at a modest 228g, it features 2 Pro back paddle buttons and textured grips that ensure a firm hold even during intense gaming moments.

On the other hand, the Xbox One Wireless Controller has been redesigned by Microsoft for enhanced comfort. It weighs 275g with batteries and 220g without batteries (if you want to use it with wire). Its features include textured grips for a more secure hold, responsive thumbsticks, and an enhanced D-pad for greater precision. It also offers quick access triggers and bumpers, along with Menu and View buttons for easy navigation.

Both controllers have a comfortable grip and a design that suits long gaming sessions, but the Xbox One controller edges slightly ahead due to its well-thought-out ergonomics and additional button features.

8BitDo Ultimate 2C vs Ultimate 2.4G

The Ultimate 2C has 2 extra shoulder buttons, 1000Hz polling (wired & 2.4G), anti-friction rings, ~19h battery, and a switch for Bluetooth/2.4G.

The Ultimate 2.4G has 2 back buttons (programmable via software), 3 custom profiles, 1000Hz wired / 166Hz 2.4G polling, ~15h battery, a charging dock with built-in adapter, and a switch for X-/D-input. It also has hidden Bluetooth and Switch modes, but lacks motion controls.

Reddit User Feedback

Users who have tried out both controllers have shared their experiences on Reddit and other forums and provided valuable insights that can be helpful when making a decision on which one to purchase.

1. The Ultimate Bluetooth version of the 8BitDo controller has been reported to work great on PC, specifically with Steam games. It’s detected as a Microsoft Xbox 360 controller, both when using the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle and via a USB hardwired connection. The controller also works well when used with Samsung phones to play side-scrolling games.
2. There have been reports of users wanting to use the built-in gyroscope functionality with 2.4GHz on the 8BitDo controller, but this feature currently only works in D-input/Bluetooth mode. It’s rumored that a beta firmware version may allow D-input via 2.4GHz, but as of now, D-input is locked to Bluetooth and X-input is locked to 2.4GHz or a cable connection.
3. It should be noted that the “2.4GHz/Xbox” versions of the Ultimate lineup offer the same experience as the Ultimate Bluetooth version. The difference is that the former versions do not come with a gyroscope, so they are likely always locked to 2.4GHz X-input, while the Ultimate Bluetooth version can switch between modes.
4. Some users have expressed frustration that the buttons on the 8BitDo controller cannot be remapped to keyboard buttons, but only to other buttons on the controller. However, others feel that despite this, the controller is still very useful and offers superior quality and comfort over other controllers, including the Gulikit and the Xbox One wireless controller.
5. The Ultimate Bluetooth controller is also known for its hall effect sensor joysticks, which are highly valued by some users.
6. One user reported using the Ultimate Bluetooth controller mainly on their PC and occasionally as a second “Pro Controller” for the Switch during game nights. They have never had any issues with stick drift, which may add to the controller’s value proposition.
7. The dock of the 8BitDo controller has an integrated but removable dongle that can be used when the dock is connected to the PC via USB. When the gamepad is set to 2.4G, it connects to the dongle and Steam recognizes it as an Xbox One pad. If connected via Bluetooth, it’s recognized as a Pro Controller (Switch) pad.
8. A user noted that the game Minecraft on the Windows Store does not work with the 8BitDo controller when using the dongle and only allows use of the Bluetooth/Switch version. However, aside from this one game, everything else works as expected.
9. Note that the back buttons on the 8BitDo controller cannot be mapped separately. They can only be mapped via 8BitDo’s own software, and only to other buttons on the pad. A keyboard shortcut cannot be mapped to the controller.
10. Finally, one user mentioned that the 8BitDo controller is much more comfortable and feels of higher quality compared to other controllers. This user also appreciated the controller’s hall effect sensor sticks.

Also, there’s more hall effect controllers on the market with Gulikit Kingkong 2 Pro being the biggest 8bitdo competitor as of late.

In short, both the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller and the Xbox One Wireless Controller are excellent choices, each with their own set of strengths. The 8BitDo shines with its hall effect sensors, unique profile switching and rechargeable battery, while the Xbox One controller excels in terms of compatibility, additional features, and long battery life. Your final decision will likely come down to personal preference and specific gaming needs.