the ultimate 8BitDo Ultimate Controller rundown

the 8BitDo Ultimate line of controllers are probably the best controllers out there. I'm not being paid to say this¹, they're just that good. despite what i like about the line, there is one problem with them: there's 12 different models, and it can be hard to know which one to get.

so, to help you hopefully make a better decision on which one to buy, here's a rundown of all the important features, which ones are compatible with what devices, and which one to buy for which reasons.

if that table isn't enough, here's a few more thoughts.

the most important consideration is how the controllers connect. all of the models can be connected via a USB cable and used as wired controllers! for wireless connectivity, there's both Bluetooth and 2.4G options. Bluetooth doesn't require a dongle, but 2.4G has lower latency.

for console compatibility, all of the models with Nintendo-style button layouts are the ones that are compatible with the Switch. only the explicitly Xbox-compatible controllers can work with the Xbox though, and only as wired controllers.

only the original Ultimate, 2.4G, and 3-mode Xbox come with a dock. the dock is really nice, but you don't need it. unfortunately, you can't buy a dock separately and use it, as the ones that don't come with a dock don't have the connector on the back to use one.

in my personal opinion, the C models are great if you don't want to bust out the big bucks on a controller, especially for multiplayer games. if you're willing to spend a bit more though, or only want just one for yourself, go for one of the models that comes with the dock. outside of those factors, just pick whichever model works with the consoles you have, has the layout you want, or is at a good price.

1. there are some affiliate links on this page, but 8BitDo has nothing to do with them. buy whatever the hell you want.