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Nintendo’s own Pro Controller isn’t the only good option for Switch 2. Several 8BitDo controllers now work with the console after a quick firmware update, and many of them add features the official pad doesn’t have, like TMR or Hall effect sticks that resist drift, extra back buttons and charging docks.
But not every 8BitDo controller behaves the same on Switch 2. Some can wake the console, some can’t, and some need both the controller and its wireless adapter updated. To find the best 8BitDo controller for Switch 2, we checked 8BitDo’s official compatibility notes and product specs, and read owner reviews from people actually using these controllers on Switch 2. You’ll also find a setup guide and a feature table below. Read more about our process on our How We Review page.
The Best 8BitDo Controllers for Switch 2: Our Picks in Detail
1
Best Overall
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth
Bottom line: 8BitDo's flagship Switch controller, with TMR sticks, a charging dock, back paddles and wake-on-shake that owners say works on Switch 2.
Pros- TMR sticks: one owner reports no drift after six months
- Charging dock that reconnects the controller automatically
- Owner confirms it works with Switch 2, including wake-on-shake
Cons- Both the controller and its adapter need a firmware update for Switch 2
- One owner's left trigger failed after about three months
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The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth is 8BitDo's top controller for Nintendo consoles, and it's our pick for most Switch 2 owners. It connects over Bluetooth, the included 2.4GHz adapter or a USB cable, and it brings TMR joysticks, switchable triggers, two back paddles and a charging dock.
Why We Picked It
- Works well on Switch 2: one owner says it works great with Switch 2 and that shake-to-wake works fine, and compares its feel to the official Pro Controller 2.
- Drift-resistant sticks: TMR joysticks, with one owner reporting no stick drift after about six months of use.
- Convenient charging: the dock keeps it charged and reconnects it when you pick it up. One owner plugs the dock into a USB-A port on the back of the Switch 2 dock.
- More controls: two back paddles, extra L4/R4 bumpers and triggers you can switch between Hall effect and tactile modes.
Who It's For
- Players who want a Pro Controller alternative: with more buttons and drift-resistant sticks.
- Multi-device gamers: owners also use it with PCs, laptops, Steam Deck and tablets.
Who It's Not For
- Anyone who wants plug-and-play: 8BitDo says both the controller and adapter need the latest firmware for Switch 2, and one owner found setup with Switch 2 and macOS not quite seamless.
- Players who prefer light sticks or a different grip: one owner found the shape caused palm cramps and the sticks stiff. Another had the left trigger stop working after about three months, though they liked it enough to buy a replacement.
Specs & Configurations
- Switch 2 support
- yes, after a firmware update (controller and adapter)
- Connection
- Bluetooth, 2.4GHz adapter or USB
- Sticks
- TMR with RGB rings
- Triggers
- switchable Hall effect or tactile
- Extra buttons
- 2 back paddles + L4/R4 bumpers
- Extras
- charging dock, rumble, motion control, turbo
2
Best Budget
8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth
Bottom line: A cheap, comfortable Bluetooth controller with Hall effect sticks that many Switch 2 owners use, but it can't wake the console.
Pros- The lowest-cost 8BitDo pick on our list
- Owners say it feels like a first-party controller and connects almost instantly
- Hall effect sticks and remappable L4/R4 bumpers
Cons- Wake-on-shake isn't supported on Switch 2
- One buyer of two units had very different experiences with each
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The Ultimate 2C Bluetooth is the cheapest way to get a quality 8BitDo controller for Switch 2. Several owners say they use it mainly with the Switch 2, and that it feels much more expensive than it is.
Why We Picked It
- Proven on Switch 2: multiple owners report it works great on Switch 2 after updating it on 8BitDo's website, and one says it connects almost instantly, unlike cheaper controllers.
- Premium feel for less: owners say it doesn't feel cheap, has a good weight and responsive buttons, and is more ergonomic than the Joy-Con.
- Drift-resistant sticks: Hall effect joysticks with wear-resistant metal rings.
Who It's For
- Budget buyers: who want a second or third controller for local multiplayer.
- Handheld-first players: one owner who mostly plays handheld bought it for the games where they want a Pro-style controller.
Who It's Not For
- Players who wake the console from the couch: 8BitDo states wake-on-shake isn't supported on Switch 2, and one owner notes the lack of wake support as its only real shortcoming.
- D-pad purists: one owner says the D-pad isn't great, and another bought two units and had very different experiences with each, pointing to inconsistent quality control.
Specs & Configurations
- Switch 2 support
- yes, via Bluetooth after a firmware update
- Connection
- Bluetooth or USB
- Sticks
- Hall effect with metal rings
- Extra buttons
- L4/R4 bumpers (remappable without software)
- Battery
- up to 15 hours
- Extras
- rumble, 6-axis motion control, turbo
3
Best for Retro and 2D Games
8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth
Bottom line: A PlayStation-style layout with a great D-pad, swappable face buttons, TMR sticks and a dock, plus motion controls that work on Switch 2.
Pros- Owners praise the clicky D-pad for 2D and indie games
- Magnetic ABXY buttons swap between Switch and Xbox layouts
- One owner says gyro works great on Switch 2
Cons- One owner dislikes the face buttons and rumble
- 8BitDo's software can be a little buggy, according to one owner
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The Pro 3 puts the D-pad in the main position, like a PlayStation controller, which makes it our favorite 8BitDo for retro, 2D and indie games on Switch 2. It still has modern features: TMR sticks, switchable triggers, back paddles, a charging dock and magnetic face buttons you can swap between Switch and Xbox layouts.
Why We Picked It
- Great D-pad: owners describe the D-pad as clicky with little wiggle, and some bought it specifically for that.
- Works with Switch 2 motion controls: one owner who uses it with Switch 2, a PC and a Steam Machine says gyro works great on Switch 2, a common weak spot for third-party controllers.
- Flexible layout: magnetic ABXY buttons let you match Nintendo's or Xbox's button order.
Who It's For
- Retro and indie fans: who play a lot of 2D games with the D-pad.
- Switch and PC players: who switch layouts between platforms.
Who It's Not For
- Anyone sensitive to button feel: one 4-star owner doesn't like the face buttons and rumble, and a 3-star reviewer still prefers the Pro 2.
- Players who avoid companion apps: one owner says 8BitDo's software can be a little buggy, though still easy to use for remapping and macros.
Specs & Configurations
- Switch 2 support
- yes
- Connection
- Bluetooth, 2.4GHz adapter or USB
- Sticks
- TMR
- Triggers
- switchable Hall effect or micro-switch
- Extra buttons
- 2 back paddles + L4/R4 bumpers, 3 custom profiles
- Extras
- magnetic swappable ABXY, charging dock, rumble, motion control
4
Best Battery Flexibility
8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth
Bottom line: A classic SNES-style controller with Hall effect sticks and a battery pack you can swap for AA batteries.
Pros- Removable battery pack that can be swapped for AA batteries
- Hall effect sticks and a responsive SNES-style D-pad
- Owners report years of use and buy several
Cons- No HD rumble or amiibo scanning on Switch
- One owner found the first connection finicky
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The Pro 2 is a long-time favorite among 8BitDo fans, and it now works with Switch 2 after a firmware update. It has a SNES-style layout with Hall effect sticks, two back paddles, rumble and motion controls.
Why We Picked It
- Swappable battery: one owner points out that the battery lasts through marathon sessions, and if it dies you can swap it for AA batteries without opening the controller.
- Great for classic games: owners compare the D-pad to an SNES controller and say the buttons don't get stuck.
- Durable: one owner's first Pro 2 is nearly two years old and still going strong, and another says drift is minimal compared with official Pro Controllers.
Who It's For
- Retro gamers: who want a classic layout and a dependable battery.
- Owners of older Switch Pro Controllers: one owner upgraded from a Switch Pro Controller and says the stick control is a big improvement.
Who It's Not For
- Players who want every Nintendo feature: 8BitDo says it doesn't support HD rumble or amiibo scanning on Switch.
- Anyone who wants a charging dock: it charges over USB-C, and one owner found the first connection finicky.
Specs & Configurations
- Switch 2 support
- yes, after a firmware update
- Connection
- Bluetooth or USB-C
- Sticks
- Hall effect
- Extra buttons
- 2 back paddles
- Battery
- about 20 hours (swappable pack)
- Extras
- rumble, motion control, 4-way mode switch
5
Best for N64 Games
8BitDo 64 Bluetooth
Bottom line: A modern N64-style controller that owners say connects easily to Switch 2 for Nintendo 64 games on Switch Online.
Pros- Owners say it connects easily to Switch 2
- Strong rumble in Nintendo 64 games on Switch Online
- Accurate stick feel for N64 classics
Cons- Built for N64 games, not modern Switch titles
- One owner keeps pressing the right Z button by mistake, which suspends the game
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If you play Nintendo 64 games through Nintendo Switch Online, the 8BitDo 64 makes them far more comfortable than Joy-Con or a standard controller. It keeps the N64 button layout, including the C buttons, in a modern two-handed design.
Why We Picked It
- Easy on Switch 2: several owners say it connected easily and works right out of the box with their Switch 2.
- Made for N64 classics: one owner playing Ocarina of Time says it's much easier than using the Switch controllers, with nice, strong rumble.
- Quality feel: owners say the plastic and buttons feel first-party.
Who It's For
- Nintendo 64 fans: who play N64 games on Nintendo Switch Online.
Who It's Not For
- Players of modern Switch games: 8BitDo designed it around N64 games, and rumble on Switch only works in Nintendo 64 Online.
- Anyone who dislikes accidental presses: one owner keeps hitting the right Z button, which suspends the game.
Specs & Configurations
- Switch 2 support
- yes, after a firmware update
- Connection
- Bluetooth or USB
- Stick
- Hall effect with metal ring
- Layout
- Nintendo 64 style with C buttons
- Extras
- rumble (on Switch 1/2 in Nintendo 64 Online only), turbo
8BitDo Switch 2 Features Compared
| Controller |
Connection on Switch 2 |
Sticks |
Extra buttons |
Charging dock |
Wake-on-shake on Switch 2 |
| Ultimate 2 Bluetooth |
Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB |
TMR |
2 paddles + L4/R4 |
Yes |
Works, per owner |
| Ultimate 2C Bluetooth |
Bluetooth, USB |
Hall effect |
L4/R4 |
No |
Not supported |
| Pro 3 Bluetooth |
Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB |
TMR |
2 paddles + L4/R4 |
Yes |
Not listed |
| Pro 2 Bluetooth |
Bluetooth, USB |
Hall effect |
2 paddles |
No |
Not listed |
| 64 Bluetooth |
Bluetooth, USB |
Hall effect |
None |
No |
Not listed |
Connection modes are taken from 8BitDo’s product pages. “Not listed” means we couldn’t confirm the feature from 8BitDo or owner reviews.
How to Set Up an 8BitDo Controller on Switch 2
Most 8BitDo controllers don’t work on Switch 2 out of the box. 8BitDo’s compatibility notes and owner reviews point to the same few steps:
- Update your Switch 2: 8BitDo lists Switch 2 system version 20.1.1 or later for its supported controllers.
- Update the controller firmware: download 8BitDo’s firmware updater from support.8bitdo.com on a PC, connect the controller with a USB cable and install the latest firmware.
- Update the adapter too: for 2.4GHz models like the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, 8BitDo says the wireless adapter also needs the latest firmware for Switch 2.
- Pair it with the console: follow the pairing steps in your controller’s manual while the Switch 2 is on its controller pairing screen.
Don’t panic if the controller doesn’t appear right away: one Ultimate 2C owner thought it wasn’t working because it didn’t show up in the controller list at first, even though the updater said its firmware was current, but it did end up working on their Switch 2.
What 8BitDo Controllers Can’t Do on Switch 2
- Wake the console (some models): the Ultimate 2C can’t wake a Switch 2, while an Ultimate 2 owner says shake-to-wake works.
- HD rumble and amiibo: 8BitDo says the Pro 2 doesn’t support HD rumble or amiibo scanning on Switch. Check your model’s page if these matter to you.
- Feature parity everywhere: motion controls on several models are listed for Switch only, so they won’t necessarily work the same way on PC.
How to Choose an 8BitDo Controller for Switch 2
Layout: Xbox-style or PlayStation-style
The Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2C put the left stick on top, like an Xbox or Switch Pro Controller. The Pro 2 and Pro 3 put the D-pad on top, like a PlayStation controller, which many owners prefer for 2D and retro games.
TMR vs Hall effect sticks
Both TMR and Hall effect sticks use magnetic sensing instead of parts that rub together, so they’re designed to resist the stick drift that Joy-Con are known for. 8BitDo describes its TMR sticks as more sensitive and precise.
Bluetooth only or a 2.4GHz adapter
The Ultimate 2 and Pro 3 come with a 2.4GHz adapter and a charging dock. One Pro 3 owner prefers 2.4GHz because you never have to pair, while Bluetooth-only models like the Ultimate 2C and Pro 2 keep things simple.
Do you need to wake the console?
If you like turning on your Switch 2 from the couch with the controller, skip the Ultimate 2C. An Ultimate 2 owner confirms wake-on-shake works on Switch 2.
FAQ
What is the best 8BitDo controller for Switch 2?
For most people, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth is the best 8BitDo controller for Switch 2. It has TMR sticks, back paddles, a charging dock and a 2.4GHz adapter, and an owner confirms it works with Switch 2 including wake-on-shake. On a budget, the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth is the best value.
Do 8BitDo controllers work on Switch 2?
Many do, including the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, Ultimate 2C Bluetooth, Pro 3, Pro 2, original Ultimate Bluetooth, Ultimate C Bluetooth and 64 Bluetooth. Most need a firmware update first, and 8BitDo lists Switch 2 system version 20.1.1 or later.
Can an 8BitDo controller wake up the Switch 2?
It depends on the model. 8BitDo says the Ultimate 2C can’t wake a Switch 2, while an Ultimate 2 Bluetooth owner says shake-to-wake works on Switch 2.
Is the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 better than the Switch 2 Pro Controller?
It offers features the official controller doesn’t list, such as TMR sticks, switchable triggers and a charging dock, and one owner says it feels as good as the Pro Controller 2. However, 8BitDo controllers need firmware updates for Switch 2 and may not support every Nintendo feature.
Which 8BitDo controller is best for Nintendo 64 games on Switch 2?
The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth. It keeps the N64 layout with C buttons, and owners say it connects easily to Switch 2 with strong rumble in Nintendo 64 Online.
Final Verdict: Which 8BitDo Controller Should You Buy for Switch 2?
All five picks are among the best 8BitDo controllers for Switch 2. The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth is the best all-rounder, with TMR sticks, a dock and wake-on-shake. The Ultimate 2C Bluetooth is the best value if you don’t mind waking the console another way. Retro fans should pick the Pro 3 for its D-pad and swappable buttons, or the Pro 2 for its swappable battery, and N64 fans should grab the 8BitDo 64. Playing on PC too? See our guide to the best PC controllers.
