| Price | Amazon |
| Release | July 15, 2025 |
| Compatibility* | XSX / NS / PC |
| Dimensions | 11.9″ x 7.9″ x 0.9″ |
| Weight | 2.42 lbs |
Other Editions
Introduction
This may be one of the most important articles you read as a fighting gamer. The truth of the matter is the 8BitDo Arcade Stick is one of the most prominent in the history of the fightstick industry, and now that the company is dabbling with the leverless layout: leverless fans can finally get to enjoy this company’s controllers with the 8BitDo Arcade Controller!
With that being said, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller looks like the 8BitDo Arcade Stick from a top-down view, but look at it from the side, and you will quickly realize how slim it is.
We’re talking less than an inch thick (so, roughly a third of the 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s thickness). That’s because the 8BitDo Arcade Controller doesn’t need to be thick enough to accommodate a lever.
Performance
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s 16 buttons mean you can also use it like a WASD controller, but compared to most other 16 button controllers, this controller does something a little different…
You see, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s extra buttons are bean-shaped, and they are ergonomically slanted. The button shape gives you more surface area to press the buttons without the need for surgical precision.
Admittedly, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s bean buttons mean that you’re pretty much stuck with them if you’d rather use standard round buttons in their place instead.
However…
There are already so many other controllers with only round buttons, so it’s nice that the 8BitDo Arcade Controller offers you something different in this regard.
Anyway, the extra buttons are quickly remappable/programmable if needed. The 8BitDo Arcade Controller supports the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 for macros, firmware updates—you name it.
(Don’t want the extra buttons? No problem, you can just replace them with the included button lock caps!)
That said, all the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s buttons use low profile Kailh Wizard switches that are hot swappable, so if—for some reason—you don’t like switches that are tactile, light, smooth, and overall satisfying: you can easily take out the switches to then replace them with any compatible switches your prefer. Truth be told, this controller can sound quite loud by default.
On the bright side, though? From having a tournament lock knob to SOCD cleaning, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller strives to be as compliant as possible with competitive rules.
Now, it’s time to check out the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s function buttons:
- L3
- R3
- Select
- Start
(Depending on whether you grab the Nintendo Switch or Xbox Series X edition of the 8BitDo Arcade Controller, you may have a wifi symbol or Xbox logo on one of the function buttons. However, both editions have function buttons with star and heart symbols. As for the Xbox edition: it has view, share, and menu buttons.)
Hardware
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s top is made of tempered glass that is fingerprint-proof and smudge-resistant. You can find plenty of space to rest your palms here.
The bottom of the 8BitDo Arcade Controller has a silicone non-slip mat to prevent the controller from sliding around while you play your favorite fighting game. The magnetic foldable feet made of metal allow you to pick from two angles, much like a keyboard.
Here’s another way the 8BitDo Arcade Controller makes your life easier: you can use it wirelessly. Yep! You can connect to the Switch through Bluetooth and Xbox via 2.4G.
About the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s battery:
- 1,000 mAh lithium ion battery
- Long 20 hour battery life
- Only three hours to charge
A 2.4G adapter is included with your purchase of an 8BitDo Arcade Controller, and there is a magnetic compartment for it. In any case, you can use a knob to pick an input mode, with SInput being for the Switch and XInput being for PC. Needless to say, the Xbox edition is also compatible with the Xbox Series S and Xbox One.
For the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s Xbox edition, there’s a volume knob instead of the input mode knob, and it is to adjust your headphones’ volume. Speaking of which, the Xbox edition has a 3.5 mm audio jack to keep you more focused during a match.
Of course, you can still go for a wired connection with teeny weeny 4 ms input delay (so, almost lag-free). You can find the USB-C port conveniently tucked in the center back. By the way, a cable and manual are also included in your 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s box.
Let’s talk vanity!
Appearance
In classic 8BitDo fashion, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s different editions have color schemes that are authentic to their respective platforms.
Specifically, the Switch edition has off-white, red, and black colors—while the Xbox edition is black with optional green lights. The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s lights are made possible through six RGB LED modes.
Still want more visual customization for your 8BitDo Arcade Controller? Back in the day, people used to add custom art to their 8BitDo Arcade Stick by way of vinyl stickers.
If you’re interested in vinyl art for your 8BitDo Arcade Controller, we at The Arcade Stick have a custom art service in which we can (1) design your art, (2) print it on vinyl, and (3) ship it directly to your doorstep—no matter the country.
Conclusion
With the 8BitDo Arcade Controller, it’s awesome to see 8BitDo’s epic comeback with a couple of leverless controllers that have enough buttons to dominate in modern fighting games, and the bean buttons? Simply overpowered!
- Two editions
- Two layouts
- Six lighting modes
- 16 main buttons
- Bean-button design
- Button lock caps
- Tournament lock
- Hot swappable switches
- SOCD cleaning
- Tempered glass top
- Silicone bottom
- Foldable feet
- Fairly light
- Quite slim
- Headphone port
- Wired or wireless
- Updateable online
- Loud stock parts
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Links
- 8BitDo (Nintendo Switch)
- 8BitDo (Xbox Series X)
- 8BitDo (Signature)
- Amazon (Nintendo Switch)
- Amazon (Xbox Series X)
- Amazon (Signature)