8BitDo has partnered with Xbox on a new edition of its Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller. Unlike the original model that 8BitDo debuted last holiday season, the Xbox-licensed model supports iPhone. We'll be testing the revised model in the coming weeks and will update this article with our impressions, but it has the same features as the Android-only original--and that controller is great.
Like all 8BitDo controllers, the Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth carries a budget-friendly price: $50. But even from a manufacturer known for offering customizable pro-style controllers with high-end performance at low prices, the $50 price is a bit surprising. 8BitDo's other collaborations with Xbox--Series X|S controllers, arcade sticks, a keyboard and matching mouse--generally cost a bit more than comparable versions without the Xbox license. But the $50 price here matches the cost of the Android version, and the new one supports iPhone and Android. It swaps the normal 8BitDo home button for an Xbox button, which can be used to pull up the Xbox Cloud Gaming guide menu.
8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller for iOS and Android
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Earlier this year, 8BitDo released a mobile controller that plugs into your smartphone via USB-C, but it has flown a bit under the radar. Made in collaboration with XR glasses manufacturer Viture, the translucent black 8BitDo Mobile Controller with USB-C is only compatible with Android and costs $79. An iPhone version of the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate is in the works and is expected to release this year. You don't need Viture XR Glasses to use the USB-C version, but we'd recommend checking out the XR glasses regardless because the wearable display tech is immensely impressive.
The Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller is half the regular price of the popular Backbone One. Regular is in italics because Amazon has the Backbone One 2nd Gen for $70 (was $100) and the 1st Gen models for $60 right now. From a build perspective, I preferred the original 8BitDo Mobile Controller for Android over the Backbone One. That said, Backbone's app is also a pretty awesome console-like launcher, whereas 8BitDo's Ultimate Software is just for control configuration. The Backbone connects to your phone's USB-C or Lightning port, which is typically better than Bluetooth in terms of input response times--though many people won't notice the difference. The Backbone One doesn't have back buttons or full-sized sticks; for those features, you have to make the jump to the recently released Backbone Pro. It's an excellent controller--you can read our review here--but it's also pricey at $170.
Razer also makes popular USB-C mobile controllers for iOS and Android. Just last month, the popular manufacturer released the Kishi V3 series with three different models starting at $100. Only the $100 Kishi V3 base model is comparable to the 8BitDo Ultimate or Backbone, but it's a rather impressive option thanks to TMR electromagnetic sticks, remappable back buttons, and a premium build. The $150 Kishi V3 Pro also works on iPhone and Android phones as well as 8-inch tablets. It has extra features such as remappable claw bumpers and Razer's mecha-tactile, mouse-like button. The $200 Kishi V3 Pro XL, for reference, is only for 11- to 13-inch tablets, including the iPad Pro.
8BitDo's Mobile Controller isn't cheaper than all of its competitors. GameSir, a controller manufacturer that's on the rise, has a range of mobile controller options for iOS and Android with varying form factors, connection types, and price points. The GameSir X5 Lite, for instance, launched in April with a $35 price point. It connects to iPhone 15/16 and small tablets like the iPad Mini via USB-C. This model doesn't have back buttons, but it does have Hall Effect sticks. GameSir also has its own app called GameHub with a launcher UI similar to Backbone. GameSir has several other compelling mobile controller options, including the G8 Plus Galileo, an $80 Bluetooth controller that supports iOS, Android, and Nintendo consoles. The G8 Plus even works with Switch 2. Walmart is selling the G8 Plus for $50 right now, but this deal is likely to disappear tonight (July 13).
The new Ultimate Mobile Controller is just the latest of many collaborations between Xbox and 8BitDo. Earlier this year, 8BitDo released a mechanical gaming keyboard and mouse inspired by the transparent green original Xbox console. To be clear, neither accessory works on Xbox consoles, but both can be used on PC and mobile devices. The keyboard/mouse were followed up by a matching transparent green Ultimate 3-Mode Controller. This is 8BitDo's high-end Xbox controller, but like every other conventional 8BitDo Xbox controller, it only works with a wired connection on Xbox. You can use it wirelessly on PC (2.4GHz) and Android (Bluetooth).
Later this month, 8BitDo is releasing an all-button arcade controller. Two editions are available to preorder at Amazon, including a $100 edition that's licensed by Xbox. Like the original 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox, the leverless arcade controller supports 2.4GHz Wireless on Xbox. The only other wireless controllers for Xbox made by 8BitDo are the Lite SE accessibility controller and the media remotes.
8BitDo manufactures several other wired Xbox controllers, including the Pro 2, which has a PlayStation-style stick layout, the Sega Genesis-inspired M30, and the budget-friendly Ultimate C and Mini Controllers.
A few years ago, 8BitDo released an Xbox edition of its popular SN30 Pro Controller. Though the Xbox version looks cool, it's only compatible with Android and Apple devices, whereas the unlicensed model works on Switch and PC and has been updated with Hall Effect sticks.
For more Xbox-licensed 8BitDo accessories, check out the Amazon hub we created below:
Source
Like all 8BitDo controllers, the Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth carries a budget-friendly price: $50. But even from a manufacturer known for offering customizable pro-style controllers with high-end performance at low prices, the $50 price is a bit surprising. 8BitDo's other collaborations with Xbox--Series X|S controllers, arcade sticks, a keyboard and matching mouse--generally cost a bit more than comparable versions without the Xbox license. But the $50 price here matches the cost of the Android version, and the new one supports iPhone and Android. It swaps the normal 8BitDo home button for an Xbox button, which can be used to pull up the Xbox Cloud Gaming guide menu.
8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller for iOS and Android
Gallery
8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller with USB-C
Earlier this year, 8BitDo released a mobile controller that plugs into your smartphone via USB-C, but it has flown a bit under the radar. Made in collaboration with XR glasses manufacturer Viture, the translucent black 8BitDo Mobile Controller with USB-C is only compatible with Android and costs $79. An iPhone version of the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate is in the works and is expected to release this year. You don't need Viture XR Glasses to use the USB-C version, but we'd recommend checking out the XR glasses regardless because the wearable display tech is immensely impressive.
8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller vs. the competition for iPhone
The Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller is half the regular price of the popular Backbone One. Regular is in italics because Amazon has the Backbone One 2nd Gen for $70 (was $100) and the 1st Gen models for $60 right now. From a build perspective, I preferred the original 8BitDo Mobile Controller for Android over the Backbone One. That said, Backbone's app is also a pretty awesome console-like launcher, whereas 8BitDo's Ultimate Software is just for control configuration. The Backbone connects to your phone's USB-C or Lightning port, which is typically better than Bluetooth in terms of input response times--though many people won't notice the difference. The Backbone One doesn't have back buttons or full-sized sticks; for those features, you have to make the jump to the recently released Backbone Pro. It's an excellent controller--you can read our review here--but it's also pricey at $170.
Razer also makes popular USB-C mobile controllers for iOS and Android. Just last month, the popular manufacturer released the Kishi V3 series with three different models starting at $100. Only the $100 Kishi V3 base model is comparable to the 8BitDo Ultimate or Backbone, but it's a rather impressive option thanks to TMR electromagnetic sticks, remappable back buttons, and a premium build. The $150 Kishi V3 Pro also works on iPhone and Android phones as well as 8-inch tablets. It has extra features such as remappable claw bumpers and Razer's mecha-tactile, mouse-like button. The $200 Kishi V3 Pro XL, for reference, is only for 11- to 13-inch tablets, including the iPad Pro.
8BitDo's Mobile Controller isn't cheaper than all of its competitors. GameSir, a controller manufacturer that's on the rise, has a range of mobile controller options for iOS and Android with varying form factors, connection types, and price points. The GameSir X5 Lite, for instance, launched in April with a $35 price point. It connects to iPhone 15/16 and small tablets like the iPad Mini via USB-C. This model doesn't have back buttons, but it does have Hall Effect sticks. GameSir also has its own app called GameHub with a launcher UI similar to Backbone. GameSir has several other compelling mobile controller options, including the G8 Plus Galileo, an $80 Bluetooth controller that supports iOS, Android, and Nintendo consoles. The G8 Plus even works with Switch 2. Walmart is selling the G8 Plus for $50 right now, but this deal is likely to disappear tonight (July 13).
More Xbox-licensed 8BitDo Gaming Gear
8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard for PC, Mac, and MobileThe new Ultimate Mobile Controller is just the latest of many collaborations between Xbox and 8BitDo. Earlier this year, 8BitDo released a mechanical gaming keyboard and mouse inspired by the transparent green original Xbox console. To be clear, neither accessory works on Xbox consoles, but both can be used on PC and mobile devices. The keyboard/mouse were followed up by a matching transparent green Ultimate 3-Mode Controller. This is 8BitDo's high-end Xbox controller, but like every other conventional 8BitDo Xbox controller, it only works with a wired connection on Xbox. You can use it wirelessly on PC (2.4GHz) and Android (Bluetooth).
Later this month, 8BitDo is releasing an all-button arcade controller. Two editions are available to preorder at Amazon, including a $100 edition that's licensed by Xbox. Like the original 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox, the leverless arcade controller supports 2.4GHz Wireless on Xbox. The only other wireless controllers for Xbox made by 8BitDo are the Lite SE accessibility controller and the media remotes.
8BitDo manufactures several other wired Xbox controllers, including the Pro 2, which has a PlayStation-style stick layout, the Sega Genesis-inspired M30, and the budget-friendly Ultimate C and Mini Controllers.
A few years ago, 8BitDo released an Xbox edition of its popular SN30 Pro Controller. Though the Xbox version looks cool, it's only compatible with Android and Apple devices, whereas the unlicensed model works on Switch and PC and has been updated with Hall Effect sticks.
- 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse (PC, Mac, Mobile) -- $54 ($60) with coupon
- 8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (PC, Mac, Mobile) -- $110 ($120)
- 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, Android) -- $70
- 8BitDo Pro 2 Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) -- $40.49 ($45)
- 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller -- $50
- 8BitDo All-Button Wireless Arcade Controller (Xbox, PC) -- $100 | Releases July 25
- 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick - Black (Xbox, PC) -- $95.40 ($120) with coupon
- 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick - White (Xbox, PC) -- $96 ($120)
- 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Mobile) -- $36 ($40)
- 8BitDo M30 Sega-Inspired Wired Controller (Xbox) -- $31.49 ($35)
- 8BitDo Lite SE Wireless Accessibility Controller (Xbox, PC) -- $40.33 ($60)
- 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) -- $30 ($45)
- 8BitDo Ultimate C Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) -- $31.49 ($35)
- 8BitDo Ultimate Mini Wired Controller (Xbox, PC) -- $31.49 ($35)
- 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote - Short Edition -- $20
- 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote - Long Edition -- $25
- 8BitDo Xbox Controller Charging Dock -- $22.49 ($25)
- 8BitDo Xbox Dual Controller Charging Dock -- $30 ($45)
For more Xbox-licensed 8BitDo accessories, check out the Amazon hub we created below:
Source