8BitDo has revealed a pair of exciting new controllers for fighting game enthusiasts. Launching July 15 for Switch/PC and Xbox/PC, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller is a thin, leverless fight pad. All-button arcade “sticks” have become quite popular in the fighting game scene in recent years; some players find that the dedicated directional and jump buttons make it easier to hit precise inputs for special moves and combos. However, leverless models tend to be expensive, especially if you’re looking for a reliable and customizable device. At $90-$100, 8BitDo’s Arcade Controller will be the most affordable option from a major brand, and both models offer wireless connections on their respective platforms as well as PC. You can preorder the 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Switch/PC and Xbox/PC at Amazon.
$100 | Releases July 25
As mentioned above, the new leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controllers use a button-only layout. Both models include four directional buttons (up, down, left, right), eight face buttons, and four additional remappable buttons. Each button uses hot-swappable Kailh Wizard low-profile mechanical switches, and the extra buttons also come with swappable locking flat caps in case you don’t want to use them and want to avoid accidental presses. Both models also feature platform-specific inputs–like the Xbox Guide button and Switch Home button–for navigating the console’s menus and interface.
These leverless models are thinner and lighter than the previously released 8BitDo Arcade Controllers with joysticks, with a smudge-resistant material on the top panel, and a slip-resistant silicone mat on the bottom so it stays in place while playing. They also have foldable magnetic feet so you can adjust the angle.
The Xbox version of the leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controller connects wirelessly to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or PC with the included 2.4GHz dongle. The included USB-C cable can be used to establish a wired connection as well as charge the Arcade Controller.
While the hot-swappable PCBs are convenient for modding the device’s buttons and switches to your preferences, you can also personalize the button mapping and other options on PC or Xbox using 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software X. One of those customizations is the RGB lighting rings around the buttons, which are exclusive to the Xbox model.
$90 | Releases July 25
The Switch version of the leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controller the same button layout and overall design as the Xbox edition, but it’s $10 cheaper and adds Bluetooth support. Since it uses Bluetooth to sync wirelessly with your Nintendo Switch, you should have no problem pairing it to the upcoming Switch 2 console.
The Switch edition still comes with a 2.4GHz dongle for wireless play on PC, just like the Xbox model. The detachable charging cable can be used for wired mode on Switch or PC. So if you’re buying the controller for PC, you can save $10 by opting for the Switch version. You will miss out on the backlit buttons, but the Switch edition does have a cool retro-themed design.
The gray, black, and red color scheme pays homage to the Nintendo Entertainment System. The trio of bright menu buttons running along the top nod back to the SNES controller’s face buttons.
Button mapping and other competition-focused control customizations can be applied to the Switch edition using 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2.
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For those who prefer the traditional feel of a joystick, the original 8BitDo Arcade Controller is also available now. Like the levelerless edition, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller with a joystick is available in Switch and Xbox versions, and both work with PC. The Switch/PC model is $90, while the Xbox/PC model is $120 and available in either black or white color options.
8BitDo makes plenty of other great controllers, including conventional, highly customizable controllers like the recently released 8BitDo Ultimate 2 for PC/Android and 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth for Nintendo Switch/PC. The Ultimate 2 improves on its predecessor in a variety of ways. It has TMR electromagnetic sticks, four remappable buttons, customizable lighting rings, and trigger locks.
If you’re interested in the Xbox edition Arcade Controller, you should also check out the newly released 3-Mode Ultimate Controller, which works wirelessly with PC and Android and with a wired connection on Xbox. Officially licensed by Xbox, the new model has a transparent green color scheme inspired by one of the original Xbox’s most popular special-edition consoles. Earlier this year, 8BitDo released a transparent green mechanical keyboard and gaming mouse. Though neither of these wireless peripherals are compatible with Xbox, they are versatile, budget-friendly options for PC and Mac users. The Xbox Edition Retro Mechanical Keyboard is on sale for only $80 (was $120) at Woot.