I love this controller. I was psyched to buy this controller for two reasons: 1) because it looks like a Super Nintendo controller, which is one of my favorite designs for retro gaming, and 2) because it looked like a great all-in-one controller that could work with a variety of devices. First I'd like to discuss the design and then I'll discuss how it works with all of my devices, but if you're looking for a quick review: it's a great controller that plays nice with all of my devices, and it feels great to use.
The controller is pretty comfortable and all the buttons are surprisingly easy to reach. I'm going to be comparing it to a Super Nintendo controller from this point on, as that's clearly what it it takes it's design cues from. It's angled in a way that makes it slightly more ergonomic than the SNES controller, which makes the added buttons and joysticks feel pretty natural. The buttons and D-pad are a lot clicky-er than an SNES controller, which might be good or bad depending on your preferences. I liked the clicky buttons and pad in theory, but when playing, they're definitely a little rougher on the hands than the squishier buttons on a worn-in pad. Time and extended use may change that, though.
The build-quality is fantastic. This feels like a premium controller, from the plastic used on the body to the rubber of the joysticks, evertyhing looks great. The gyro-aiming works phenomenally on the Nintendo Switch, and the vibration is great. I love the new, more original design of the SN30 Pros, they look very premium.
The only downside of the design is one I can't really fault the SN30 Pro for: the joysticks, while perfectly usable, are a bit awkward to use on a design that was never meant to have joysticks. It doesn't bother me because I purchased this controller with the mentality of: I'm mostly using this controller for 2D games that use the D-pad, and having the joysticks for 3D games is just a bonus. And the joysticks are comfortable and responsive, so with that mindset, I'm very happy with them. It's a bit awkward, but very usable.
Here's a list of the devices I wanted to be able to use this controller with: Nintendo Switch, Mac, Windows PC (dual-booting in Bootcamp), and with my NES and SNES Classic using the 8Bitdo Retro Receiver. That's 4/5 devices that this controller had to work well with, which is asking a lot of one controller.
To get to the point: this controller works great with all of them. Pairing between devices is quick and fluid, or at least as quick as each individual device will allow. It even includes a handy list of shortcuts to set the controller to pair to each device on the back. I recently begun using it as my primary controller in Windows and I fell in love again with how fluidly everything worked. Windows detects the controller as an Xbox controller, so you'll have to mentally re-map the buttons in your head on the fly, but I got used to it pretty quick.
This controller exceeded all of the expectations I had for it. It's a great little device that feels good to use and plays nice with all of my devices. The only flaws it has are things that are just inherent to it's design, and I think it's a fair compromise to have such a fantastic reinterpretation of a retro classic. 8bitdo knocked it out of the park.
8Bitdo SN30 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Controller (Hall Effect Joystick Update) with Joysticks Rumble Vibration USB-C Cable Gamep
4.6
| 3,078 ratingsPrice: 44.99
Last update: 09-09-2024
About this item
【2023 New Version 】This bluetooth gamepad is an upgraded transparent version of 8Bitdo SN30 Pro, Ultra-compatible with Switch, Windows, macOS, & Android, Steam.
【Retro Design】Classic cross button and four shoulder-button design. For the player to create the classic retro design full-key gamepad, support for vibration, custom keys and other functions.
【Dual Mode Support】It adopts bluetooth wireless, and USB-C cable is connected in 2 ways. And built in lithium ion battery,16 play hours with 1-2hours charging time.
【Fully featured Controller】The SN30 Pro boasts the features of clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, motion controls, wireless Bluetooth, rechargeable battery, home and screenshot Buttons and a USB-C connector, bring more realistic game enjoyment.
【Tips】This is a precise gift for your friend or amily, and we hope you will be satisfied with our products. If you have any question, please tell us and we will solve the problem with 24 hours..
【Retro Design】Classic cross button and four shoulder-button design. For the player to create the classic retro design full-key gamepad, support for vibration, custom keys and other functions.
【Dual Mode Support】It adopts bluetooth wireless, and USB-C cable is connected in 2 ways. And built in lithium ion battery,16 play hours with 1-2hours charging time.
【Fully featured Controller】The SN30 Pro boasts the features of clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, motion controls, wireless Bluetooth, rechargeable battery, home and screenshot Buttons and a USB-C connector, bring more realistic game enjoyment.
【Tips】This is a precise gift for your friend or amily, and we hope you will be satisfied with our products. If you have any question, please tell us and we will solve the problem with 24 hours..
Product information
ASIN | B0BW3T9YBP |
---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
3,078 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Package Dimensions | 6.57 x 3.54 x 2.13 inches; 9.88 ounces |
Type of item | Video Game |
Item Weight | 9.9 ounces |
Manufacturer | 8Bitdo |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. |
Date First Available | February 17, 2023 |