8BitDo announces its ‘most advanced controller ever’ for Switch, Android and PC

Popular retro-themed controller maker 8BitDo has announced its latest controller, the 8BitDo Pro 2.

The new peripheral is described as the company’s “most advanced controller ever”, and is compatible with Switch, PC, Android, macOS and Raspberry Pi.

The Pro 2 features two extra paddle buttons located behind the controller, so players can press them without taking their thumbs off the dual analogue sticks, the firm says.

It also has a switch that allows the player to quickly change the controller input setting between Switch, Android, D-input and X-input so it can easily pair to devices that only support certain types.

The controller also supports 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software, a PC, Android and iOS app that lets players adjust stick and trigger sensitivity, vibration control and button mapping, and also create button combination macros and assign everything to one of three controller profiles.

Players can either connect wirelessly using Bluetooth 4.0, or plug their controller directly into a device for wired play using the included USB cable.

The controller’s built-in 1000mAh Li-on battery lasts 20 hours with a 4-hour charging time.

The 8BitDo Pro 2 will be released on April 12 and will come in three colours: black, ‘G Classic’ (which is designed to look like the Game Boy) and grey (which is based on the original PlayStation controller).

8BitDo will also be releasing a carrying case for the controller, as well as a smartphone clip which will let players connect it to a phone. Both will be sold separately.