8BitDo Arcade Controller

The 8BitDo Arcade Controller is a leverless, ultra-thin controller designed for precision and competitive gaming, available in two versions: one for Nintendo Switch and Windows, and another officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows. It’s marketed as a portable, esports-ready device with a footprint roughly the size of an A4 sheet of paper and a thickness of 1.6 cm.

Key Features

Leverless Design: Uses an all-button layout with 16 Kailh Wizard low-profile mechanical switches for precise, ultra-fast inputs, ideal for fighting games like Street Fighter. The quad-movement layout replaces the traditional joystick, reducing input delay for quicker directional commands, which is popular among competitive players.

Connectivity: Supports 2.4GHz wireless via a USB receiver (with a magnetic storage slot), Bluetooth, and wired USB-C connections. The Xbox version uses 2.4GHz and wired options but lacks Bluetooth for Xbox due to Microsoft’s licensing restrictions for wireless controllers.

Customization: Fully customizable via 8BitDo Ultimate Software, allowing button remapping, macro creation, and profile switching. The Xbox version also supports RGB lighting adjustments and SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Direction) cleaning for tournament compliance.

Tournament Features: Includes esports-ready features like SOCD cleaning and tournament lock, with four programmable buttons (P1, P2, P3, P4) that can be disabled with included flat lock caps to prevent accidental presses during competitive play.

Build and Portability: Made with a metal body for durability, adjustable to two angles for comfort, and smudge-resistant. Its slim design makes it a great travel companion for tournament players.

Battery Life: Offers up to 30 hours via 2.4GHz and slightly less with Bluetooth, with a four-hour charge time via USB-C.

Compatibility: The standard version works with Nintendo Switch and Windows, while the Xbox version is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows. Neither version officially supports iOS or Android, though some users have reported partial functionality with workarounds.

The Switch/Windows version retails for around $90, while the Xbox version is priced at approximately $119.99. Pre-orders for the Xbox version were available as of June 2023, with shipping for the latest models expected by July 15, 2025.Available through 8BitDo’s official store, Amazon, and other retailers.