8BitDo’s drift-free mobile controller is on sale for the first time – The Verge
By Quentyn Kennemer, a writer who helps The Verge’s readers save money by surfacing the best tech deals and presenting the latest product recommendations from our experts. He has covered tech and gaming for all of his 15-plus-year career for publications like Forbes, Business Insider, and more.If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.While the cradle-style Backbone One is a great mobile controller we often recommend, it’s not the right choice for everyone. Thankfully, 8BitDo’s Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is a cheaper alternative for Android users, one that’s available at Amazon in black for $39.99 ($10 off) for the first time. That’s well below the Backbone One’s $100 MSRP and its typical sale price of $69.99.The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile doesn’t connect via a USB-C or Lightning port like other mobile options. Instead, it uses Bluetooth for wireless compatibility with most smartphones running Android 9.0 or later. (Sorry, iPhone users!) That does mean you’ll need to recharge it occasionally, but 8BitDo says it only requires a 1.5-hour charge for 15 hours of gameplay. It can also accommodate any phone measuring between 100mm and 170mm in length.In terms of hardware, 8BitDo’s mobile gamepad offers an Xbox-style button layout and ergonomics, with four face buttons, a clicky D-pad, dual bumpers, and drift-free Hall effect sticks and triggers that should be less prone to failure over time. It also features two rear buttons, a dedicated profile button, and turbo functionality, all of which are customizable with 8BitDo’s excellent Ultimate Software.8BitDo’s mobile gamepad offers an Xbox-style grip and compatibility with phones running Android 9.0 or later. It offers drift-free Hall effect sticks and triggers, along with two back buttons, and you can customize mapping profiles using 8BitDo’s desktop or mobile software. / Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we’ve tested sent to your inbox weekly. / Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we’ve tested sent to your inbox weekly.The Verge is a vox media network© 2025 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved
