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Why it matters: Accessory maker 8BitDo is renowned for its high-quality, retro-inspired gamepads. It just added another to its line called the Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller. This pad lets you ditch those finicky on-screen controls for a proper physical gamepad experience on your Android smartphone or tablet.
8BitDo opened pre-orders for its Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller this week, with shipping to start November 29. The attachable gamepad comes in black or white and clamps onto any Android phone or tablet between 3.9" to 6.6" in length. Unlike the ever-popular Backbone One, it connects over Bluetooth instead of the phone's data port, so it needs a battery.
Like the other gamepads in 8BitDo's Ultimate line, the mobile version has impressive hardware, including Hall Effect joysticks and triggers. Hall effect sensors have become popular recently because they are not prone to issues like joystick drift and phantom button presses. The asymmetrical joysticks are made from metal instead of plastic and are highly wear-resistant.
8BitDo recalibrated the four-way directional D-pad and bumpers to give them a "clicky" yet smooth feel. The gamepad also sports all the typical buttons and controls of a traditional controller but also has a pair of programmable paddle buttons on the back as a nice touch. The face buttons sport an Xbox-style configuration, so Xbox owners should feel right at home.
At 236 grams, the Ultimate Controller is noticeably heavier than slimmer options like the 138g Backbone One. This excess weight is likely due to its need for a battery. Its integrated 350mAh rechargeable cell provides a respectable 15 hours of gameplay and only takes 1.5 hours to charge. The Backbone One piggybacks on the device's power supply.
The controller is fully compatible with 8BitDo's Ultimate Software, offering deep customization. The desktop/mobile app allows users to remap any input, create macros, set up multiple profiles, and adjust analog stick and trigger sensitivity for individual game styles like shooters. This functionality also means that even though it uses an Xbox configuration, PlayStation users can reconfigure the face buttons to enjoy Remote Play from their Android. Sorry. There is no iPhone version yet.
The Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is available from Amazon for $49.99.