8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller Clear Blue Review

Introduction

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller has been a solid choice for PC and Android gamers, and this new Clear Blue color option adds a strong dose of nostalgia. Inspired by the 30th anniversary of the Nintendo 64, the translucent shell and light blue accents give it a distinctly retro look while keeping modern performance features intact.

At $60, this controller sits at a very reasonable price point. It includes a charging dock, a 2.4 GHz dongle, and a USB-C cable, making it a complete package right out of the box. The Clear Blue edition is available through 8BitDo directly and through authorized distributors, with the same price across all channels.

Design and Nostalgic Appeal

The Clear Blue shell is the standout feature here. The translucent plastic lets you see the internal components, including the rumble motors and circuit boards, which adds to the retro charm. The light blue color is a fitting tribute to the Nintendo 64 era, and it pairs nicely with the gray charging dock and analog sticks.

The buttons feature subtle etching that is hard to see unless light reflects off them at the right angle. The face buttons are glossy with clear labeling underneath, giving them a polished look. The overall aesthetic is clean and nostalgic, though the transparent shell does make the RGB lighting more prominent than on solid-colored versions.

Controls and Feel

The controller uses TMR analog sticks, which provide a magnetic resistance that feels smooth and highly accurate. They have metal bands around the sides, and the 1000Hz polling rate when using the dongle ensures a responsive experience. While not necessarily the best for competitive esports, these sticks are well above what you would get from a first-party controller for everyday gaming.

The D-pad uses clicky dome switches with a rubber membrane underneath, offering a retro feel that is slightly sensitive. Accidental diagonals can happen when rolling between directions, which is great for fighting games but less ideal for precision titles like Tetris. The face buttons are rubber membrane with a slightly clacky, old-school feel, similar to a cross between a Super Nintendo and Xbox 360 controller.

The triggers are analog and shaped like a PS4 controller, with a hair trigger toggle for digital input when playing shooters. The shoulder buttons are clicky but a bit louder than ideal. Two programmable buttons on the back are easy to reach but unobtrusive when not needed.

Software and Customization

The Ultimate 2 software allows for extensive customization. You can remap any button, assign macros, adjust stick dead zones and trigger sensitivity, and fine-tune vibration levels. The software also includes RGB lighting controls, though the options are somewhat limited. You can choose between a few effects like light tracing and a fire ring, but there is no simple single-color mode that stays static.

One of the most interesting features is the hidden Steam Input support. By holding the B button while powering on the controller, it starts up as a Steam Input device, giving you access to all buttons, including the back paddles and top function buttons, for per-game configurations saved to your Steam account. This adds significant functionality without requiring any extra setup in the 8BitDo software.

The RGB lighting is bright, especially with the transparent shell. Even at the lowest brightness setting, the lights remain quite visible, and the profile and power button lights stay on regardless of your RGB settings. This could be distracting in a dark room, and it would be nice to have more control over these specific lights.

Connectivity and Charging Dock

The controller connects via a 2.4 GHz dongle stored inside the charging dock, or via Bluetooth for PC and Android use. The dock itself is straightforward: plug it into your PC with the included USB-C to USB-A cable, and the controller automatically connects when lifted and disconnects when placed back. It also charges the controller while docked, with a subtle LED indicator at the base.

The 500mAh battery provides around 8 to 10 hours of use, which is standard for this type of controller. The dock makes charging effortless, and the overall setup feels clean and elegant compared to a simple cable connection.

Buying Advice

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller in Clear Blue is a great value at $60. It offers excellent controls, a comfortable design, and a wealth of software features, including the hidden Steam Input mode. The nostalgic translucent look is a nice touch for fans of retro gaming aesthetics.

The main drawbacks are the bright RGB lighting that cannot be fully dimmed or turned off, and the slightly sensitive D-pad. If you prefer a more subdued look, other color options are available. If you are willing to wait, the upcoming Ultimate 3 line promises improved ergonomics, but it will start at a higher price point.

Conclusion

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller Clear Blue is a well-rounded controller that combines retro charm with modern performance. The translucent shell, TMR sticks, and comprehensive software make it a compelling choice for PC and Android gamers. While the RGB lighting could be better tuned, the overall package is hard to beat at this price. For $60, this is a controller worth considering.