8BitDo has collaborated with Xbox to launch a new version of its Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller. This officially licensed model now supports iPhone, unlike the original version released previously which was Android-only. We plan to test this updated controller soon and will share our review, but it retains the features of the excellent original model.
Continuing 8BitDo`s reputation for offering affordable yet high-performance controllers, the Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth is available at a competitive price point of $50. This pricing is noteworthy, particularly for an Xbox-licensed product, as other collaborations between 8BitDo and Xbox, such as console controllers or accessories, usually carry a higher price tag compared to their unlicensed versions. However, this new iteration maintains the $50 price of the original Android-only model while adding iPhone compatibility. A notable change is the inclusion of an Xbox button instead of the standard 8BitDo home button, allowing quick access to the Xbox Cloud Gaming guide menu.
The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller is available in black or white. Both colors come with black analog sticks, face buttons using the standard Xbox color layout, and a classic-style D-pad typical of 8BitDo controllers. The handles are tactically designed with contours that feel similar to console or PC controllers. Featuring several premium components and capabilities, the Ultimate makes a compelling alternative to mobile controllers priced significantly higher. It includes two remappable back buttons and uses Hall Effect sensors for both its full-sized thumbsticks and triggers. Hall Effect technology provides smoother performance and helps prevent stick drift. With 8BitDo`s Ultimate Software V2, users can customize input mapping, adjust sensitivity for sticks and triggers, and save up to three personalized profiles.
The adjustable phone holder is designed to fit all iPhone models and most Android phones, supporting devices with lengths between 100mm and 170mm (3.93 to 6.69 inches). The phone cradle ensures a secure fit and protects your device with a rubberized back and side tabs, along with slightly protruding bottom corners for extra support.
Connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth, the controller is also compatible with Android tablets, iPads, Macs, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. 8BitDo states the 300mAh battery offers up to 13 hours of use on a full charge, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Key Features
- Officially licensed by Xbox for Cloud Gaming
- Available in black and white
- Connects wirelessly via Bluetooth
- Holds iPhone and Android phones
- Adjustable clamp supports devices 3.93-6.69 inches (100-170mm) in length
- Two remappable back buttons
- Hall Effect analog sticks
- Hall Effect triggers
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad
- Dedicated Xbox Guide button
- Battery life up to 13 hours
- Charges via USB-C
- Customizable settings using Ultimate Software V2 (Adjust sensitivity, remap buttons, create profiles)
Note: Unlike some other 8BitDo controllers, this Xbox-licensed model does not feature a turbo button.
Comparing the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller with iPhone Competitors
The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller is considerably more budget-friendly than popular alternatives like the Backbone One. While Backbone provides a feature-rich companion app that acts as a game launcher (whereas 8BitDo`s software is solely for controller configuration), it connects directly to the phone`s port (USB-C or Lightning), offering generally lower input latency than Bluetooth. However, the standard Backbone One model does not include features present on the 8BitDo Ultimate, such as remappable back buttons or full-sized analog sticks. These are only found on the higher-priced Backbone Pro.
Razer also offers popular mobile controllers, the Kishi V3 series, which connect via USB-C for both iOS and Android devices. The entry-level Kishi V3 is a notable competitor to the 8BitDo Ultimate and Backbone, boasting features like TMR electromagnetic sticks, remappable back buttons, and a premium construction. More advanced models, such as the Kishi V3 Pro, include additional features like remappable `claw` bumpers and mecha-tactile buttons, and support larger devices, whereas the Kishi V3 Pro XL is designed exclusively for large tablets.
While competitively priced, the 8BitDo controller is not the absolute cheapest option available. GameSir, a rising controller brand, offers a diverse range of mobile controllers for iOS and Android, varying in design, connection type, and price. For instance, the GameSir X5 Lite connects via USB-C to newer iPhones and smaller tablets, featuring Hall Effect sticks but lacking back buttons. GameSir also provides the GameHub app, which serves as a launcher similar to Backbone`s. Another notable offering is the GameSir G8 Plus Galileo, a Bluetooth controller compatible with iOS, Android, and Nintendo consoles, including the Switch 2.
Other Xbox-Licensed Gaming Gear from 8BitDo
The new Ultimate Mobile Controller represents the latest outcome of the continued collaboration between Xbox and 8BitDo. Earlier this year, they launched a mechanical gaming keyboard and mouse inspired by the original transparent green Xbox console. It`s important to note that while these accessories work with PC and mobile devices, they are not compatible with Xbox consoles directly. Following these, a matching transparent green Ultimate 3-Mode Controller was released. This high-end controller from 8BitDo connects to Xbox consoles only via a wired connection, though it supports wireless use on PC (via 2.4GHz) and Android (via Bluetooth).
Additionally, 8BitDo plans to release an all-button arcade controller later this month, including an Xbox-licensed version. Similar to their previous 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox, this `leverless` arcade controller will feature 2.4GHz wireless support for Xbox consoles. Apart from this and the previous arcade stick, the only other 8BitDo wireless controllers compatible with Xbox are the Lite SE accessibility controller and the media remotes.
8BitDo also produces several other wired controllers compatible with Xbox, such as the Pro 2 (featuring a PlayStation-style analog stick layout), the M30 (inspired by the Sega Genesis controller), and the more affordable Ultimate C and Mini controllers.
Several years ago, 8BitDo released an Xbox-themed version of their popular SN30 Pro Controller. While visually appealing, the Xbox version is only compatible with Android and Apple devices. In contrast, the standard, unlicensed SN30 Pro model works with Switch and PC and has been updated to include Hall Effect sticks.
Other Xbox-licensed 8BitDo accessories include:
- 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse (PC, Mac, Mobile)
- 8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (PC, Mac, Mobile)
- 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, Android)
- 8BitDo Pro 2 Wired Controller (Xbox, PC)
- 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller
- 8BitDo All-Button Wireless Arcade Controller (Xbox, PC)
- 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick – Black (Xbox, PC)
- 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Fight Stick – White (Xbox, PC)
- 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Mobile)
- 8BitDo M30 Sega-Inspired Wired Controller (Xbox)
- 8BitDo Lite SE Wireless Accessibility Controller (Xbox, PC)
- 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller (Xbox, PC)
- 8BitDo Ultimate C Wired Controller (Xbox, PC)
- 8BitDo Ultimate Mini Wired Controller (Xbox, PC)
- 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote – Short Edition
- 8BitDo Xbox Media Remote – Long Edition
- 8BitDo Xbox Controller Charging Dock
- 8BitDo Xbox Dual Controller Charging Dock