8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
Our verdict · Pro-style features at a mid-budget price, the standout choice when money is tight.
Buy it if
They game on PC or Android and you want drift-resistant sticks and back buttons without paying premium-controller money.
Skip it if
They play primarily on PlayStation, Xbox or Switch consoles, as this model targets Windows and Android.
Where to get it
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
From £45
Indicative price at the time of review.
Compare prices
Opens a live price comparison and retailer search for current prices and availability.
The Ultimate 2 is our value pick because it borrows features usually reserved for pricier pads and lands at an indicative £45 or so. 8BitDo lists drift-resistant TMR joysticks, switchable Hall-effect or tactile triggers, rear buttons, motion control and an included charging dock, and the controller has drawn strong customer feedback for that specification-per-pound. It sits below the Elite Series 2 because it is aimed at Windows and Android rather than the major consoles, and its build and software polish are a step below Microsoft's, that is the trade-off you accept for the lower price. For a PC gamer, though, it is arguably the smartest-spend gift here, offering most of what casual and mid-level players want from a premium pad.
The good & the bad
Pros
- Drift-resistant TMR sticks and switchable trigger types at a mid-budget price
- Includes a charging dock, so it doubles as a desk stand
- Strong customer feedback for features relative to cost
Cons
- This model targets Windows and Android, not PlayStation, Xbox or Switch
- Software and build are a notch below premium first-party pads
How it compares
| Pick | WATTB Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Gen 2) | 92/100 | From £150 (indicative; RRP £179.99) | overall gaming gift |
| 2.Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 | 91/100 | From £145 (full edition, indicative; RRP £159.99; Core version around £105) | premium gift for console gamers |
| 3.8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless ControllerThis pick | 89/100 | From £45 (indicative) | value gift |
| 4.Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 | 87/100 | From £120 (indicative) | gift for streamers and creators |
| 5.Backbone One (USB-C, 2nd Gen) | 84/100 | From £80 (indicative; RRP around £100) | gift for mobile gamers |
Key facts
- Best for
- value gift
- Typical cost
- From £45 (indicative)
- Platforms
- Windows PC and Android (this model)
- Sticks
- TMR joysticks (drift-resistant)
- Triggers
- Switchable Hall-effect / tactile
- Extras
- Rear buttons, motion control, charging dock
Insider tip · 8BitDo sells several similarly named pads (a Bluetooth version covers Switch, and there is a 2C), so check the platform icons on the box before buying.
Researched by WATTB
- Published
- 13 September 2026
- Updated
- 13 September 2026
- Last verified
- 13 September 2026
- Sources
- 8 sources
We research and rank options from public data, official information and published reviews. How we research →
Written by
Keep comparing
More from The Best Gifts for Gamers in the UK for 2026
Stay in the loop
A newsletter is on the way
Sign-ups aren't open yet — check back soon.