Why you possibly can belief TechRadar
We spend hours testing each services or products we overview, so that you may be certain you’re shopping for the very best. Find out more about how we test.
8BitDo Final 2: one-minute overview
The 8BitDo Final 2 gaming controller is a reasonably easy improve over the unique 8BitDo Final – a pad that continues to function in our listing of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. And whereas the Final 2 is but to obtain its personal Change-compatible mannequin (it’s simply PC and Android for now, sadly), it stays a really competent gamepad that brings a number of welcome enhancements.
Mainly, the Final 2 now options TMR (tunnelling magnetoresistance, for these curious) thumbsticks. We’ve seen this tech applied in different unbelievable PC controllers such because the GameSir Tarantula Pro, they usually’re simply as welcome right here, providing better stability and longevity than even Corridor impact sticks.
The controller additionally provides two additional shoulder buttons, making for a complete of 4 remappable buttons (the opposite two are discovered on the rear of the pad, like earlier than). You’ll additionally discover a pair of set off locks again there, letting you shortly swap between analog and digital set off presses primarily based in your choice.
The final main addition right here is RGB lighting rings round every thumbstick. These look good and may be personalized through the 8BitDo Final Software program PC companion app. However if you happen to’re taking part in wirelessly, I’d advise in opposition to conserving them on, as they’re a reasonably main drain on the gamepad’s already common battery life.
8BitDo Final 2 overview: worth and availability
- $59.99 / £49.99 (round AU$90)
- Cheaper than the 8BitDo Final at retail worth
- Obtainable through Amazon
The 8BitDo Final 2 controller is available for purchase now from the model’s Amazon retailer. It prices $59.99 / £49.99 (round AU$90), which is definitely $10 / £10 cheaper than its predecessor. Consequently, I can confidently say that if you happen to’re searching for a brand new PC controller within the 8BitDo line up, that is the one to go for. You’re saving money and getting extra options as well.
8BitDo Final 2 overview: Specs
|
Value |
$59.99 / £49.99 (round AU$90) |
|
Weight |
8.7oz / 246g |
|
Dimensions |
5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm |
|
Compatibility |
PC, Android |
|
Connection kind |
Wi-fi (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
|
Battery life |
10-15 hours |
8BitDo Final 2 overview: design and options
- Eye-catching RGB lighting
- Extra remappable buttons
- Helps 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wi-fi connections
As I’ve come to count on from the model, the 8BitDo Final 2 boasts wonderful construct high quality. It feels exceptionally sturdy within the arms, with evenly textured grips permitting the pad to relaxation firmly.
The TMR thumbsticks now function metallic shafts, a pleasing improve over the unique mannequin that not solely seems good however ought to assist the sticks within the longevity division, too. In any other case, the d-pad, face buttons, and central utility buttons (together with Begin, Choose, Dwelling, and many others.) all really feel just like the primary Final. Meaning you possibly can count on very stable supplies general. One good change is that these central buttons are spaced out a lot better right here than on the Final, the place they felt a little bit cramped collectively on that pad.
As talked about above, you’re additionally getting 4 remappable buttons, two on the rear, and two nestled up subsequent to the bumpers and triggers. These are labeled ‘L4’ and ‘R4’ on the left and proper, respectively, whereas the rear paddles are labeled as ‘PL’ and ‘PR’. The rear additionally homes two set off locks for switching between analog and digital set off distances, in addition to a toggle for swapping between Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz wi-fi connections.
In the event you’re curious as to the place the included 2.4GHz dongle is positioned (it took me a second to appreciate this at first), it’s housed throughout the charging dock that the controller additionally comes with. Merely flip open the hatch on the underside and also you’ll discover it tucked inside. One factor to notice right here is that the dongle requires a USB-C port for connection, not like the unique Final controller. That’s naturally nice for Android gadgets, however you might wish to put money into a USB-C to USB adapter in case your gaming PC or laptop computer lacks the mandatory USB-C port.
8BitDo Final 2 overview: Efficiency
- Chic drift-resistant TMR thumbsticks
- Battery life is damage in comparison with the unique Final
- Satisfyingly tactile buttons and triggers
The 8BitDo Final 2 has been my go-to controller for the previous couple of weeks – and never only for testing functions. The controller merely feels unbelievable throughout play, largely owing to the buttery easy TMR thumbsticks and the extremely tactile shoulder and face buttons.
Having examined the controller with titles like Lies of P, Elden Ring Nightreign, Fantasy Life i: The Woman Who Steals Time, Tekken 8, and Final Fantasy 14 On-line, I discover that the 8BitDo Final 2 is well-suited to a broad number of genres and gaming kinds.
One slight dampener, although, is the inclusion of these RGB rings across the thumbsticks. Don’t get me fallacious, they give the impression of being beautiful in motion, and produce a really pleasing transferring mild primarily based on the route you’re pointing the sticks (and reply to button presses, too). It’s snazzy, however the toll it takes on battery life makes them not likely value enabling throughout wi-fi play.
I used to be fairly shocked at first when the batteries emptied from full in round 10 hours, with these RGB lights enabled. Nonetheless, after I performed wirelessly with them switched off, I managed to squeeze a extra fulsome 15 hours earlier than needing to cost. That’s nonetheless not fairly class-leading, however on no account horrible. Nonetheless, given I managed round 20 hours out of the unique Final, it’s actually a downgrade general.
Lastly, a phrase on the Final V2 Software program app for PC. It’s not a lot of a looker with a really primary consumer interface, however it does supply strong customization. Downloadable from 8BitDo’s web site, it permits you to create as much as three particular person profiles, which you’ll swap between through a button press on the gamepad.
You’ll be able to totally remap each button – together with the additional rear and bumper buttons – in addition to set button macros, stick and set off sensitivity, vibration power, and extra. It’s all accompanied by useful diagrams which present you in actual time how your modifications have an effect on the controller’s efficiency.
Ought to I purchase the 8BitDo Final 2?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
8BitDo Final 2 overview: Additionally take into account
There’s each likelihood the 8BitDo Final 2 isn’t fairly what you’re after. If that’s the case, take into account these two equally priced options.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
8BitDo Final 2 |
GameSir Tarantula Professional |
8BitDo Final |
|
Value |
$59.99 / £49.99 (round AU$90) |
$69.99 / £69.99 (round AU$107) |
$69.99 / £59.99 (round AU$107) |
|
Weight |
8.7oz / 246g |
11.5oz / 325g |
8.7oz / 245g |
|
Dimensions |
5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61mm |
6.2 x 3.9 x 2.4in / 157 x 99 x 61mm |
5.7 x 4.2 x 2.5in / 147 x 104 x 62mm |
|
Compatibility |
PC, Android |
PC, Nintendo Change, Android, iOS |
PC, Nintendo Change |
|
Connection kind |
Wi-fi (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
Wi-fi (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
Wi-fi (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
|
Battery life |
10-15 hours |
Round 12 hours |
15-20 hours |
How I examined the 8BitDo Final 2
- Examined for 2 weeks
- Performed a big number of video games throughout numerous genres
- In contrast on to the unique 8BitDo Final
I examined the 8BitDo Final 2 throughout a interval of two weeks, primarily on my gaming PC. I performed titles from a wide range of genres, together with motion video games like Lies of P and Elden Ring Nightreign, in addition to a number of the best fighting games, akin to Tekken 8 and Avenue Fighter 6.
I primarily performed wirelessly to gauge general battery life, and made use of both wired play or the included charging dock when it was time to prime up (which was pretty frequent given its barely shorter battery life in comparison with its older sibling, the 8BitDo Final).
First reviewed June 2025