8BitDo’s first smartphone controller has Hall effect joysticks and triggers

8BitDo has announced its Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller, the company's first gamepad that attaches directly to smartphones and mobile devices using an expanding clamping mechanism. It's available for preorder now for $49.99 and is expected to be released on November 29th, 2024.

The Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller can be attached to smartphones or smaller tablet devices measuring between 100mm and 170mm in length. For expanded compatibility, instead of plugging in with USB-C, 8BitDo's new controller connects wirelessly over Bluetooth but only supports Android devices.

The use of Bluetooth necessitates a 350mAh rechargeable battery in the controller, which 8BitDo says is enough for 15 hours of play on a 1.5-hour charge. That added battery also means the Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller weighs 236 grams, making it heavier than competitors' offerings like the Backbone One, which connects through a device's charging port and weighs 138 grams.

Like GameSir's G8 Plus smartphone controller, 8BitDo is using drift-resistant magnetic Hall effect sensors in its joysticks and triggers so players will potentially avoid experiencing unwanted movements or button presses while gaming. The controller also features a pair of shoulder buttons, a four-way directional pad with a "clicky" feel, turbo, macro, and profile buttons, and two additional programmable paddle buttons on the back.

Unlike some of 8BitDo's more budget-friendly offerings, the Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller fully supports customization through the company's Ultimate Software, which is available as a desktop and mobile app. In addition to remapping controls, creating macros, and even setting up multiple profiles, if you're an FPS player, you can use it to adjust the sensitivity of the controller's triggers so they're more immediately responsive.