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World desk19 min

How to connect 8BitDo Ultimate controller to PC?

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Connecting an 8BitDo Ultimate controller to a Windows PC depends on the exact model you own and the connection mode you want to use. Some versions support 2.4GHz wireless with the included USB adapter, some support Bluetooth, and nearly all can work over a USB-C cable for a simple wired setup.

Before pairing, it helps to confirm the controller’s mode switch position, check whether Windows recognizes it as XInput, DirectInput, or Switch input, and make sure the firmware is current. These details affect how games, Steam, and controller configuration tools detect your inputs.

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The steps below cover the main PC connection methods, plus Windows and Steam setup, firmware checks, and fixes for common issues like failed pairing, no input, wrong button layout, or the controller not appearing in games.

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Check Your 8BitDo Ultimate Controller Model and Connection Modes

Before pairing anything, confirm which 8BitDo Ultimate controller you have. The “Ultimate” name covers several models, and they do not all support the same PC connection methods. Some versions include a 2.4GHz USB wireless adapter and charging dock, some support Bluetooth for Windows, and some are designed primarily for Nintendo Switch mode with different button labels and input behavior. Checking the exact model helps you choose the right switch position, pairing method, and driver mode for Windows.

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Look at the label on the back of the controller, the bottom of the charging dock, the product box, or your order page. You may see names such as 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G, 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth, or a platform-specific version. Also check the physical switches on the controller. Many Ultimate models have a mode switch on the back or underside, commonly marked with options like X, D, S, 2.4G, or Bluetooth. These markings control how the controller presents itself to Windows.

Mode or connection Typical use on Windows PC What to check
2.4GHz wireless Low-latency wireless play using the included USB adapter or dock receiver Use the included dongle, select the correct 2.4G or X-input mode, and make sure the controller is paired to the adapter
Bluetooth Wireless play without the USB dongle, if your model supports Bluetooth for PC Put the controller in Bluetooth pairing mode and confirm Windows sees it as a game controller
USB-C wired Direct connection for setup, charging, firmware updates, or stable wired gameplay Use a data-capable USB-C cable, not a charge-only cable
X-input Best compatibility with most Windows games and Steam Windows and games usually detect it like an Xbox-style controller
D-input Older games, emulators, or software that expects DirectInput May need manual button mapping in games or Steam
Switch mode Useful for Nintendo Switch-style layouts or gyro in supported software PC games may show Nintendo button order or need Steam Input configuration

For most Windows PC games, start with 2.4GHz wireless in X-input mode if your controller includes the adapter. This usually gives the most straightforward setup because Windows treats the controller similarly to an Xbox controller. If you are connecting over Bluetooth, check whether your specific model supports Bluetooth on Windows and which mode it uses while paired. Some Bluetooth modes may appear as a Switch Pro-style controller instead of an Xbox controller, which can affect button prompts, trigger behavior, or game compatibility.

If the controller has mulle profiles or a profile button, keep that separate from the connection mode. Profiles usually change mappings, stick sensitivity, trigger behavior, or macros, while the mode switch changes how the controller connects and identifies itself to the PC. When troubleshooting later, return the controller to a basic profile and the most compatible PC mode first. This makes it easier to tell whether a problem is caused by pairing, Windows detection, Steam Input, or a custom controller profile.

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Connect via 2.4GHz Wireless Adapter

The 2.4GHz wireless adapter is usually the best PC option for the 8BitDo Ultimate because it gives you a dedicated low-latency connection without relying on Windows Bluetooth pairing. Depending on your model, the adapter may be a small USB dongle, a dongle stored inside the charging dock, or built into the dock’s USB connection path. Before starting, confirm that your controller model supports 2.4GHz mode and that the mode switch is set correctly for PC use.

For most 8BitDo Ultimate models with a 2.4GHz receiver, use the switch on the back or underside of the controller to select the correct mode. On many Windows setups, XInput mode is preferred because it makes the controller behave like an Xbox controller, which is widely supported by PC games and Steam. If your controller has a switch labeled X / D, choose X for most PC games. If it has a 2.4G / Bluetooth style selector, move it to 2.4G before powering on the controller.

  1. Plug the 2.4GHz adapter into a USB port on your PC, or connect the 8BitDo dock to the PC with its USB cable if the receiver is dock-based.
  2. Move the controller’s mode switch to the correct 2.4GHz or XInput position for Windows.
  3. Turn on the controller by pressing the Home button.
  4. Wait a few seconds for Windows to install the device automatically. You may see it appear as an Xbox-compatible controller, 8BitDo receiver, or HID game controller.
  5. Test the connection by pressing Windows + R, typing joy.cpl, and selecting the controller from the Game Controllers window.

If the controller does not connect automatically, re-pair it with the adapter. Plug the receiver into the PC, then press its pairing button if it has one. Next, hold the controller’s pairing button until the LED starts flashing rapidly. When the LEDs become steady, the controller and receiver are linked. On dock-based models, place the controller on the dock to wake it, then remove it and press Home if it does not connect right away.

Use a direct USB port on the PC when possible, especially for initial setup. Front-panel USB ports, unpowered hubs, monitor USB ports, and docking stations can sometimes cause unstable detection or delayed input. If the adapter is very close to other wireless devices, try a different USB port or a short USB extension cable to move it away from Wi-Fi antennas, Bluetooth dongles, external drives, or the back of a crowded desktop tower.

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Once Windows detects the controller, open Steam and go to Steam > Settings > Controller. If the controller is working in Windows but not in a Steam game, enable Steam Input for the game or check the game’s controller settings. For most modern titles, an 8BitDo Ultimate in XInput over 2.4GHz should appear as an Xbox controller, so button prompts and vibration support should work without extra mapping.

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  • No lights or no power: charge the controller, reseat it on the dock, or try a USB-C cable briefly to wake it.
  • Adapter detected but no input: confirm the controller is in 2.4GHz mode, then re-pair it with the receiver.
  • Wrong buttons or missing triggers: switch to XInput mode and retest in joy.cpl.
  • Random disconnects: use a different USB port, avoid USB hubs, and update the controller and receiver firmware with 8BitDo’s firmware tools.

Connect via Bluetooth

Bluetooth is useful when you want to play without the 2.4GHz adapter, especially on a laptop or a desktop with built-in Bluetooth. Before pairing, confirm that your specific 8BitDo Ultimate model supports Bluetooth on Windows. Some Ultimate controllers use Bluetooth mainly for Switch mode, while others also support Windows-friendly input modes. Check the switch on the back or bottom of the controller and set it to the mode recommended for Bluetooth pairing with PC, commonly XInput or DInput depending on the model.

Start by turning on Bluetooth in Windows. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices, enable Bluetooth, then select Add device > Bluetooth. Put the controller into pairing mode by powering it on and holding the pairing button until the status LEDs begin flashing rapidly. On many 8BitDo Ultimate controllers, the pairing button is a small button near the USB-C port or on the top edge. When the controller appears in the Windows device list, select it to complete pairing.

Bluetooth setup steps

  1. Set the controller to the correct input mode for your model, such as X, D, or Bluetooth mode.
  2. Turn on the controller and hold the pairing button until the LED pattern changes to fast blinking.
  3. In Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth.
  4. Select the 8BitDo controller from the device list and wait for Windows to show it as connected.
  5. Open Set up USB game controllers from the Start menu to verify button and stick input.

After pairing, test the controller before launching a game. Press the Windows key, search for joy.cpl, and open the classic game controller panel. Select the 8BitDo controller, choose Properties, then move the sticks and press buttons to confirm that Windows is receiving input. If the controller appears as a generic Bluetooth gamepad, that can still be normal, but some games may work better through Steam Input or with the controller in XInput mode.

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For Steam games, open Steam > Settings > Controller and check whether Steam detects the controller. Enable the appropriate support option if needed, such as support for Xbox, generic, or Switch-style controllers. If button labels feel reversed, the A/B and X/Y layout may be using a Nintendo-style arrangement. You can correct this in Steam’s controller layout screen or by changing the controller mode if your model supports it.

If Bluetooth pairing fails

  • Remove old pairings: In Windows Bluetooth settings, remove the existing 8BitDo entry, restart the controller, and pair again.
  • Check the mode switch: A controller in the wrong mode may pair but not send usable input to PC games.
  • Restart Bluetooth: Toggle Bluetooth off and on, or reboot the PC if the controller does not appear.
  • Update the adapter driver: In Device Manager, update or reinstall the PC’s Bluetooth driver, especially on desktops using USB Bluetooth dongles.
  • Charge the controller: Low battery can cause pairing drops, delayed input, or repeated reconnects.

If Bluetooth connects but input is missing in a specific game, test another game or Steam Big Picture mode. This helps separate a Windows pairing issue from a game configuration issue. For the lowest latency and broadest compatibility, the 2.4GHz adapter or USB-C cable is usually more reliable, but Bluetooth works well once the controller mode, Windows pairing, and Steam configuration are aligned.

Connect with a USB-C Cable

A USB-C wired connection is the simplest way to use an 8BitDo Ultimate controller on a Windows PC, especially if you want low latency, no battery concerns, or a reliable fallback when wireless pairing is not working. Use a USB-C data cable, not a charge-only cable. The cable that came with the controller usually works, but many phone charging cables do not carry data, which can make the controller charge without appearing in Windows.

Before plugging it in, set the controller to the correct mode for PC use if your model has a rear mode switch. On many 8BitDo Ultimate models, XInput mode is the best choice for Windows games because it makes the controller behave like an Xbox controller. Depending on the model, this may be marked as X, 2.4G, or handled automatically when connected by USB. If your controller has a D mode, that is typically DirectInput and may work for older games or emulators, but modern PC games and Steam usually work better with XInput.

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  1. Move the controller’s mode switch to the Windows-compatible mode recommended for your model.
  2. Connect the USB-C end of the cable to the controller.
  3. Connect the USB-A or USB-C end to a PC port directly, avoiding hubs at first.
  4. Wait a few seconds while Windows installs or assigns the controller driver.
  5. Press the controller’s power or home button if it does not wake automatically.

After Windows detects the controller, you can confirm it is working from the built-in game controller panel. Press Windows + R, type joy.cpl, and press Enter. Select the 8BitDo or Xbox-style controller entry, then choose Properties. Move the sticks, press the triggers, and test the face buttons. If the inputs respond here, Windows is receiving the controller correctly, and any remaining issue is likely inside the game, launcher, or Steam configuration.

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If you play through Steam, open Steam > Settings > Controller and check how Steam sees the device. For most 8BitDo Ultimate controllers in XInput mode, Steam may identify it as an Xbox controller. That is normal and usually ideal for game compatibility. If inputs are doubled, mismatched, or acting like a mouse, disable unnecessary Steam Input profiles for that specific game or reset the controller layout to the default gamepad template.

A wired connection can also help with firmware updates and configuration in the 8BitDo Ultimate Software. Launch the software with the controller connected by USB-C, then check whether the controller is recognized. From there, you can adjust stick sensitivity, trigger ranges, vibration, button mapping, and profiles on supported models. If the app does not detect the controller, try another USB port, use a different data-capable cable, close Steam temporarily, and reconnect the controller while holding the appropriate mode button for your model if the manual specifies one.

  • Controller only charges: Replace the cable with a confirmed USB data cable.
  • No response in games: Test in joy.cpl, then check Steam Input or the game’s controller settings.
  • Wrong button layout: Switch to XInput mode, reconnect the cable, and reset the in-game control scheme.
  • Intermittent disconnects: Connect directly to the PC, avoid loose front-panel ports, and try another USB port.
  • Ultimate Software cannot find it: Update the software, close conflicting apps, and reconnect using a data cable.

Configure the Controller in Windows and Steam

After the 8BitDo Ultimate controller is connected by 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or USB-C, Windows should detect it as a game controller automatically. The name shown in Windows can vary by model and mode; you may see entries such as Xbox 360 Controller, Xbox Wireless Controller, 8BitDo Ultimate, or a generic HID gamepad. For most PC games, the best result comes from using XInput, since it matches the standard Xbox controller layout used by Windows games.

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To check that Windows is receiving input, press Win + R, type joy.cpl, and press Enter. Select the controller, choose Properties, then test the sticks, triggers, buttons, and D-pad. If the buttons respond here, Windows is reading the controller correctly. If a game still does not respond, the issue is usually with the game’s input setting, Steam Input, the controller mode, or a conflict with another connected controller.

Set up the controller in Steam

Steam can translate controller input for games that do not natively support your controller mode. Open Steam, go to Settings > Controller, and check that your 8BitDo controller appears under detected controllers. For most 8BitDo Ultimate models in XInput or 2.4GHz PC mode, Steam will treat it like an Xbox controller. If it appears as a Nintendo-style or generic controller, you can still use it, but you may need to adjust the layout.

  • Enable Steam Input for generic detection: In Steam’s controller settings, enable support for the controller type Steam detects, such as Xbox, Switch Pro, or Generic Gamepad.
  • Check the button layout: Select the controller and use Steam’s test screen to confirm A/B/X/Y, triggers, bumpers, sticks, and menu buttons.
  • Per-game settings: Right-click a game in your Steam Library, open Properties > Controller, then choose whether to enable, disable, or use the default Steam Input setting.
  • Use a community or official layout: For games with unusual controls, open the controller layout screen and choose a recommended template or remap buttons manually.

If button prompts look wrong in a game, check the controller mode first. In XInput mode, most games show Xbox prompts. In Switch-style Bluetooth mode, some games or Steam layouts may swap A/B and X/Y compared with Xbox. Steam can remap these buttons, but switching the controller to a PC-friendly mode may be cleaner if you mainly play Windows games.

Adjust Windows game controller settings

Windows does not require much manual setup, but it is worth checking for duplicate devices. If the same controller appears twice in a game, disconnect other gamepads, remove unused Bluetooth pairings from Settings > Bluetooth & devices, and reconnect only the 8BitDo controller. If you use the 2.4GHz adapter, keep the adapter connected directly to the PC or to a powered USB hub rather than a low-power front-panel port.

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For non-Steam games, launchers such as Xbox, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Battle.net usually rely on the controller mode that Windows exposes. If a non-Steam game does not recognize the controller, add it to Steam as a non-Steam game and launch it through Steam with Steam Input enabled. You can also try changing the controller mode, reconnecting it, then reopening the game so it detects the controller at startup.

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Update Firmware and Use 8BitDo Ultimate Software

After the controller is connected to Windows, check its firmware before troubleshooting deeper input problems. Firmware updates can improve 2.4GHz receiver stability, Bluetooth pairing behavior, charging dock detection, trigger response, and compatibility with Steam or Game Pass titles. 8BitDo provides two main tools for this: the 8BitDo Firmware Updater for installing firmware, and 8BitDo Ultimate Software for customizing profiles, buttons, sticks, triggers, vibration, and macros.

Download both tools only from the official 8BitDo support website. The Firmware Updater is usually the first utility to run, especially if the controller is not behaving correctly in Windows. Connect the controller directly to the PC with a USB-C cable, preferably into a rear motherboard USB port on a desktop PC. Avoid USB hubs while updating. If your model uses a 2.4GHz dongle or charging dock, check whether the receiver has separate firmware available, since some Ultimate models update the controller and receiver independently.

How to update the controller firmware

  1. Charge the controller to a reasonable level before starting, or keep it connected by USB-C.
  2. Set the controller to the correct mode for your model, such as XInput, 2.4G, or Bluetooth, depending on what the updater requests.
  3. Open 8BitDo Firmware Updater on Windows.
  4. Connect the controller with a USB-C data cable, not a charge-only cable.
  5. Select the detected controller and install the latest stable firmware.
  6. If prompted, repeat the process for the 2.4GHz receiver, dock, or adapter.
  7. Restart the PC after updating, then reconnect the controller using your preferred connection method.

If the updater does not detect the controller, try another USB-C cable, another USB port, or a different mode switch position. Some 8BitDo controllers also have a button combination for entering update mode; check the support page for your exact Ultimate model before forcing a firmware recovery. Do not disconnect the controller while the update is in progress, as this can leave it in a recovery state that requires re-flashing.

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Using 8BitDo Ultimate Software on PC

Once the firmware is current, open 8BitDo Ultimate Software to configure the controller. The Windows version gives more complete control than basic Windows game controller settings. You can remap face buttons, swap sticks, adjust stick sensitivity curves, set trigger actuation ranges, tune vibration strength, assign rear paddle buttons, and create profiles for different games. On models with onboard profiles, save the configuration to the controller so it works even when the software is closed.

  • Button mapping: Assign rear buttons, swap A/B or X/Y layouts, or create game-specific layouts.
  • Stick settings: Adjust dead zones if the camera drifts or if movement feels delayed.
  • Trigger settings: Shorten trigger travel for racing, shooters, or games that need faster input.
  • Profiles: Store multiple layouts and switch between them without reconfiguring every game.
  • Calibration: Recalibrate sticks or triggers if Windows detects uneven or stuck input.

After changing settings, test the controller in joy.cpl by pressing Windows + R, typing joy.cpl, and opening the controller properties. Then test it in Steam’s controller settings or in a known controller-friendly game. If Steam Input is enabled, remember that Steam may override mappings made in 8BitDo Ultimate Software, so keep either Steam or the 8BitDo app as your main place for layout changes to avoid conflicting button assignments.

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Troubleshoot Pairing, Detection, and Input Problems

If your 8BitDo Ultimate controller will not connect, shows up incorrectly, or works in Windows but not in a game, start by narrowing the issue to the connection type. Test one method at a time: 2.4GHz receiver, Bluetooth, or USB-C. Keep Steam, the 8BitDo Ultimate Software, and Windows Game Controllers closed while you reconnect, then reopen them after the controller is detected. This avoids cases where an app holds an old controller state in memory.

Fix 2.4GHz wireless receiver problems

For the 2.4GHz connection, confirm the controller is in the correct mode for PC use, usually XInput on compatible models. If the controller has a rear mode switch, set it to the Windows/2.4GHz-compatible position before powering it on. Plug the receiver directly into a rear motherboard USB port on a desktop PC, or a built-in USB port on a laptop, instead of a hub or dock. If you use the charging dock as the receiver pass-through, remove the receiver from the dock and test it directly in the PC.

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  • Unplug the 2.4GHz receiver, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in.
  • Power off the controller, then power it on again near the receiver.
  • Try another USB port, preferably USB-A 2.0 or 3.x directly on the computer.
  • Move the receiver away from Wi-Fi routers, external drives, and crowded USB hubs.
  • If the controller and receiver have a pairing button, re-pair them according to your model’s manual.

Fix Bluetooth pairing issues

If Bluetooth pairing fails, remove the old controller entry from Windows first. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, select the 8BitDo controller, and choose Remove device. Restart Bluetooth, put the controller back into the correct Bluetooth pairing mode, then add it again from Add device > Bluetooth. If Windows lists mulle controller-like entries, remove all stale 8BitDo entries and pair from scratch.

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Bluetooth mode can behave differently from 2.4GHz mode because some models expose different input types depending on the mode switch. If a game does not respond over Bluetooth, check whether the controller is appearing as an Xbox controller, Switch Pro Controller, or generic gamepad. For PC gaming, XInput is usually the most compatible option. If Bluetooth continues to lag, disconnect, or double-input, use the 2.4GHz receiver or USB-C cable for testing to confirm the controller itself is working.

Fix Windows or Steam input problems

When Windows detects the controller but inputs do not work correctly, open joy.cpl from the Start menu or Run dialog. Select the controller, choose Properties, and test the buttons, sticks, triggers, and D-pad. If inputs work there but not in a game, the issue is usually game or Steam configuration. In Steam, open Settings > Controller and check whether Steam Input is enabled for the controller type being detected. For non-Steam games launched through Steam, try enabling Steam Input; for games with native controller support, try disabling Steam Input if you see doubled buttons or wrong prompts.

  • If the controller is not detected at all, restart the PC and reconnect using USB-C first.
  • If buttons are swapped, check profiles in 8BitDo Ultimate Software and reset to a default profile.
  • If sticks drift, recalibrate in Windows or the 8BitDo software, then test again in joy.cpl.
  • If triggers do not work in racing or shooter games, make sure the controller is using XInput mode.
  • If vibration is missing, test another game, since rumble support varies by title and connection mode.

Firmware can also affect detection and pairing behavior. Update both the controller and, where supported, the 2.4GHz receiver using 8BitDo’s official updater or Ultimate Software. After updating, power-cycle the controller, reconnect the receiver or cable, and recheck Windows. If none of the connection methods work on the PC, test the controller on another computer or supported device. If it fails everywhere after a firmware update and reset, contact 8BitDo support with the exact model name, firmware version, Windows version, and the connection method you tested.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my 8BitDo Ultimate controller show up in Windows?

First check that the controller is in the correct mode for the connection type you are using, such as 2.4G, Bluetooth, XInput, or DInput depending on your model. Try a different USB port, remove the device from Windows Bluetooth settings, then pair it again. If it still is not detected, update the controller and receiver firmware with 8BitDo’s updater tool.

Should I use 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or USB-C on PC?

For most Windows gaming, the 2.4GHz adapter is the best choice because it usually gives lower latency and more reliable input than Bluetooth. USB-C wired mode is the most stable option and is useful for troubleshooting or competitive play. Bluetooth is convenient if you do not want to use a dongle, but some games may need Steam Input or XInput mode to recognize the controller correctly.

Do I need Steam Input for the 8BitDo Ultimate controller to work?

Not always. Many games will detect the controller directly if it is connected in XInput mode, where it appears like an Xbox controller. If a game does not recognize it, open Steam settings, enable Steam Input for the controller, and check the game’s controller layout before launching.

How do I fix wrong buttons or mixed-up inputs in games?

Check whether the controller is connected in the mode the game expects, usually XInput for Windows games. In Steam, open the controller settings for that game and either disable Steam Input or choose an Xbox-style layout. You can also reset or edit button mappings in the 8BitDo Ultimate Software if your model supports it.

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Can I use the charging dock to connect the controller to my PC?

On models that include the 2.4GHz receiver inside the dock, the dock can act as the receiver connection when it is plugged into the PC by USB. Make sure the controller is switched to 2.4G mode and has been paired with the receiver. If Windows does not detect it, remove and reinsert the receiver or dock cable, then try pairing again.

Bottom Line

Connecting an 8BitDo Ultimate controller to a Windows PC is usually straightforward: use the 2.4GHz dongle for the most reliable wireless setup, Bluetooth for dongle-free play, or USB-C when you want a simple wired connection. Just make sure the controller is in the correct mode, Windows recognizes it properly, and Steam or your game is using the right input settings.

If something feels off, start with the basics: update the firmware, re-pair the controller, try another USB port or cable, and check Steam Input or Windows controller settings. Once it is detected correctly, you should be ready to customize profiles and get back to playing.

Quick Recap

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8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Green)
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$29.99
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Compatible with Windows and Android.; 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection); Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
$29.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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