My son recently got a SteamDeck as a gift, and I’m on the hunt for a solid pro controller for him. He’s 14, loves gaming, but he’s not a hardcore hacker or anything—just needs something reliable. I’d like a controller that offers both wired and wireless options. I’ve seen the 8Bitdo Ultimate mentioned a lot, but I’m wondering if it’s still a top choice or if it’s starting to feel outdated? Plus, I noticed there’s an Ultimate 2; what’s the real difference between these two? Is there anything else I should consider or buy along with it? I just want to make sure I’m making a good choice here. Cheers!
3 Answers
I’d say the 8Bitdo Ultimate is still a great option, particularly the Ultimate 2. It connects really well with the SteamDeck using 2.4G, so it’s definitely worth checking out!
I have the 8Bitdo Ultimate for my Deck and it’s quite solid—just make sure your son is okay with the shape; I find it a bit uncomfortable myself. If comfort is key, I suggest the Xbox Series controller as a great alternative. It’s comfy but doesn’t come with a rechargeable battery, so you’ll need to pick one up separately. Also, I’ve heard good things about the GameSir Cyclone 2—might be worth looking into!
Regarding the difference between the Ultimate and the Ultimate 2, the latter comes with a dongle, extra shoulder buttons, a 1000Hz polling rate, and hall effect triggers. It’s actually better and cheaper, especially since Bluetooth can be a bit spotty with the Deck. Definitely go for the Ultimate 2 if you can!
