As major console game titles are simultaneously released on PC, and games that require precise and skilled operation based on a high level of playability increase, the demand for game controllers also increases. fast Continuing from last time, we have prepared time to look at gamepads that are optimized for PCs and smartphones.
8BitDo Pro 2, which will be reviewed in the review, supports a total of four pairing connection methods, including Windows, Mac, Android, and Nintendo Switch, via a switch button, and boasts compatibility with Raspberry games Pi and Steam, making it a wireless controller that can be used on a wider variety of platforms. It inherits the appearance and button structure of its predecessor, the SN30 PRO PLUS, but differentiates it with a mappable back button and dedicated software support 8BitDo Ultimate.
The basic colors are black and grey, and G CLASSIC, which we will look at this time, is available. This edition features a retro design reminiscent of the Game Boy, and is a well-refined image of the Nintendo brand. The package states compatibility with various platforms, including Switch and Windows, so it is an ancient product, but ironically, you can also check the fashionable versatility.
As a component, it includes a simple 8BitDo Pro2 gamepad body and a USB-C data cable, and a Korean manual is provided to help simple use.
If you look at the appearance of the product, you can see that the button arrangement is different from the general XBOX controller. The dual shock arrangement, which is the identity of the Sony and PlayStation series, is still symmetrical, unlike the Xbox controller where the left analog stick and the cross key are replaced, so players who n often use the cross key relatively advantageously. are advantages. Overall, the product is small and light, so you can see that it is optimized for users with small hands. The product size is about 153.6×100.6×64.5mm, and the curved handle with ergonomic design and light weight 228g provides a comfortable grip.
The 8BitDo Pro2 analog stick has an extrusion pattern on the side, providing a stable feel and smooth operation. In the case of the arrow keys, it uses the same material as the XYAB input button, so it is smooth, but the upper part is expressed roughly, so it can be used quite neatly. On the other hand, it works quite stiff due to the high pressure, and especially, in the case of the input button, the noise level is unusually high with it, which is a little disappointing. There is a slight distance between each button, and the sense of division due to strong tension is clear.
★ (button operation video, attached video)
In addition, except for the cross keys and the input button, the overall finish is matte, providing a fairly clean feeling of use. Compared to the SN30 PRO PLUS when holding the 8BitDo Pro2 gamepad, thanks to the patterned handle surface, you can use it with a soft and comfortable grip. The bumper button is long and the trigger is short and wide, so it’s quite natural to use the cross key, the input button, and the button that leads to the bumper rather than using a stick .
In the case of this product, the connection platform can be changed intuitively through the switch button, and different scenarios can be created by supporting separate user profiles. Generally, S is for Nintendo Switch, X is for Windows, D is for Bluetooth connection including Android, and A is for Mac connection. The dedicated battery has a capacity of 1,000 mAh and can be used continuously for up to 20 hours. Of course, it can be replaced with AA batteries.
The USB-C type terminal is applied to the top of the 8BitDo Pro2 to support fixed wire connection to devices and charging functions. In addition, it can be used in more diverse installation environments through wireless connectivity optimized for each platform.
I tried connecting the 8BitDo gamepad to a Windows PC. Set the switch located on the back to X, press the start button to turn on the controller, and the LED indicator light on the side will blink green. At this time, if you press the pairing button for 3 seconds, the PC gamepad becomes searchable and connection is possible. A slight disappointment is that the visibility of the LED is not good, so it is a little difficult to distinguish the LED status in a bright environment.
When you connect the gamepad to your PC, you can see how it is recognized as an XBOX 360 controller for smooth play. Through a simple test function, you can also check whether the button works and its sensitivity.
★ (PC game play video, video attached)
For product review, I played Forza Horizon 5 and Cyberpunk 2077. For sticks and triggers, precise sensitivity control is supported, so you can adjust the input range and speed. So even if you move the stick with the same pressure or finger range, you can experience a different play from game to game. Even if the playing genre of your favorite game is different or, like Cyberpunk 2077, you can save and use the sensitivity as multiple profiles, even if the situation changes suddenly during the game, you can change profiles quickly and play precisely. However, unlike the Xbox controller, the location of the XYAB button was designed differently, so there were frequent cases of incorrect input due to the button being marked differently than the button shown on the game. The trigger, while the depth of action was short, the squeeze pressure was sufficient, and it operated lightly and smoothly. Because it supports precise control, natural acceleration and deceleration are possible in Forza Horizon 5, but the short depth puts a lot of pressure on the fingers for precise control. Vibration was on the natural side, so there was no sense of alienation, but there was no device that could add immersion, like an impulse trigger, so it was a shame. On the other hand, the stick works quite smoothly, the handling is light, and the movement of the character remains more natural.
One of the features of 8BitDo Pro2 is that it helps users customize their own gamepads through 8BitDo Ultimate, a gamepad software only for PCs and smartphones.
It has an optimized interface for adjusting the sensitivity of each button, and provides a total of 5 setting tabs such as mapping, joystick, trigger and vibration. Product and software usage is high.
However, in the case of the macro function, although it supports simultaneous input of multiple buttons, it does not support functions such as button press, release, and continuous press, so the usability is greatly reduced.
★(Matching delay video, video attached)
This time, for mobile use, I connected a smartphone and a gamepad in Bluetooth mode. Bluetooth pairing mode can be entered by putting the switch button to D, and automatic pairing is possible when connecting for the first time and entering the mode. However, like the video, in the case of Bluetooth mode, unlike other wireless connections, there is a long delay in connection or disconnection. The 8BitDo Pro2 wireless controller can be used almost the same as a PC when used as a smartphone gamepad, but since it supports a dedicated software application on a mobile phone, detailed customization is possible just like a PC.
★ (mobile game play video, attached video)
If the mobile game supports a controller, like Asphalt or Dungeon & Fighter Mobile, you can enjoy the game with the most optimized movement. Although the position of the XYAB button is different from the position of the controller, the button input is recognized normally. Especially, in the case of Dungeons & Fighter Mobile, UI changes such as story progression and battle often make it inconvenient to use the controller, but the start button You can change the way the mouse cursor moves by pressing , confirming that it faithfully performs its role as a smartphone gamepad.
So, we looked at the versatile, lightweight PC gamepad 8BitDo Pro 2. The general appearance is based on the Game Boy or the Dual Shock, and there is a sense of dissimilarity with the XBOX controller. However, the product is compact in size, so it is not difficult to use the left stick, so you can enjoy more diverse games. However, it is difficult to see that the operation of the button is good, and in particular, there are no functions that can add a sense of immersion to the game, such as a trigger trigger, so it was a cost-effective controller that focuses on versatility. rather than a premium product. If you are a gamer who focuses on playing a game through precise handling rather than a gaming experience that you can feel with your whole body, it would be good to consider the 8BitDo Pro2 wireless PC gamepad, which can be controlled and ‘to be used by a profile on a smartphone.
– Unboxing, package components: 4 points
With internal replenishment, it is well packaged and reliably protects the product during shipping. It is firmly fixed by plastic cushioning material, and the cover prevents dust from entering.
– Physical properties of stick/direction input (cross keys) (material quality, finish): 4 points
In the case of the stick, it is finished with an extrusion pattern to provide a stable feel of operation. Also, in the case of the key cross-direction button, it uses matte material, looks clean and has a good feeling.
– Physical properties of the button (material quality, finish): 3 points
The quality of the XYAB button is close to the standard, without any significant difference from other products.
– Physical properties or characteristics of other parts: 4 points
Overall, it has a clean and unified look by using a material that is not easy to leave fingerprints or sweat. The pattern applied to the handle provides good grip and stability.
– Overall build quality: 3.5 points
It’s a quality close to the finished form, and the overall build quality is excellent, but it’s a shame that the stick puncture marks are exposed.
– Moveability of stick/direction input (cross keys), feel of operation: 3.5 points
In the case of the stick, it operates light and smooth, and comfortable and natural operation is possible, but the clicking feeling is disappointing, and the cross key is stiff, so it needs a little pressure .
– Button ability, operation: 3 points
In the case of the XYAB button, relatively strong pressure is required, resulting in a high level of noise. In addition, the select and start buttons located in the middle of the controller are made of rubber, so it is difficult to recognize whether they are pressed or not, and the stick is held in the hand.
– Intensity of vibration, fineness of the vibration: 4 points
The part that can adjust the intensity of the vibration is attractive and works naturally.
– Evaluation of another function: 4 points
The use of additional buttons on the back using mapping is high. Additionally, providing a gyro sensor also plays a role in allowing you to enjoy various games.
– Convenience and connection stability: 5 points
Through the switch button, easy and fast pairing is supported, adding freedom to the wireless environment. It supports XBOX 360 mode, so I am satisfied with the high compatibility with Windows.
– Does it help the game immersion or improve skills? : 3.5 points
Because it is light in weight, it is possible to play the game for a long time, and it is possible to adjust parts that directly affect gameplay, such as vibration and button sensitivity, so detailed operation leads to improve skills. However, the sound of the button is a little annoying, so it interferes with immersion in the game, and there is a high possibility of wrong input due to the difference between the in-game display and the button display.
