8BitDo's Versatile Ultimate Controller Is Steeply Discounted At Amazon

An extra controller is a necessity for Switch owners, and while the official Nintendo Pro controller is a great piece of tech, 8BitDo has a terrific and feature-packed alternative that's worth considering. The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is on sale for as low as $55. This specific price applies to the eye-catching white color variant. Alternatively, you can get the red model for $60 or the black version for $60. The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is GameSpot's favorite third-party Switch controller and is already a bargain at its $70 list price--so you shouldn't miss out on this deal.

The red and blue models also come with stylish optional thumbstick caps.

• 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller (White) -- $55 ($70)
• 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller (Red) -- $60 ($70) with 15%-off coupon
• 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller (Black) -- $60 ($70)
• 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller (Blue) -- $63 ($70) with 10%-off coupon

This controller is fantastic for many reasons: It has Hall Effect analog sticks that mitigate stick drift, two remappable back buttons that perfectly align with the controller's stellar ergonomics, and offers robust customization. Plus, it comes with a matching charging dock. A compartment on the bottom of the dock stores the 2.4GHz adapter, which can be used as an alternative to Bluetooth for a wireless connection. It also comes with a detachable USB-C cable, if you prefer a hardwired connection.

As mentioned, the 8BitDo Ultimate is also incredibly customizable, as you can store up to three profiles on it and use 8BitDo's mobile and PC app to fine-tune the device to your liking. From remapping inputs to adjusting trigger and rumble sensitivity and analog stick dead zones, you're getting a bunch of features normally found in controllers that cost twice the price or more.

Though the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is primarily considered a Nintendo Switch controller, it also works wirelessly with PC, Mac, Steam Deck, iOS, Android, Analogue Pocket, and more devices--its three connection types help make this particular 8BitDo controller one of the most versatile options around.

You'll get around 20 hours of battery life on a full charge, and the charging dock offers a convenient way to get your controller ready for your next session.

"The 8BitDo Pro 2 Ultimate and Pro 2 are the best Switch controllers when it comes to customization," we wrote in our best Nintendo Switch controller feature. "These controllers have features that pro-style controllers sold for twice the price or more don't have. Incredible value."

You can check out the 8BitDo Pro 2 at Amazon. The Pro 2 is particularly great for retro games and is a great choice for those who prefer aligned, PlayStation-style sticks.

It's worth noting that the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is on sale for $63 at Amazon. Though this is only a 10% discount, deals on Nintendo controllers are very rare. If you need more Switch controllers for your next game night, you should also take a look at Walmart's Joy-Con bundle deal.

Update: Shortly after publishing this story, the price of the red controller changed from $53.54 to $60. Amazon deals often expire or change without notice.