8BitDo Pro 2 (Special Edition)

One of my favorite controllers, especially when you swap the included battery for rechargable batteries. The triggers take some getting used to, but you can customize the deadzones with the app, thankfully.

I bought the transparent blue version of the Pro 2 controller. I have owned several other "retro" 8BitDo controllers before this, but never one as fancy and competent as this one! Its layout matches most modern controllers' layouts, and it even has a switch on the back to allow me to connect it to different types of devices (Xbox, PC, Switch, etc.). I also really love how it works with my Steam Deck, and the "plus" and "minus" keys immediately map to the Steam button and screenshot macros out of the box. I am having a hard time not going back to buy a second Pro 2, honestly!

8BitDo Pro 2 (Special Edition)

The pro 2 is an excellent controller and it would be an easy recommendation if it weren't for the 8bitdo ultimate software. The software worked ONCE and then never again. I can't get it to recognize my controller no matter what I do, and I tried everything. Wasted so much time on dozens of different forums and no one had a consistent answer for what to do.

This controller is a retro blend of the old Playstation Dual Shock controller and the SNES controller. The button and D-pad are most similar to the SNES while the dual analog sticks, L-R triggers, and handles for the palms is similar to the PS Dual Shock. It's a perfect blend of both worlds and is comfortable to play. The only change I would make is to replace the D-Pad with the old school Sega Saturn D-Pad or even the D-Pad from one of their more modern Ultimate controllers. Then it would be the most perfect controller ever.