I was in the process of purchasing a Switch 2, and wasn't satisfied with the cheap third-party controller I had been using for my Switch 1, so this seemed like a good time to replace it. I wanted a single high quality controller to use across any gaming peripheral, not just Switch consoles, to reduce the quantity of controllers I have set out at one time if possible.
After doing some research and seeing the Ultimate 2 controller regularly mentioned on Reddit and Youtube, it seemed to fit my needs, and people were reporting the high quality, craftsmanship, and product software. I only later realized that there were actually two different Ultimate 2 models – One designed to support Switch 1/2, and one designed to support other game consoles. While I've come to understand the reason for this, what I don't understand is the naming conventions of the two products.
One is the "Ultimate 2 Wireless", despite both models being wireless, and the other is the "Ultimate 2 Bluetooth", despite both models offering bluetooth connectivity. Many people consider "Wireless" and "Bluetooth" to be synonymous, so this is very confusing. Both products also have the same form factor, with the only difference being the button arrangement and color. While reading and clicking through the 8BitDo website I didn't even realize when I jumped from one product page to the other, and once I spotted that there was a stylish purple color option I was sold. Sadly it turned out to be the Ultimate 2 that is not intended for Switch 1/2 compatibility, and once it arrived I did quite a bit of troubleshooting and Reddit research before I found a few workarounds in order to utilize it with the Switch 1/2.
To be clear, the controller itself is phenomenal. I've noticed no lag, and it looks very stylish in design, color, and dock, and feels great in hand. Functionally it's exactly what I was looking for.
The reason I'm only giving it 3 stars, however, is because of the confusing naming conventions, and the resulting workarounds I've had to employ for this controller to be compatible with the Switch 1/2. After installing the June software update to provide Switch compatibility, my setup is to use a USB C input to USB A output connector with the packaged controller connector so it can connect to the Switch 2 (which only has USB A ports), and then press-and-hold the home and Y buttons at the same time to put the controller into "Switch mode", which I wasn't able to find mentioned anywhere on the 8BitDo website FAQs or troubleshooting info but instead was provided by a random Redditor.
Not being able to wake the Switch 2 from sleep requires another workaround, but I've come to understand that's currently a limitation for all third party controller manufacturers due to Nintendo wanting customers to only purchase their devices, so it's nothing to hold against 8BitDo. Nonetheless, if a method to wake the Switch 2 is identified in the future, it would be amazing to have that functionality added via software update to both Ultimate 2 models at a later date. Literally all of your customers would be thrilled if this ever becomes possible.
One request I have is for the Ultimate 2 ABXY Nintendo layout buttons to be made available for purchase separately, as they are for a couple other controller models on your website. If I'm primarily invested in a Nintendo game for a period, it'd be nice to be able to switch the buttons, and then switch back to the Xbox layout if I'm invested in a game on Steam later. I'd guess that a lot of other customers would love this as an option as well.
