Third-party game accessory company 8Bitdo unveiled a new line of tiny controllers compatible with the Nintendo Switch. The gamepads are designed to mimic the look of the Game Boy Pocket and support rumble as well as motion controls, though they don’t feature analog sticks due to their size.
Third-party gaming accessories manufacturer 8Bitdo offers a number of different controllers for everything from the Super Nintendo to the PC, but its new line of gamepads look like they could be the next must-have item for those who play the Nintendo Switch on the go.
Shown to CNET at E3 2018, the 8Bitdo Zero 2 controller is designed to mimic the colors of the Game Boy Pocket from the 1990s, and it features a directional pad, four face buttons, “select” and “start” buttons, and even motion controls. For games like Octopath Traveler, it’s a smaller and stylish alternative to the Joy-Con controllers, but they can also act as your third or fourth controllers in case you have to play a four-person Mario Kart 8 Deluxe match in a hurry.
Larger controllers are also available if you want a more traditional setup, including the N30 Pro 2, which is similar in shape to the DualShock 4, as well as the SN30 GP, which looks like a Super Nintendo gamepad. In addition to the Switch, they all work on the PC, Mac, and Android.
If you’re interested in using a controller for a separate system on Nintendo Switch, 8Bitdo also has a product for you. The Wireless USB adapter allows you to use the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One (the later models), Wii, and Wii U controllers on the Switch. We’re not completely sure why you wouldn’t just want a Switch Pro Controller for you at-home gaming, but perhaps your old PlayStation 3 pad has brought you good luck! If you’re using the DualShock 4 controller, you still get vibrations as well as motion-control support.
8Bitdo hasn’t announced the cost or release date of the gamepads yet. The company offers several game-inspired devices to keep your other technology “on-brand,” as well. It sells speakers designed to look like old Nintendo buttons, as well as a USB hub that looks like a directional pad. The latter is particularly interesting, as it takes up less space than a traditional hub and will only set you back $15.
Have you purchased any third-party accessories for the Nintendo Switch? What is your favorite and which would you recommend to your friends? Let us know in the comments!
