8BitDo has officially revealed its first dedicated mobile controller in the same vein Backbone One and Razer Kishi V2. The design of the cradle along with the signature features of the manufacturer’s stellar Ultimate controls for PC and Nintendo Switch do 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller an eye-catching option, especially since it’s priced at just $50. The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller, which can be pre-ordered now at Amazon, will be available in White and black variants starting November 29.

Like its advanced controllers, the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller features triggers and joysticks with Hall Effect sensors, which prevents stick drift and generally provides a smoother feel. It also has two customizable rear triggers, a dedicated turbo button, and it fits any phone between 3.93 inches (100 mm) to 6.69 inches (170 mm) in length. It covers the vast majority of modern phones. For reference, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple’s largest phone, is 6.42 inches long. The controller design of this one also looks quite comfortable, as it adds a more traditional gaming profile to a phone.

It also supports 8BitDos Ultimate Software, an easy-to-use customization suite that lets you remap inputs, adjust stick and trigger sensitivity, and more.

The main, and rather significant, caveat here: It’s only confirmed to support Android, but other 8BitDo controllers listed with Android-only mobile support have worked fine on iOS. GameSpot has reached out to 8BitDo to see if official iOS support is planned and if it will work in some capacity with iPhones at launch.

Since the controller syncs via Bluetooth, not via USB-C like the Backbone, we’d be surprised if it didn’t support iOS. 8BitDo’s other controllers work with Apple devices via Bluetooth, and its Ultimate Software app is available through the iOS Store.

If it works at all — and again, we’re speculating here — the Ultimate Software app is the key feature that may be missing from iOS. If 8BitDo can’t or won’t add the controller to the list of devices that sync with the app on iOS, iPhone users wouldn’t be able to remap inputs or make other adjustments — unless they also have an Android device or the controller can sync with PC app to make changes. Remapped inputs and other tweaks are usually saved in the controller, so if you own an Android tablet or an old Android phone with 9.0 firmware or higher, you could theoretically make these changes on that device before using it on the iPhone.

We’ll update this article if and when we hear from 8BitDo about iPhone compatibility. Given that Apple has made a push into AAA gaming on iOS with titles like Resident Evil 4 remake, Resident Evil 7, Death Stranding, Assassin’s Creed Mirage and more, the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller and its myriad customization features would be a boon for iPhone users.

Still, Android users have an exciting new control option to look forward to. 8BitDo’s controllers almost always beat their price, so the 8BitDo Mobile Gaming Controller should be on your radar. The 8BitDo Ultimate Wireless 2.4GHz Wireless is our choice for best pc controllers 2024and 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Wireless Controller is ours favorite third-party controller for Nintendo Switch.

At $50, 8BitDo’s mobile controller is half the price of Backbone One, the leading cradle-style mobile controller. The Backbone One costs $100 and does not have rear triggers or Hall Effect sticks/triggers. It offers dedicated support for iPhone and Android via USB-C (or Lightning), including a handy app that collects your games in a console-like launcher. The USB-C connection also mitigates latency issues, while Bluetooth can add some latency. 8BitDo’s Bluetooth controller usually works great over Bluetooth, but it’s worth mentioning here.

8BitDo:

Backbone One:

In related news, the The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is also available for pre-order now for $40 on Amazon. Revealed on the side Analogue 3D, a modernized version of the Nintendo 64this controller is also compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC and Android smartphones.