Available July 2025
So, get this, guys – 8BitDo, the accessory firm, has just dropped the bombshell that they’re releasing a shiny new arcade controller for the Nintendo Switch. And let me tell you, it looks absolutely stunning, like seriously.
Set to start shipping from July 15th, 2025, across North America and from August 15th, 2025, across Europe, you can start pre-ordering this bad boy today. The controller comes in two flavors: an Xbox branded version and the good ol’ standard version. But let’s focus on the latter because that’s where the real magic happens. 8BitDo claims this controller is tailor-made for pros, competitive gamers, and anyone who loves that classic arcade feel.
According to the company, this bad boy is “impossibly slim,” coming in at a mere 1.6cm thick, which is about the same size as your average A4 piece of paper. You can go wireless with the included adapter or opt for a cable connection for minimal lag during intense tournament matches. They even threw in a rechargeable battery for those who prefer the wireless setup. And get this, it works with both the Switch and PC, allowing you to seamlessly switch between Switch (S-Input) and PC (X-Input) modes to fit your gaming needs. Plus, they’ve got you covered for competitive play with features like SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) cleaning and tournament lock.
Pricing-wise, the standard controller will set you back €89.99 / £74.99, while the Xbox version, which comes with optional RBG lighting (not really sure why this matters, but hey), is a tad pricier at €99.99 / £84.99. If you’re curious about the Xbox version, our friends over at Pure Xbox have all the deets for you. And hey, just a heads up, some of the links on this page might earn us a little something if you decide to make a purchase. So, you know, keep that in mind.
So, what do you think about 8BitDo’s latest arcade controller? Are you planning to snag one for yourself? Feel free to drop a comment and let us know your thoughts.
Nintendo Life’s resident horror buff, Ollie, loves diving into the depths of Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore when he’s not busy reading a good horror book and sipping on some tea. He also enjoys long walks and jamming out to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry.
Alright, so that’s a wrap on this piece. Hope you found it somewhat informative and maybe even a little entertaining. Remember, Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring. So, until next time, catch you later!
