If you're in need of a new controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate C might just be what you need as 8BitDo revealed their slimmed-down version of their pricier Ultimate.
Very similar to the original Ultimate which is my current favourite controller, although the Ultimate C does away with the customization via their app and removes the back buttons (which you couldn't use on Linux / SteamOS anyway). You also only get the controller and the dongle, whereas the plain Ultimate gives you a charging dock too.
Honestly though, for £24.99 / $29.99, with the same build quality as the standard Ultimate — this C variant is a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned.
Pretty wide compatibility too across Raspberry Pi OS, SteamOS (Steam Deck), Android and Windows. Fun to see their official site list things like the Steam Deck and Raspberry Pi OS directly too. Should work just like the plain Ultimate on desktop Linux too, once you set up the needed udev rules (Fedora example) which worked for me.
Available in Green or Purple on Amazon, releasing at the end of May:
If wireless isn't your thing though, they're also doing a cheaper wired version of the same controller in the same colours:
- UK Green / (no USA green listing up yet)
- UK Purple / USA Purple
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The comments on this article are closed.
StoneColdSpider May 9, 2023
Does this one have the hall effect sensor analogue sticks???
I really hated how they released two "Ultimate" controllers but only 1 had the hall effect sensor analogue sticks......
I really hated how they released two "Ultimate" controllers but only 1 had the hall effect sensor analogue sticks......
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Do the wireless ones require firmware updates, and if so, can those be done on Linux? 
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CyborgZeta May 9, 2023
Another controller with asymmetrical analog sticks. Pass.
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Arehandoro May 9, 2023
Quoting: StoneColdSpiderDoes this one have the hall effect sensor analogue sticks???
I really hated how they released two "Ultimate" controllers but only 1 had the hall effect sensor analogue sticks......
I don't think this one will. On Amazon, the Ultimate version that does have it, clearly states so in the description of the item, as well as being £20+ in comparison with the version that doesn't.
The controllers look great, and my Steam Controller is slowly giving in. Hopefully there will be some offer on the Ultimate eventually.
0 Likes
Liam,I used the same udev rules you linked above for my 8bitdo ultimate bluetooth, and it has allowed me full back button functionality. Kind of a shame this cheaper model got rid of them though. At that price point, it would've been a hot selling item.
1 Likes, Who?
Quoting: B-wizeLiam,I used the same udev rules you linked above for my 8bitdo ultimate bluetooth, and it has allowed me full back button functionality. Kind of a shame this cheaper model got rid of them though. At that price point, it would've been a hot selling item.What have you been testing the back buttons with? I've not seen anything that can pick them up, as everything basically spoofs an xbox style pad for it. AFAIK, you can only map them using their software which of course isn't on Linux.
4 Likes, Who?
Damn these colorways would've made a killing around Easter (and still will). I don't see any mention of hall effect joysticks though and because of that I'll stick with my "Raven" purple zen controller (Gulikit) + dongle.
No app to begin with and easy-to-apply firmware updates from Linux.
Purple Zen Controller (US)
Last edited by drlamb on 9 May 2023 at 2:01 pm UTC
No app to begin with and easy-to-apply firmware updates from Linux.
Purple Zen Controller (US)
Last edited by drlamb on 9 May 2023 at 2:01 pm UTC
2 Likes, Who?
Mohandevir May 9, 2023
If at least it was possible to sync more than one controller per dongles... Like the Steam Controllers. I don't have much usb ports available on my Nvidia Shield or Steam Deck docking station... Even the Ultimate Bluetooth edition requires a dongle per controller, in bluetooth mode? Am I getting it wrong? Doesn't make sense... Must be badly formulated or my english is just bad...
0 Likes
Quoting: Liam DaweAFAIK, you can only map them using their software which of course isn't on Linux.You can map them with the smartphone app.
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Quoting: drlamb"Raven" purple zen controller (Gulikit) + dongle.Do the L/R buttons and triggers keep the silver color or does it rub off?
0 Likes
mr-victory May 9, 2023
Quoting: KiwiiYou can map them with the smartphone app.What if we throw the app at Waydroid?..
0 Likes
Quoting: Liam DaweQuoting: B-wizeLiam,I used the same udev rules you linked above for my 8bitdo ultimate bluetooth, and it has allowed me full back button functionality. Kind of a shame this cheaper model got rid of them though. At that price point, it would've been a hot selling item.What have you been testing the back buttons with? I've not seen anything that can pick them up, as everything basically spoofs an xbox style pad for it. AFAIK, you can only map them using their software which of course isn't on Linux.
Ah, apologies, forgot to specify the mapping. So I had originally mapped them using the software via Windows (although I believe this can also be done via the mobile app). Afterward though, the controller retains the configs, as I was able to set up this controller on Windows 11, completely wipe the disk and install Fedora 38 and still have the profiles I created and back button functionality (after the udev rule) post OS switch. Highly recommend the mobile app just to avoid using Windows though. I was honestly surprised the controller retained the config regardless of the host OS.
4 Likes, Who?
Wanted to write something like "would be great to have links to their product pages", but then I looked at the official 8BitDo page and it is so ludicrously terrible...
1 Likes, Who?
I'd say if you're looking at these be prepared to get them returned or replaced. While I love the ergonomics of my 2.4/blutooth ultimate controller, and love the hall effect sticks, I and others have had serious issues with them. Some people just can't get them to work randomly, some can't get them to connect, mine constantly gets disconnected when using 2.4ghz connection.
Idk how much of this is QA, or if it's bad firmware/software, just be aware that these aren't as plug-n-play reliable as most of 8bitdo's other controllers (of which I'm a huge fan of).
Idk how much of this is QA, or if it's bad firmware/software, just be aware that these aren't as plug-n-play reliable as most of 8bitdo's other controllers (of which I'm a huge fan of).
1 Likes, Who?
Quoting: PenglingDo the wireless ones require firmware updates, and if so, can those be done on Linux?I personally connect mine to my phone and use their android app to update your firmware, but I imagine you could use fwupd/fwupdmgr as it has worked for pretty much every 8bitdo controller ever.
1 Likes, Who?
StoneColdSpider May 10, 2023
Quoting: KiwiiAnd if your on Linux and dont have a smartphone???......Quoting: Liam DaweAFAIK, you can only map them using their software which of course isn't on Linux.You can map them with the smartphone app.
1 Likes, Who?
Tried to preorder the controller in the UK but Amazon stated there was a problem with the item, anyone else having this issue?
0 Likes
Philadelphus May 10, 2023
Those certainly are some of the color choices of all time. 
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hardpenguin May 10, 2023
Love 8BitDo products, I can recommend GameSir as well!
1 Likes, Who?
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