Nintendo Switch’s official Pro controller is one of the best gaming controllers on the market. Though great, the controller lacks customization. This is where our friends at 8BitDo come to the rescue. The company has made a name for itself with its line of retro-style wireless controllers. Now, it has released its own Pro Switch controller: the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro+.
Not only does the new controller look and feel great, but it also comes with software that allows for deep customization. The 8BitDo Pro+ is a must-own controller for Nintendo Switch users who wish to get more out of their system.
The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro+ is physically a cross between a Super Nintendo and DualShock 4 controller. There are three variants: SN, GB, and Black editions. SN resembles the color scheme of the Super Nintendo, while GB has the look of the original GameBoy. The controller’s size and weight prevent it from feeling like a Super Nintendo controller, though it has the same texture. The SN30 Pro+ is more in line with a DualShock 4’s button layout and weight. Buttons click and spring in a satisfactory manner while the analog sticks move with just the right amount of resistance. It’s an overall comfortable device you can easily play for hours.
On its own, the SN30 Pro+ is a winner. What takes it to the next level is the software that enables users to customize the controller’s functions. With the Ultimate Software program, you can remap every button and adjust the sensitivity of the analog sticks, triggers, and rumble. You can even assign one button to perform the function of many. The best part is the ease of the reprogramming process. All you need to do is install the program (found on 8BitDo’s website), plug in the controller, and customize until you’re satisfied. At the time of this writing, the program is only available for PC. A Mac version should come out soon. The controller works great out of the box and I didn’t feel the need to reprogram or adjust anything. Those who truly want a tailored experience will no doubt appreciate the depth of the software.
The controller isn’t without drawbacks. It does not feature the gyroscopic function of the official Switch Pro controller. It may become difficult to progress or even play through certain games without the use of this feature. Another missing feature is NFC support, which is necessary to claim in-game Amiibo rewards. The lack of Amiibo support isn’t a deal-breaker, but the lack of gyroscopic functionality certainly could be. I’m not one hundred percent sure why the controller doesn’t have this feature (perhaps it’s to keep the price low?) but its absence will surely ruin some users’ experiences.
For the purposes of testing, I played DC Universe Online, Samurai Shodown (1993), Sonic Mania, and Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection on Switch. I tried Doom (2016) and Blazing Chrome on PC. As expected, the controller functioned great across all titles. I particularly enjoyed using the D-Pad in Sonic Mania, Blazing Chrome, and Samurai Shodown. Playing modern 3D games like DCUO and Doom felt right as well.
The SN 30 Pro+ is 8BitDo’s best controller yet. The slick-looking peripheral looks awesome, handles beautifully, and works with any game you can imagine. Full customization and the ease of programming nearly every facet of the controller is a huge plus. It is a feature I’d love to see in future 8BitDo controllers. Though missing NFC and gyroscopic support, it is easily the best third party controller you can buy for Switch. It also works great with your PC. My hat goes off to 8BitDo once more. I look forward to seeing how the company will top itself next time.
Get the 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro+ for $49.99 on Amazon.
More on Geek.com:
- 8BitDo’s M30 Gamepad Is the Ultimate Sega Genesis-Inspired Controller
- 8BitDo’s New SN30 and SN30 Pro Controllers Pay Homage to the Gameboy Pocket
- The 8BitDo N30 Pro 2 Controller Is a Great Sequel
