🎮 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 Review: The Universal Controller Companion
ELECTRONICS - The 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 in black is a compact but powerful peripheral designed to bridge the gap between popular gaming controllers and a wide array of gaming systems. Positioned as a versatile, affordable, and effective solution, this USB dongle allows gamers to use their favorite controllers—including those from Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Switch Pro, and more—across multiple platforms like the Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Mac, and Raspberry Pi. For anyone seeking controller cross-compatibility and enhanced customization, the Adapter 2 is a near-essential piece of kit.
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| 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 Review: The Universal Controller Companion |
🛠️ Design and Ease of Use
The Adapter 2 maintains a minimalist and highly portable design, similar to a standard USB flash drive, complete with a protective cap. Its physical form factor is unobtrusive, allowing it to be plugged into the USB-A port of a Switch dock or a computer without hogging too much space. (A minor consideration for the Switch dock is that it can sometimes interfere with the adjacent USB port if both are needed, though this depends on the dock's design.)
Setting up the Adapter 2 is remarkably straightforward and is one of its most praised features. The process typically involves:
Plugging the adapter into the desired host device (e.g., Switch dock, PC).
Entering pairing mode on both the adapter and the controller (usually by pressing the small sync button on the adapter and the pair button on the controller).
The connection is established quickly and reliably, often in under a minute.
For the Nintendo Switch, users must ensure the "Pro Controller Wired Communication" setting is enabled in the console's system settings for the adapter to function correctly.
💻 Cross-Platform Compatibility and Performance
The Adapter 2 truly shines in its ability to facilitate cross-compatibility, turning a console-specific controller into a near-universal gamepad.
Nintendo Switch: This is arguably the Adapter 2's killer feature. It allows players to use the arguably superior Xbox Series X|S or PS5 DualSense controllers to play Switch titles, an appealing option for those who prefer the ergonomics or familiarity of non-Nintendo gamepads. It supports key Switch-specific features like 6-axis motion control (on supported controllers like the DualSense) and vibration (in X-input mode for PS4/PS5 controllers), which is a significant advantage over many simpler Bluetooth receivers.
Windows PC & Mac: The adapter is an excellent solution for using controllers on these systems. In conjunction with the 8BitDo Ultimate Software, it provides a streamlined, universal way to connect controllers. For Mac users, in particular, the Adapter 2 is highlighted as a great way to overcome the native Bluetooth pairing quirks and limitations, offering a more robust connection and access to advanced features.
Raspberry Pi/Android TV Box: Compatibility extends to these niche systems, allowing for easy integration into retro gaming or media center setups.
Performance is consistently reported as "virtually lag-free," using Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. While some very sensitive users have noted a perceptible difference compared to a native Switch Pro Controller, the general consensus is that the input lag is negligible and not a factor in casual or competitive play.
⚙️ The Ultimate Software Advantage
A key differentiator for the Adapter 2 is its compatibility with the 8BitDo Ultimate Software (available for Windows and Mac). This software unlocks elite-level control over the connected controller, including:
Button Mapping: Customize the function of every button.
Stick and Trigger Sensitivity: Fine-tune analog stick dead zones and trigger travel distance for higher precision.
Vibration Control: Adjust the intensity of the rumble.
Macros: Create complex sequences of inputs and assign them to a single button.
These configurations can be saved as multiple profiles and are stored directly on the adapter, meaning they carry over to whichever host device the adapter is plugged into. This makes the Adapter 2 much more than a simple passthrough device; it's a powerful customization layer.
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons
Pros
Broad Controller & System Compatibility: Connects most modern wireless controllers to Switch, PC, Mac, and Raspberry Pi.
Ultimate Software Support: Enables deep customization (button remapping, sensitivity, macros) that travels with the adapter.
Feature Support: Includes essential features like 6-axis motion (on Switch) and vibration (on X-input).
Affordable: Offers high functionality at a very reasonable price point.
Extremely Easy Setup: Pairing is fast and reliable.
Cons
One Controller Per Adapter: Unlike a standard Bluetooth receiver, each adapter supports only a single controller.
Limited Use Case: The primary utility is cross-platform controller use; if you only game on one system with its native controller, it's unnecessary.
No Support for All Advanced Features: Extra buttons/paddles on elite controllers (like the DualSense Edge's back buttons) may not be fully supported or remappable through the software.
💡 Conclusion
The 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 is an outstanding product that offers exceptional value for its price. It flawlessly delivers on its promise of universal wireless controller compatibility, especially for the Nintendo Switch. For gamers who own multiple controllers from different consoles and want the freedom to use their preferred gamepad on their system of choice, or for those who need a powerful, customizable solution for PC/Mac gaming, the Adapter 2 is an indispensable accessory. Its simple setup, strong performance, and integration with the Ultimate Software make it a highly recommended purchase.
This video provides a quick tutorial on how to use the 8BitDo Wireless Adapter with the Nintendo Switch and an Xbox controller: