8BitDo SN30 Pro 2 Controller review: A lightweight, tactile choice

8BitDo has now launched in Australia. Appointing Bluemouth as the Australia/New Zealand Distributors, 8BitDo’s range of controllers is now available to players in the region. As a result, we got our hands on the new SN30 Pro 2 controller, to see how it fares. This is a new controller designed for Nintendo Switch, PC, macOS and Android.

Ultimate Compatibility and easy setup

The SN30 Pro 2 controller features Bluetooth connectivity. Since it’s Bluetooth enabled, the only thing you’ll find when you unbox the controller, is the controller itself and a charging cable. There’s no additional batteries, no USB dongle, just the controller and a USB-C cable. Once the controller is charged and ready, you’ll see the front controller lights flashing in sequence. Simply head to the Bluetooth settings on your computer, click the device, select “pair” and away you go. If it’s all paired up, the lights on the front will have stopped flashing and it’ll be all hooked up.

I’m on Windows, and that setup was fairly easy to get going. The SN30 Pro 2 controller also works on everything from macOS, to Android and Switch. I gave it a try on my Samsung Note and it worked a treat. Switching between devices however was not as intuitive as I thought, and I had to consult the manual for this one. Once you know how, it seems really obvious. By flipping the controller over, there’s a sliding switch which says SADX. Slide the switch for your desired device:

• S for Switch
• A for Apple
• D for Android
• X for Windows.

If you’re on Windows like me, it’ll come up as “8BitDo Pro 2” under your device list. If you have other wireless controllers, this is super useful for telling them apart.

Light weight and tactile

One of the things I look for in controllers is how they feel in the hands while I’m gaming. The SN30 Pro 2 controller is a good weight. It’s light, but still feels like you are holding a tactile piece of tech and not a piece of flimsy plastic. While using the controller, the rebound on the triggers is relatively long, so this controller definitely suits RPG rather than FPS. I certainly got away with some tanking in Elder Scrolls Online.

I also really liked the back buttons. The P1 and P2 options are awesome. They need to be mapped but when holding the controller, your middle fingers naturally rest easy on these buttons. I mapped mine for picking up items and switching builds.

SN30 Pro 2 controller

Overall, I really liked this controller. While it doesn’t have the grippiest handles, and the “START” button is also the “ON” button, I love the lightweight feel of this controller. It also has rumble and the available colors provide some great options.

You can pick up one of these controllers for $89.95 AUD ($99.95 NZ or $49.95 USD). You can also purchase extras for this controller like a mobile phone mount and carry case, which match the design of the 8BitDo SN30 Pro 2 Controller.