8BitDo Ultimate C controller to launch next week at a head-turning price

(Image credit: 8BitDo)

Controller maker 8BitDo is back next week with its latest gamepad; the 8BitDo Ultimate C Bluetooth controller for Nintendo Switch.

The third in the Ultimate C lineup (following a 2.4GHz and wired version of the controller) is primarily designed to connect to Nintendo Switch consoles via Bluetooth, which means it may also be able to connect to Android devices, too.

The 8BitDo Ultimate C Bluetooth controller arrives next week on November 15 but can be pre-ordered now for $29.99 over at its Amazon store page in one of three colors: blue, orange, or pink. Currently, there's no UK listing for the controller, but given the Ultimate C 2.4G controller costs £24.99 in the region, we're expecting the same for the Bluetooth variant.

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Introducing 8BitDo Ultimate C Bluetooth Controller. Simplified, with the same ultimate quality now with an ultimate price. Compatible with Switch. Available in Pink, Blue, or Orange.Pre-order on Amazon -https://t.co/pc7clLT664 pic.twitter.com/WvxVcdNK09November 6, 2023

In essence, the Ultimate C Bluetooth controller is a more budget-friendly version of the 8BitDo Ultimate. While the manufacturer says the controller features the "same ultimate build quality," there are some pared-down specs you should expect.

For example, there's no 2.4GHz connectivity option with the Ultimate C, and the cheaper gamepad will only have a total of 16 hours of battery compared to its more expensive counterpart's 22 hours.

The Ultimate C also loses those two remappable back buttons and doesn't include a charging dock. However, if you already own the 8BitDo Ultimate, there's a chance the Ultimate C will be chargeable via the dock, too. Otherwise, you're still getting a USB-C port at the top of the pad for charging and wired play should you prefer.

8BitDo's controllers have typically been impressive. The 8BitDo Ultimate tops our list of the best Nintendo Switch controllers you can buy, wherein you'll also find the 8BitDo Arcade Stick. The recent 8BitDo NeoGeo Wireless controller also impressed us with its affordability and we found it to be a wonderful match for some of the best fighting games on Switch.

Interested in 8BitDo? The brand's controllers often go on sale as part of the Black Friday gaming deals event. To increase your chances of spotting a stellar deal though, be sure to check out our Black Friday Xbox controller deals and Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals, too.

Rhys is TRG's Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.