Features:

  • Compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac OS & Android
  • Fully featured Controller- clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, motion controls, wireless Bluetooth, rechargeable battery, home and screenshot Buttons and a USB-C connector!
  • Perfect classic d-pad
Great controller, and 8bitdo's customer support is fantastic.

Update 10/11/2018: 8bitdo's support team has been in constant communication with me the past week and has had me try the newest firmware update since the below issue was reported. I'm happy to confirm that the newest firmware, v1.29, fully resolved the issue. Buy this controller with confidence that you're getting a quality product with a great support team behind it. 8bitdo's controllers have just reclaimed their status as my #1 favorite. Just make sure you update the firmware when you get it! ****I'm leaving my previous review here for reference: These controllers look and feel great, but that's pretty much where the positives stop. When using the older revision of this with the color scheme that's closer to an actual SNES controller recently I encountered an issue with it and I wanted to know if this new model has the same problem, so I bought one. Unfortunately I can confirm that the problem, detailed below, still occurs even with these new revisions. This problem became apparent to me when playing Mega Man X4 in Mega Man X Legacy Collection on Nintendo Switch: I noticed that when I hold Y, B, and A, then press right on the Dpad, the X button will activate without being touched. There are other button combinations that cause phantom button presses or misfires, as well (listed below). I've had two of the older more accurate looking SNES style versions of this controller, and this one just arrived today. They are all affected in the same manner. 8bitdo's support has been contacted on the issue, but no information has been provided on whether or not this is a hardware or firmware issue, and no resolution has been offered other than that they are looking into it. Button Combinations that cause misfires: hold YBA Dpad right = X is active as well but not pressed hold YBA R = X is active as well but not pressed hold ABX = Y is active as well but not pressed hold ABX = pressing Dpad up+left OR up+right will only register as pressing UP hold BXY L2 = A is active as well but not pressed hold ABXY = Dpad does not register ANY diagonals

Overall Fantastic! L1 & R1 a Tad Small

I bought the SN30 Pro (SNES Style) to use with my Raspberry Pi 3b+ Retropie system via Bluetooth. Since the directions don't specify, you'll want to use D Input mode (Android) when you pair this to the Raspberry Pi. You'll also want to go into Retroarch to enable Retropad + Analog to make sure you can use the analog stick or the D pad. Surprisingly few PS1 games support analog sticks, so if you want to use the sticks you'll have to force enable them in Retroarch. As far as how the controller works, this thing is great! I use it to play all kinds of retro games ranging from Atari 2600 to PS1 and it handles them all beautifully. I've never experienced any issues with phantom D pad presses or anything like that. The layout is very similar to a PS4 controller, but more compact. All the buttons feel great and I personally haven't experienced any noticeable input lag. I did update the firmware before my first use. My only very minor gripe is the L1 and R1 buttons are much more narrow than I expected (about half the width of the SNES shoulder buttons), and are very close to the L2 & R2 buttons. This typically doesn't cause problems, but if you're playing a game that requires the simultaneous use of both shoulder buttons on one side it's tricky. It can also be tough to quickly press L1 or R1 based on the layout and button size. Overall, this is my favorite retro style controller. The buttons feel great, the look is a nice modernized retro, and the battery seems to last around 6 hours on a charge. I can't speak to how it performs on other devices, but I believe this is the best controller for Retropie setups.

This thing is so good.

I just got this wonderful controller today. I've tested it with Android, PC and Switch. Pairing with all of my devices is very smooth, there is a handy quick reference guide on the back of the controller. The build quality feels great, it is light but does not feel cheap in any way. The buttons do not feel mushy and overall I am very pleased with this purchase 10/10 would recommend.

Excellent retro controller with modern function!

To preface, I have owned several of 8bitdo's controllers, from the original SF30 Pro to the new Sn30, to this new Sn30 Pro, and I can say that, apart from some quality control issues in manufacturing, 8bitdo is a great company offering great quality products. I purchased this with my own funds. On its face, this controller does not seem to be much different from last year's model, but there are differences that would make one want to consider the upgrade. Two major changed, improved latency and much easier pairing with the Switch, have been extensively documented by YouTube tech reviewer Lon Seidman and I would recommend you check out his videos—they are excellent as a whole. He did not pay me or ask me to write this—I just appreciate the honesty of his videos and reviews. Other minor changes include: a softer d-pad than the previous model, less tight analog sticks (a welcome change as the old ones had too much resistance), and a small ridge around the star button, making for easier pressing for the capture function on Switch. As someone who owned the previous model, I can say that the upgrade is worth it if you have the money, or if you never owned the previous model, buy the new one. For the controller itself, I can say that it is the best third party controller I have ever used, offering many functions with a lot of compatibility. The d-pad is great for retro games (although is sensitive and prone to errant diagonals) while I find the analog sticks (which are like the dualshock 4) to be perfect for the modern Switch games. The buttons have great actuation, a little stiff for my taste, but still really good. The rear shoulder buttons are actually one of my favorite parts of the controller, as my fingers rest perfectly in the curve of the trigger. The front shoulder buttons leave a little to be desired, but I honestly don't use them all that much in the games I play. Other functions include the aforementioned star (capture) button, a home button, start and select, and a pair button on top with instructions neatly printed on the back of the controller. When used with my Switch, it feels really great to use, with no noticeable latency, and a fairly ergonomic design. I will say that it is slightly less comfortable using the analog sticks as opposed to the d-pad, but I would still recommend it unless you have large hands. I do not have an issue of accidentally hitting the analog stick while using the abxy buttons as some have said, it is not an issue I have encountered. Also, I have tested this controller with the 8Bitdo SNES retro receiver hooked up to the Analogue Super Nt (an FPGA Super Nintendo) and can report no issues there, just what feels like a lagless experience. Overall, I find it hard not to recommend this controller over the standrd Switch Pro Controller for the price, quality, and features. The only features missing are amiibo support and HD rumble. However, the included rumble is very good nonetheless. For those in the market for a cheaper alternative to the Pro Controller for Switch, or an extra less expensive controller, or simply a piece of nostalgia with modern features, buy this controller—you won't regret it. NOTE: When getting any new 8bitdo device, always hook it up to your computer and install the latest firmware. This should alleviate any potential issues that may exist.

I’m impressed!

Wow. I’ve become a bit jaded over time, having developed the opinion that all third-party game controllers are terrible, but I have to say, 8BitDo knocked this one out of the park. It looks, feels, and performs like a first-party controller. The buttons are tight, but not overly-so. The build quality is solid. If I had just one complaint, it’d be making sense of the pairing options, but once you’ve figured it out, it’s apparent that it’s intelligently designed. I can’t say enough good things about this controller. I’ll most certainly be buying a second one for some multiplayer sessions. Hands down the best all-around, multi-purpose controller.

Versatile Controller

Really glad I bought this controller. I have been needing something with a good D-pad after discovering how bad the D-Pad is on the official Nintendo Pro Controller where it registers up and down accidentally when trying to hit left and right. But this controller is spot on in every way, I especially like joystick placement as it's more in line with Sony's style. If you have really large hands this might be an issue? I noticed this company is planning to release basically this controller again with handles too. I prefer the look of this model though. The buttons are sublime as well. Way better than another 8-bitdo product I bought, which was an NES Mini controller that had buttons that were just too clicky, with too much travel. I couldn't Ninja Gaiden properly on that controller. Still good quality though. What makes it so versatile though is it works with my Switch, my PC, my iphone, and my Raspberry pie with ease! The Pi was the toughest pairing, but honestly that's the fault of the Pi just having weird software in it that isn't the most user friendly. This thing is simple, and has instructions printed on the back of the controller. For Switch just go to the Grip screen, hold Start+Y to turn the controller on, let go, then hold the pair button for 2 seconds and done! From then on you can just turn the controller on with Start+Y, (or just Start unless you're like me and have multiple devices you're using). Great battery life too, haven't really had to charge it much. The rumble feels cool too. The shoulder buttons are a BIT close together, but that's a minor nitpick, really doesn't affect anything. Overall I love the style of this thing, it's great to use a controller with all the trappings of modern buttons in a retro design that warms me with nostalgia.

Fantastic Controller -- PROS/CONS LIST BELOW (Review of SN30 Pro G edition)

I 100% recommend this, unless you only play 3D games. NOTE: I only use this for the Switch, not the other platforms that it can be used with. I absolutely love this controller. I use this while playing the following games, and I do so with ease: Stardew Valley, Dead Cells, Hollow Knight I also occasionally use this with Breath of the Wild, but that is a bit harder to play with this controller as this was designed more for 2D games, and BOTW is a 3D game. PROS: Build quality is fantastic. Best D-Pad I've used so far, which is incredible for a third party manufacturer. Analog sticks are like the PS4 controller, which I believe are very nice (your opinion may vary here). Excellent Battery Life (and very fast charging). I have yet to run out of battery while playing a game. I plug it in every 2 days, but I might not have to. The charging connection is USB-C also which makes more convenient than a micro-USB plug. Size is also perfect. I have large hands but I got used to this very quickly. It is not as comfortable as Nintendo's Pro controller, but this is by no means uncomfortable. No hand straining. CONS: Cannot charge and play simultaneously... not sure why but I don't care. Not good for 3D games due to positioning of D-Pad and Left Analog Stick, but I didn't buy this for 3D games. Just keep this in mind if you were planning on it though. It is still possible to play 3D games; it just might be awkward with the positioning of the D-Pad and L Analog Stick. I do recommend this product though!

A near perfect gamepad I wish looked closer to the real thing

First iteration look a lot closer to a Super NES/Famicom gamepad. I really wish they would have stuck to that design but something tells me Nintendo lawyers might have had an influence on the design change considering Nintendo's release of their classic gamepad. But at least I can say that, aside from the not slanted Start and Select buttons like the original, this gamepad feels like a faithful recreation of that beloved SNES gamepad we grew with. Firmware updates have been released to improve the Bluetooth connectivity issues I experienced with the previous model, although it is still a bit of a pain to switch between multiple devices. Works great with Nintendo Switch as long as you are aware that it will not wake up the console from its sleep state by pressing the Home button like an original Joycon or Switch Pro controller. Works amazingly well without any perceptible lag on PC without the need of drivers other than making sure you have good Bluetooth on your PC if you want to use wirelessly. Build quality is top notch and the control feels light on your hand as it should. I've been playing Bloodstained Ritual of the Night and Shovel Knight with this and it's pure bliss. Analogue sticks feel pretty good as well but I dont think I would use this as my main FPS controller. Overall I love this near perfect design and I would definitely recommend it especially if you like to play classic games.

This versus the Xbox version

If you're trying to decide between this one and the black Xbox xcloud version then here's what you need to know from someone who has both. I first bought the xcloud version thinking that it would work just like my Xbox one controller on Android. Every review I watched on YouTube focused on how well it works with xcloud and would just mention that it works everywhere on Android and in any native Android game with controller support. This is NOT the case at all. The analog triggers on the xcloud version of this controllers do not work in any native Android game. Not even a little bit. You can switch them from analog to digital input but they still don't work. You can install the beta firmware and switch them to digital and they still won't work. You can adjust the triggers through the application and do any combination of the above and no matter what the triggers will not work in anything outside of xcloud. As far as I've seen the company is only telling people that the analog triggers might not work in everything but the reality is they never do outside of xcloud. If you're like me and mostly want a decent pocket controller for native games or emulation on your phone then just get this regular sn30 pro. I thought I would just get the xcloud version and it would work like my Xbox controller and maybe every once in awhile I could also use it for xcloud. I was wrong and there's just not much info out there.

I LOVE this controller!

I bought this particular controller because it is compatible with a wide range of systems. Specifically, I intend to use it with my Nintendo Switch, Mac/PC, and a Raspberry Pi mini computer. The heft and feel of the Sn30 Pro in your hands is excellent. It feels like a classic Super Nintendo controller (so bonus points for nostalgia), but there's just enough weight to give it a feeling of quality. On top of that, the tactile response of the buttons themselves is very good. They have just the right amount of travel and "clickiness" to them. The wide range of inputs makes it a great choice for PC gaming (via the Raspberry Pi or Mac). I especially like the dual bumper buttons allowing for accurate button mapping on modern games. I also applaud 8Bitdo's decision to put a USB-C connector on this controller. It's a small forward-thinking choice that will give you many options to recharge it. And on that note, the rechargeable battery is robust. It's a nice touch. The Bottom Line: This is an excellent controller. The $35 price tag (as of the time of this review) is a steal especially when compared to the cost of other controllers ($70 for the Switch Pro Controller, I'm looking at you).

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