Tag: arcade stick

  • 8BitDo Evo 2026 Limited Edition Controllers Launched

    8BitDo Evo 2026 Limited Edition Controllers Launched

    Key Takeaway

    – Three new Evo 2026 Limited Edition controllers announced (Arcade Stick, Arcade Controller, M30 Gamepad).
    – Each features unique purple/fiery purple artwork and the EVO Championship Series logo.
    – Only 100 units of each controller were produced.
    – They will be sold exclusively at the Evo 2026 championship in Las Vegas (June 26-28).
    – Prices were not revealed.


    New 8BitDo Limited Edition Controllers Drop for Evo 2026

    Just a few days after announcing the Arcade Stick in a new color, 8BitDo has announced three new limited edition controllers. The controllers are Evo 2026 Limited Editions of the Arcade Stick, Arcade Controller, and the M30 Bluetooth Gamepad. These new version’s are meant to celebrate the upcoming tournament.

    The Arcade Stick’s Dark Purple Design

    The Arcade Stick Evo 2026 Limited Edition comes in purple, but a darker shade than the one announced a few days ago. It also has the EVO (Evolution Championship Series) logo at the bottom right corner, while the glass panel has a fiery purple artwork. This is the premium stick they’ve offered for this year’s event.

    Transparent Purple Arcade Controller Details

    On the other hand, the Evo 2026 Limited Edition Arcade Controller, has a transparent purple shell that is identical to the Transparent Purple Signature Edition (available on Amazon for $94.99) that was announced in December 2025. However, rather than a plain black glass plate, it also has the fiery purple artwork, albeit on a larger scale, like that of the Arcade Stick above. So basically the same shell with different artwork.

    M30 Gamepad Gets Fiery Flames

    Finally, the Evo 2026 Limited Edition M30 Bluetooth Gamepad comes in black like one of the standard colors (available on Amazon for $29.99), but features a purple flame design below the D-pad and above the XYZ buttons. There’s also the EVO logo above the start button, while the words “Evolution Championship Series” are printed above the D-pad. This is a nice subtle look for fans.

    Limited Stock and Exclusivity

    8BitDo says only 100 units of each controller have been produced, and they will be sold exclusively at the Evo 2026 championship, which begins on June 26 and ends on June 28 in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, 8BitDo didn’t reveal the prices for the controllers. So you’ll have to be at the event to grab one.

    • Arcade Stick: Dark purple shell with EVO logo and fiery purple glass artwork.
    • Arcade Controller: Transparent purple shell (like $94.99 version) with large fiery artwork.
    • M30 Gamepad: Black with purple flame design and EVO branding.
    • Production: Only 100 units of each controller.
    • Availability: Exclusively at Evo 2026 in Las Vegas (June 26-28).
    Sources
  • 8BitDo Arcade Stick Gets Fresh Color Update

    8BitDo Arcade Stick Gets Fresh Color Update

    Key Takeaway

    – 8BitDo released a solid purple version of its Arcade Stick, over five years after the original launch.
    – It connects via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C, and is compatible with Switch, Switch 2, and Windows.
    – Features include dual macro buttons, a switchable joystick knob, and remapping via the Ultimate Software.
    – Battery life reaches up to 40 hours (2.4GHz mode) or 30 hours (Bluetooth mode).
    – The Purple Arcade Stick is available now for $89.99 from 8BitDo and Amazon.


    Purple Arcade Stick Announced

    Late last year, 8BitDo announced a purple variant of its Arcade Controller that was originally released in July 2025. Now, it has announced a purple version of the Arcade Stick controller that was first released in 2020.

    Color History and New Release

    When the Arcade Stick was announced, it was available to buy in a single color called N Edition, inspired by classic Nintendo consoles. Then a few years later, 8BitDo released an Xbox edition that arrived in Black and White color options.

    Now, more than five years after it first hit store shelves, the Arcade Stick can be purchased in Purple. The new color isn’t transparent like that of the Arcade Controller but a solid shade. It has a black joystick, purple buttons, and black knobs. The connectivity switch, select, start, and the buttons on the right side of the knobs are also black. However, the features are the same as that of the original N Edition.

    Connectivity and Compatibility

    The Arcade Stick connects via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C and is compatible with the Nintendo Switch and Windows devices. In June 2025, 8BitDo released a software update that added compatibility with the Switch 2. The controller has two dedicated macro buttons, a dynamic button layout that changes when you switch input modes from Windows’s X-Input to that of the Nintendo Switch.

    Functionality and Customization

    It also has a knob that lets you switch the function of the joystick from left joystick to D-pad mode to right joystick mode. Users can remap buttons, create macros, and create controller profiles using the 8BitDo Ultimate Software for Windows and macOS.

    The controller has a 1,000mAh battery that provides up to 40 hours of play time when connected in 2.4GHz mode and up to 30 hours in Bluetooth mode. 8BitDo ships the Arcade Stick with a USB-C cable and a 2.4GHz adapter that can be stored in a compartment under the controller.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Purple 8BitDo Arcade Controller is available to buy now directly from 8BitDo’s eShop for $89.99. It is also availible on Amazon for the same price. On the other hand, the N Edition is availible on Amazon for $79.99 ($10 off).

    Sources
  • 8BitDo Arcade Controller & Stick Support Nintendo Switch 2 Update

    8BitDo Arcade Controller & Stick Support Nintendo Switch 2 Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Several manufacturers have released new accessories for the Nintendo Switch 2, but many existing accessories remain compatible with a software update.
    2. 8BitDo’s Arcade Stick and upcoming Arcade Controller can be used with the Nintendo Switch 2 after updating their firmware.
    3. The Arcade Stick can be updated by downloading a firmware update tool from 8BitDo’s website and following prompts after connecting it to a PC.
    4. The required firmware version for both the Arcade Stick and Arcade Controller to support Nintendo Switch 2 is 1.04, with the controller having a more recent version (1.05) available.
    5. Users can find 8BitDo updates and support information on their social media channels.


    Following the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, several manufacturers have introduced new accessories for the gaming handheld device. Nonetheless, many current accessories are still compatible without needing changes, or they can work with a software update, as seen with the 8BitDo Arcade Stick and the 8BitDo Arcade Controller.

    Updates for Arcade Stick and Controller

    8BitDo, a well-known gaming accessory brand, has confirmed that both the Arcade Stick, which was released in 2020, and the new Arcade Controller set to launch next month, can be used with the Nintendo Switch 2. However, users will need to ensure their controllers are updated to the latest firmware version.

    How to Update Your Arcade Stick

    For those who own the Arcade Stick, which is priced at $89.99 on Amazon, you can update it by downloading the firmware update tool from 8BitDo’s website. This tool is available for both Windows and macOS systems. The firmware that enables support for the Nintendo Switch 2 is Firmware v1.04.

    To perform the update, connect the Arcade Stick and its adapter to your PC using USB. After they are connected, launch the firmware update tool and follow the prompts to update both the Arcade Stick and its adapter. Ensure that the controller is turned on during this process.

    Updating the Arcade Controller

    The Arcade Controller can be updated through the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, which is also compatible with Windows and macOS. After installing this software, plug your controller into your computer via USB and open the Ultimate Software V2 application. It will recognize your controller automatically. Click the update button, and it will show you the firmware version that can be downloaded.

    To add support for the Nintendo Switch 2, the required firmware version is 1.04, although the most recent firmware version is 1.05. Click on the update option to start the updating process for your controller. There doesn’t appear to be a specific update for the adapter, but you can attempt to update it anyway. Just plug it into your PC and repeat the previous steps.

    Source:
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  • 8BitDo Teases New Leverless Controller Launching May 16

    8BitDo Teases New Leverless Controller Launching May 16

    Key Takeaways

    1. 8BitDo is teasing a new product set to be unveiled on May 16 at 8 AM PST (3 PM GMT).
    2. The device features a flat shape with a textured back and a pattern of directional arrows alongside ABXY buttons.
    3. Speculations suggest it could be either a new arcade stick or a leverless controller.
    4. A leverless controller uses buttons for all inputs, offering improved precision for fighting games.
    5. The new product is branded as ‘Made for Pros.’


    8BitDo has shared a teaser for an upcoming product that’s set to be unveiled in just a few days. The teaser, which was shared on X, indicates that the device has a flat shape and features a textured back. This textured part is actually designed with a pattern of directional arrows alongside the ABXY buttons.

    Speculations and Theories

    There are already some guesses about what this new product could be. A few people believe it might be a new arcade stick akin to the 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox, which you can find on Amazon for $119.99. However, a lot of folks think it might be a leverless controller instead.

    Understanding Leverless Controllers

    For those unfamiliar, a leverless controller, also referred to as a hit box-style controller, is a kind of gaming controller primarily used for fighting games. Unlike traditional controllers that feature a joystick for directional movement, a leverless controller operates using only buttons for all inputs, including directions. This design allows for improved precision and accuracy, which are essential qualities in fighting games.

    Upcoming Announcement

    8BitDo has confirmed that this new product, which is branded as ‘Made for Pros,’ will be officially announced on May 16 at 8 AM PST (3 PM GMT).

    Source:
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