8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless: PC Gamepad with TMR Sticks and 1000 Hz Polling

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless is a PC gamepad with TMR analog sticks, Hall Effect triggers and a polling rate of up to 1000 Hz over both 2.4 GHz and USB. It has four additional programmable buttons, six-axis motion sensing, RGB rings around the sticks and a charging dock.

The controller is intended mainly for Windows, Android and newer versions of SteamOS and Apple operating systems. Check the exact model name when choosing: the Ultimate 2 Wireless is not the same as the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, which is more focused on Nintendo Switch.

TMR sticks and 1000 Hz polling

TMR stands for Tunnel Magnetoresistance. The sticks’ positions are sensed magnetically, without a conventional mechanical potentiometer. 8BitDo specifies a 12-bit ADC and high sensitivity. In its review, PC Gamer praised the sticks’ precision and smooth action.

Over 2.4 GHz or USB, the controller supports polling at up to 1000 Hz, or up to a thousand input reports per second. At that rate, the interval between reports can be approximately one millisecond. That does not mean the total latency between pressing a button and seeing a response on screen will also be one millisecond: it depends on other parts of the gaming setup too.

A higher polling rate may be particularly useful in fast-paced action games and first-person shooters. The difference may be less noticeable in a slower RPG. PC Gamer identified 1000 Hz polling as one of the controller’s technical advantages.

8BitDo calls its 2.4 GHz connection 8Speed. Wireless responsiveness also depends on the conditions of use, so the connection type alone does not guarantee a particular total latency.

Hall Effect triggers and extra buttons

The triggers can be switched between two modes:

• Linear analog Hall Effect mode is suited to games such as racing titles, where players need smooth control over acceleration and braking.
• Shorter tactile mode is suited to first-person shooters and other games where quick activation matters.

This lets players tailor the trigger feel to the genre. The controller also has four additional buttons that can be remapped using Ultimate Software V2. For example, they can be assigned to jump or crouch so players do not have to take their thumb off the right analog stick.

The controller also includes six-axis motion sensing. RGB rings called Fire Ring surround the sticks, and their effects can be changed in the app. TechRadar noted that the lighting reduces wireless battery life. If longer time between charges matters more, the RGB can be switched off.

Charging dock and connectivity

The dock works as both a stand and a charger: the controller charges when placed on it and automatically reconnects when picked up. The 2.4 GHz adapter can be stored in or used through the dock. If you regularly return the controller to the dock, you do not have to think about connecting a charging cable as often.

On Windows, the controller uses 2.4 GHz or USB; on Android and Apple devices, it uses Bluetooth. Newer versions of SteamOS are also supported. Before buying, check compatibility with your specific device and operating system version.

Weight and review findings

The official controller weight is approximately 246 grams. PC Gamer awarded it 82% and particularly praised the sticks. The review also pointed to a weaker D-pad and raised concerns about ergonomics for people with larger hands. The controller’s shape and comfort are things a specifications list alone cannot convey.

Who is it for?

The Ultimate 2 Wireless makes the most sense for PC players who want a combination of 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, a high polling rate, customizable buttons and a dock. The switchable triggers are useful for players who alternate between racing and action games.

Before choosing, consider the controller’s ergonomics and how much you use the D-pad. It is also important not to confuse the Wireless model with the similarly named Bluetooth version and to check compatibility with your own device.