Where to buy? Banggood
Among so many bluetooth controllers that I have tested, a brand that always left me very satisfied with the quality of its products was 8Bitdo. And I tried one more take from them, the N30 Pro 2. It works on PC, Android and Nintendo Switch, and it impresses by the nice materials and finishing right away.
I must say that I have tested the FC30 Pro before, which is a predecessor model. At the time, I also commended it for the good build, although I noticed that it wasn’t exactly an exponent of ergonomics: at a reduced size, some adaptation was necessary.
And this remains here on the N30 Pro 2. The size is the same, so it also isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world for long periods of gaming. It also remains with a peculiar layout in which the shoulder buttons, L1/L2 and R1/R2, stand side by side, which adds some learning curve for the best use.
But 8Bitdo has improved this one with a bunch of things that were missing before. They added the rumble feature, they also put in motion sensors, something that should interest Switch owners, and now the USB plug on the top is type-C, which is always welcome. Oh, and it has turbo feature to end the specification carousel. So, considering it’s a small controller and it has that triggers sittuation, now this is sort of a complete package.
My experience with Android games was nice, with the good response to the commands that I had already noticed in the previous version. Also, no noticeable delay. I must say that the rumble is not very strong, although it makes a considerable noise. Still, I think it was a nice addition. There is an accessory that is fixed on the controller so that it can hold a smartphone right above it, but unfortunately it must be purchased separately.
On the PC it works under the X-input standard, that is, it’s recognized as an Xbox controller, so no button mapping is required. I played some Rayman and DIRT and performance was just fine as expected.
The battery in my use lasted about 17 hours. It’s not the best in the segment, but it can still be classified as very good, and autonomy should vary depending on the use of its functions, such as vibration.
I really think this controller is the best work 8Bitdo could have made at this format. But that doesn’t mean that it is the best controller possible. Because of size, as I said before, it can have below average ergonomics for those with big hands. Analog sticks will also be smaller, resembling the C-Stick of GameCube controller (remember those?). But anyway, considering THIS format here, this could be the apex in my opinion.
But there is one more thing to add: inside 8Bitdo’s own portfolio, there’s an option that can surpass the N30 Pro 2 at its category. This is the SN30 Pro, or SF30 Pro, which reminds a SNES controller with analogs. It has basically the same cool feartures as the N30 Pro 2: motion sensor, rumble, also compatible with Switch… With the difference that it is a little bigger, a little more ergonomic, and has shoulder buttons in a slightly more conventional position. At the time tested it, I said that it was my favorite this company’s lineup.
… And maybe it remains at this position. The point is that it’s not always found in stores these days. Anyway, this doesn’t erase the fact that the N30 Pro 2 is a great controller that masters its format, and it’s more portable, what can be a plus for many users. It’s a nice item to have in the backpack and taking to action in multiplayer parties, or to be used a second controller at home.
PROS:
– Superb build quality
– Complete set of features
CONS:
– Questionable ergonomics