Stuff We Want: 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Controller, Turn Your Phone Into a Cloud Console
"xbox cloud gaming" is climbing on Google Trends after Xbox rolled out new cloud previews. This Xbox-licensed phone controller stretches to fit most phones.
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Google Trends has xbox cloud gaming climbing in the US this morning, 2K+ searches and up 75%, still Active, with plain "cloud gaming" rising right behind it. Xbox just started previewing new ways to play in the cloud, and Game Pass cloud play now comes with a set number of hours each month. If the hours are counted now, you may as well spend them with real buttons instead of thumbs smeared across glass.
The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile is a Bluetooth phone controller that is officially licensed by Xbox and supports Xbox Cloud Gaming. It is also officially supported by Apple and works with both Apple and Android devices.
The stretch design grips phones from 100 to 170mm long, so most phones snap into the middle and the whole thing turns into a handheld console that happens to also take calls you will ignore.
Under your thumbs: Hall Effect joysticks and Hall Effect triggers, which 8BitDo pitches as more robust and longer-lasting with higher precision. There are tactile bumpers, a tactile D-pad, an Xbox button, and wear-resistant metal rings around the sticks.
On the back sit two pro paddle buttons, the kind of extra input that lets you jump without taking your thumb off the aim stick. You can tune it with 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 on mobile.
It is a strong Christmas pick for the gamer who has a Game Pass account and a long commute, or the one whose couch is currently occupied by relatives watching football.
Who it's for
- Xbox Cloud Gaming players who stream on their phone.
- Commuters and travelers who want console-style controls without packing a console.
- Gift shoppers shopping for a gamer who already owns every controller for the TV.
Who should skip it
- Your phone is longer than 170mm. Check your phone's length first.
- You only play touch-screen games. This is built for controller-style play.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Officially licensed by Xbox; supports Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Works with Apple and Android; fits phones 100 to 170mm long.
- Hall Effect joysticks and triggers.
- Two back paddle buttons plus app tuning.
Cons
- Phone-size limit means checking your model before buying.
- It is Bluetooth, so the phone and controller both need to be charged and paired.
Pros and cons are our read of the features, not a hands-on test.
How it compares
For the couch: the 8BitDo Ultimate Mini wired Xbox controller is the console-side sibling.
More holiday shopping: Christmas gifts, gifts for dad, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
FAQ
Does it work with Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Yes. It is officially licensed by Xbox and supports Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Does it work with iPhone and Android?
Yes. It is officially supported by Apple and works with Apple and Android devices.
Which phones fit?
Phones from 100 to 170mm long.
How does it connect?
Over Bluetooth.
The verdict
The verdict: hand-picked for the week cloud gaming gets a fresh look. Snap your phone in, put your thumbs on real sticks, and make every streamed hour count.
#ad. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Hand-picked by The Deez List.
