WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT GOOD?
One of the first things I did when I got my Nintendo Switch was getting a handheld controller similar to the feel of a Playstation or Xbox console controller. I read great reviews about the Pro Controller and wow were they right, it feels amazing in every way. But as a multi-console gamer it’s very difficult to get used to the Switches button order which has the usual key placements from Xbox and Playstation controllers in a different order, for example the typical “accept” button and “back” button are reversed on the Switch which is very difficult to transition to if you jump back and forth a lot. I started to wonder if I could use a Playstation or Xbox controller on the Switch both out of comfort the key position and also as an extra controller. Come to find out with the 8Bitdo Wireless Controller you can!
Universal Compatibility
While it seems you can use almost any controller with the Switch and this wireless controller the button layout does stay similar to what the Switch has built into its other controllers by default. However, that’s when I discovered you can in fact remap buttons on any controller on the switch to be where you want them. So not only can I use the Playstation controller with the Switch I can have it function the same as well. You might be wondering why don’t you just remap the keys of the Pro Controller then? 2 reasons, one, I want to leave some controllers default for others who play. Two, when a game is telling me what buttons do what in a game I like to look at the controller to get a sense of what is going on and that is harder to do when the label on the controller buttons isn’t how they are mapped.
Final Verdict
This is all very nit-picky and nerdy stuff but I thought I would share in case others are having the same issue and want to keep the feel consistent across their consoles or just simply prefer a different systems controller feel. Just know that you won’t be able to seamlessly transition that same controller back and forth between the Switch and the other console, at least that’s the case with the Playstation. Once it’s paired with the Switch you will have to go through the pairing process again to get it back to the Playstation(or Xbox). Being that the switch features tons of local multiplayer games you find yourself needing to borrow a controller from another console in which case this little gem is for you!
COMPATIBILITY?
System compatibility: Switch, Windows PC,macOS & Raspberry Pis and more.
Controller compatibility: all 8BitDo Controllers, PS5, PS4, PS3, Switch Pro, Switch Joy-con, Xbox One S/X Bluetooth controller, Wii Mote, Wii U Pro and more.
If you have suggestions for similar products leave them in the comments!