This is great news for iOS device owners and Apple Arcade subscribers, as 8BitDo has updated its excellent third-party controllers to support Apple phones, tablets, and computers.
8BitDo announced today that its controllers are now officially compatible with iOS, tvOS, and macOS devices. This includes the iPhone 14, MacBook Air, and Apple TV 4K streaming device. You just need to make sure you have the latest firmware update installed on your hardware of choice.
Supported controllers include the excellent 8BitDo Ultimate and 8BitDo Pro 2. You’ll also need to make sure your controller is updated to the latest firmware, which can be streamed wirelessly via the 8BitDo mobile app.
8BitDo also confirmed to TechRadar Gaming that the controllers’ packaging will be updated to reflect iOS support, as well as support for consoles like Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch, and top Android phones.
Here is a list of controllers that 8BitDo has confirmed have iOS support now. The company has stated that more of its pads will also receive an update in the future.
- The best 8BitDo controller
- 8BitDo Pro 2
- 8BitDo SN30 Pro+
- 8BitDo Pro
- 8BitDo SN30 Pro for Android
- 8Bitdo Lite SE
8BitWin
I have highly praised 8BitDo controllers in the past. The 8BitDo Ultimate, for example, tops our Nintendo Switch controller buying guide. And for my money, it’s a better quality pad than the official Nintendo Switch Pro controller. This is largely thanks to the Ultimate’s excellent build quality, remapping rear buttons, and decent battery life.
I believe this is a big win for Apple Arcade players in particular. Apple’s game subscription service gets better and better over time with a library of compelling exclusives and availability across the entire Apple ecosystem at a low monthly cost. Now the ability to use some of the industry’s best third-party controllers makes Apple Arcade even more enticing.
I’d also like to see the 8BitDo wireless slot machine get an iOS compatibility update somewhere down the line. Ranking among our best fighting sticks, it would be a great fit for Apple Arcade thanks to the largely fast-paced nature of its game library.