8BitDo has announced an upgraded version of its Ultimate controller, the Ultimate 2, which is now available for preorder on Amazon for $59.99 in purple, black, and white color options. The new controller boasts several significant improvements, including the adoption of tunneling magneto-resistance (TMR) joysticks, which are more durable and resistant to joystick drift than traditional Hall effect sticks.

The Ultimate 2 features a similar asymmetrical stick layout to 8BitDo's original Ultimate controller, launched in 2022, but adds additional buttons, interactive LED lighting, and the aforementioned TMR joysticks. The technology has already been used in hard drives to boost storage capacities and is now being applied to controllers, allowing for joysticks that draw less power and nearly eliminate the risk of joystick drift.

The controller also features the RGB Fire Ring LED joystick effects, first introduced on 8BitDo's smaller wired Ultimate C controller. The branding implies that both joysticks feature a ring of color-changing LEDs around their base, with several lighting modes that react to button presses or the direction the joysticks are being pushed.

A newly added switch on the Ultimate 2 allows users to change the behavior of the triggers between a long or short pull, ideal for different gaming genres. The triggers still use Hall effect sensors for improved accuracy and reliability. Additionally, the controller has an extra pair of customizable shoulder buttons on the back, similar to the budget-minded 8BitDo Ultimate 2c.

The Ultimate 2 connects to 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2, which is also available as a mobile app, allowing buttons to be remapped and the sensitivity of joysticks and triggers to be adjusted. The controller has support for motion controls for games that support it, and a charging dock is still included. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, a wired USB-C connection, or a low-lag 2.4GHz wireless connection using an included USB-C dongle.

Notably, the Ultimate 2 is currently only compatible with PCs running Windows 10 and later or Android devices running Android 9.0 and newer. Versions compatible with the Xbox, iOS, or Nintendo Switch (and presumably the Switch 2) have not been announced yet, but 8BitDo previously released additional versions of the original Ultimate controller with alternate compatibility.

The release of the Ultimate 2 controller is significant, as it showcases 8BitDo's commitment to innovation and improvement in the gaming controller space. With the adoption of TMR technology, 8BitDo is positioning itself as a leader in the industry, offering gamers a more reliable and durable gaming experience.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how companies like 8BitDo respond to the changing needs of gamers. With the Ultimate 2, 8BitDo is setting a new standard for gaming controllers, and it will be exciting to see what other innovations the company has in store for the future.