8BitDo strikes again with a controller designed specifically for versus fighting. While the Chinese company is no stranger to arcade controllers, this time it targets a niche with a very specific pad.

A radical design: joystick-free

While the Arcade Stick follows the traditional arcade panel lines with a joystick and eight action buttons, the recently unveiled Arcade Controller drops the joystick — a bold choice resulting in a pad made entirely of buttons.

This choice targets demanding and expert versus fighting players. Directions are managed by buttons, not a joystick, to offer increased precision and faster execution. This way, there’s no “race” between left and right as there can be with a joystick.

This system allows pressing almost simultaneously two different directions. It also benefits from SOCD cleaning, which automatically manages sometimes conflicting inputs to avoid unpredictable behavior, for example:

• Left + Right → the controller returns Neutral
• Up + Down → usually priority to up

Programmable and interchangeable mechanical buttons

Like all 8BitDo gear, the buttons are programmable with the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, allowing you to map your keys and create macros, enabling the programming of long sequences with a single button.

The buttons are mechanical and, as with 8BitDo keyboards, they are interchangeable — whether for aesthetics, gameplay feel, or repair, without needing to disassemble your entire panel.

They are Kailh buttons, from the Wizard series, known for responsiveness and durability. These are “low-profile” buttons, thinner than classic buttons, to ensure portability with only 2.2 cm thickness.

Compatibility and connectivity

The panel is designed to be used on:

• Switch (S-Input)
• PC/Xbox (X-Input)

A button lets you instantly switch layouts, with visual indication via the pad’s LEDs.

Regarding connectivity, the Arcade Controller offers:

• Bluetooth
• 2.4 GHz connection (with dongle)
• Wired connection

The battery promises 20 hours of gameplay with a 3-hour charge time.

Versions and price

There is a model in Xbox colors. If you like green and backlighting, you will love it. The RGB LEDs allow you to change the backlight color.

The Arcade Controller is priced at $89.99, with shipping scheduled from July 15, 2025.