Today, 8BitDo has shown off its latest product; the 8BitDo Arcade Stick. This new arcade stick supports both Bluetooth, 2.4G (wireless adaptor), and wired connections, and is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, Windows, and PC.
At first glance, the arcade stick resembles the NES Advantage stick that was released in the days of the Nintendo Entertainment System era, but it’s so much more.
According to the press release 8BitDo sent over, this stick features a turbo function, 2-dedicated macro buttons, and dedicated home and screenshot buttons when using it with the Nintendo Switch. Unlike the previous 8BitDo N30 Arcade Stick, you’ll be able to use 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software to remap buttons and create custom macros.
What’s really going to make arcade stick lovers happy is the ability to drop in just about any arcade joystick or button. It is completely compatible with Swana, Seimsistu, and Happ joysticks and buttons. And as you can see in the image below, gaining access to the wireless is child’s play.
The only downside to the arcade stick is that it isn’t compatible with the PlayStation 3/4 or Xbox One. Especially since those consoles have a nice number of games that could really utilize the arcade stick – yes, we’re talking about fighting and side-scrolling games. Hopefully, the ability to use the arcade stick can be added with a firmware update.
For now, you can pre-order the 8BitDo Arcade Stick on Amazon for $89.99, with the arcade stick shipping on October 20, 2020. We’ve already placed our order we’ll be providing a complete review once the unit ships to us.
