Welcome to our 8Bitdo Sn30 PRO Plus Review. In this article, we will review the new retro-style controller for Nintendo Switch made by premier 3rd party video game hardware company 8Bitdo.
The controller is the “weapon” of each gamer and a super precious tool in his hands, so it should be easy to use, with ergonomic design, and at the same time functional.
8BitDo is a company, which is one of the dearests for gamers, especially those who love gamepads that have a special… ”nostalgia fragrance”, reminiscent of the old golden eras of gaming in the 80s and 90s!
Recently we had the opportunity to try the SN30 Pro+ and feel like gamers-travelers of yesterday in… Today!
Sn30 PRO Plus Features
The first impression that 8BitDo’s SN30 Pro+ leaves you is that it has a very special design, as it looks like it brings together two worlds.
On the one hand, it strongly reminds the Gamepad of SNES and on the other, it has many elements that refer to more “modern” controllers such as Sony’s DualShock 4 controller.
READ ALSO: Xiaomi Mi Band 4 Review
8BitDo describes it as a modern wireless Bluetooth controller (it can be connected with a USB cable as well) that respects the… “classic” controls used by gamers in the period of 8 and 16-bit, but at the same time, it is “modern” enough to lift the special weight of all modern games.
And indeed, the SN30 Pro Plus doesn’t disappoint, offering gamers two analog levers, a D-PAD (cross), two pairs of Triggers, Start, Select, Home, and Star (Capture) Buttons.
At the top is a small Bluetooth pairing button, next to a USB-C port (for charging). In addition, 4 LEDs are located in the lower section, between the bases of the analog levers.
In general, the triggers are strongly reminiscent of the DualShock 4, although they are slightly narrower and a little longer compared to the SN30 Pro which is the ”big brother” of the SN30 Pro+.
8BitDo’s controller can be wirelessly connected to Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Android and iOS devices, and even Raspberry Pi.
With vibration capability, a 6-axis motion sensor, turbo function with its battery even lasting close to 20 hours after full charge 4 hours and with a minimum weight (weighs close to 220 grams), it is obvious that the 8BitDo Sn30 PRO Plus has it all and at a good price. Of course, the point here is to evaluate it ”in action”.
READ ALSO: Evatac PRO-XML Tactical Flashlight Review
Testing
We found that the SN30 Pro+ works seamlessly with different games belonging to different genres. The secret of its success lies in the highly responsive controls, the dynamic grip (where it really is extremely stable), and the highly careful position of the various triggers and buttons.
The D-Pad produces the right sense of precision that is imperative for every gamer, while the analog levers are distinguished for their robustness and elasticity.
Vibration motors produce an excellent result, conveying the sense of action that happens on the screen directly into the hands of its user.
The 8BitDo team has done an excellent job, designing a gamepad that offers total control to every user, regardless of the gaming platform in which he plays!
Sn30 Pro Plus Software
The existence of Ultimate software offers unique customization options enabling the gamer to customize the controller according to his needs. With the ability to button mapping, adjust the sensitivity of levers and trigger buttons, create different controller profiles, absolute control in the vibration tier and the ability to create macros with any “possible” combination of buttons, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ is sure to satisfy and meet the needs of even the most demanding gamer.
8Bitdo Sn30 Pro Plus Reviews on Amazon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve been using 8bitdo controllers for a couple of years now, as I play a good amount of 2D platformers and puzzle games-both of which all but require precise inputs. While the Switch Pro controller is a good option for games that don’t require that, inconsistencies with the d-pad on both of mine have left me craving something I could use with my Switch that didn’t share these issues.
A controller has to do a few things in order for me to consider it “good.” It has to be built well, has to be responsive, and it has to have as little quality-control issues as possible. I’m happy to say that this controller hits all those marks and then some.
The SN30 Pro+ is lightweight, perhaps a little too light for my liking, but the materials used here are all solid. The buttons are clicky, the triggers smooth in their actuation, and the d-pad is rock solid no matter how many times I roll my thumb around it. No incorrect inputs, either! The analog sticks are just a touch too short for my taste, especially after using Nintendo’s Pro controller for well over two years now, but they’re much better than those that are baked into the JoyCons.
Input lag doesn’t seem to be an issue with this controller, either. It was on par with or better than officially-licensed products, which, if you’ve ever used a third-party controller in the last few decades, isn’t always a given.
All in all, the controller itself is fantastic. Combine the above points with the fact that it has rumble, gyro-aiming, and charges over USB Type-C like the Pro controller, and this is a damn good piece of kit. Highly recommended, especially if you’re looking for an alternative to the (albeit slightly) more expensive official offering
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ is not a low-cost replacement for an official Nintendo Pro, Xbox One, or Sony PlayStation controller. There are plenty of clones to fill that category. What the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ excels at is being a quality catch-all inexpensive controller made even better by the 8BitDo Ultimate Software.
The Ultimate Software truly puts the 8BitDo ahead of any third-party controller. The Ultimate Software allows for button reassignments, stick sensitivity, trigger pull range, vibration intensity, and macros. All of this is accomplished by the direct programming of the controller. Once the changes are made, the software is no longer necessary. I tested this by creating a profile on one computer and playing on another.
The good news for Switch users is since the profile is embedded into the controller can be programmed with a PC and used on the Nintendo Switch. Thankfully the controller can be hot-swapped between the PC software and the Switch. I plugged and unplugged the controller several times while testing profile use on the Switch without needing to pair the controller again.
The build quality is impressive for a low-cost controller. Feels very solid and durable. Obviously, it resembles and thus feels like holding a PlayStation controller. Unfortunately, the D-Pad and stick are very stiff when compared to a PlayStation controller. I had a hard time adjusting to the added tension when playing an FPS compared to using an Xbox/PlayStation controller. Which is why I say it is not a suitable clone. For seasoned gamers, the D-Pad feels like a new SNES pad and the stick tension is similar to the C-Stick on a GameCube controller.
Overall, I am pleased with my purchase. So much so that I have placed an order for another 8BitDo SN30 Pro+. I definitely recommend this controller for anyone looking for a great well-rounded controller even with software issues as those will eventually get ironed out.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Joy-Cons are *classic* Nintendo: unique, innovative, and fun (and they come in so many different colors!). Unfortunately, they are far from perfect. It’s like Nintendo was beta-testing their Joy-Cons and halfway through said: “Ah, that’s good enough.” Joy-Con drift is such a real and ubiquitous annoyance that Nintendo no longer requires any proof of purchase before offering totally free (including shipping) repairs.
In addition to the inevitable drift, the Joy-Con joysticks are the most fragile things I’ve ever seen. I own still-functioning controllers from every Nintendo console ever made and never once has any controller broken… But less than a year after purchasing a Switch, my six-year-old son managed to bust a joystick clean off (it happened to be the one that was drifting anyways…)
Thank the Gaming Gods for 8Bitdo and this gamepad! This controller is gaming perfection and the perfect substitute for those tiny, fragile, buggy Joy-Cons: it’s like the two best controllers ever made — the SNES gamepad and the PS DualShock— got together and had a miraculous child… with a promise to save the Switch from itself.
Seriously, this controller is awesome. Fully programmable, ultra-responsive, smooth analog control, precise digital input, ergonomically perfect, and it wirelessly connects to the Switch easily and quickly.
Did I mention it’s versatile, too? I have a Raspberry Pi 3 B+ running RetroPie, and this controller works perfectly for that, too. The only problem is… Now I have to buy another one because my son has claimed this one…
Conclusion
8BitDo simply continues the excellent tradition it has already created with dozens more of its products. Joining the old with the new, it is certain that the SN30 Pro+ is going to be a truly “ideal” weapon in the hands of every fanatical gamer, offering comfort, flexibility, functionality and plenty of customization options!
🙏 If you enjoyed our 8BitDo Sn30 PRO Plus Review, consider sharing it with the rest of the gaming world.
Techodom's mission is to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy in the vast e-commerce landscape. We try to update the links as often as possible, but please note that deals may expire and all prices may change. Each editorial product is independently selected and reviewed. Techodom may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links.
