8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus review: So much to love

You may not have heard of 8bitdo (pronounced “8-Bit-Doe”), but you really should know. The brand has carved out a strong niche for itself as a creator of retro-inspired gaming accessories that focus on build quality, compatibility, and customization. The 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus is the company’s flagship. In our 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus review, we explain why it’s one of the best controllers you can get for the Nintendo Switch, as well as computers and Android devices.

8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus test: what is it?

You can probably tell that the design of the SN30 Pro Plus is similar to the controller on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It is on purpose. The original version of this product – the SN30 – was basically just a replica of the SNES controller, but it was designed for wireless use. The follow-up – – The SN30 Pro introduced analog sticks and broader system compatibility. The SN30 Pro Plus offers analog triggers and a more ergonomic handle system.

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At its core, however, the 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus is a controller that should specifically appeal to people who want to play Nintendo games. Whether it’s modern titles on the Nintendo Switch, emulated retro games on your PC, Mac or Linux computer, or even emulated games on your Android phone, this controller can do it all. It can be used in bluetooth and wired mode as well as in Xinput, Dinput and Switch mode. Basically there isn’t a lot of you tilt do with this controller.

To make things even more interesting, it comes with free software from 8bitdo which has a full customization suite. You can reprogram every single button, adjust dead zones for the analog sticks and triggers and even write macros that are saved directly on the controller. The macros even work with Switch games!

In other words, don’t let the retro look of this controller fool you. This is a very powerful device that should appeal to gamers of all ages.

What is good?

One of the biggest signs of a cheap controller is a reliance on AA batteries. Most premium controllers these days come with a rechargeable battery that instantly sets them apart from their cheap competitors. However, 8bitdo offers the best of both worlds by including a rechargeable battery that you can take out and replace with AA batteries. It’s your decision!

The processing quality of the 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus is exemplary. It feels like someone is smashing a SNES controller into a Sony DualShock 4 controller. Therefore, both younger and older players should feel at home.

As mentioned earlier, you can use this controller with a wide variety of systems. It works natively with the Nintendo Switch and has almost the same functionality as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. This includes rumble (which is customizable and includes both left and right motors) and a six-axis gyro. There are very few Switch games that will not work with this controller.

The analog triggers of the SN30 Pro Plus even give it a head start over the Switch Pro Controller. However, there are only a handful of Switch games that make use of analog triggers, making them more useful for PC gaming or emulated GameCube titles.

Again, all the basics of a good controller are in place. Long battery life (probably around 20 hours), USB-C support, support in cable mode, and a well-made D-pad.

If you don’t like the SNES-inspired color scheme of the 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus, there are two other models. One has a color scheme reminiscent of the original Game Boy, while the other is just darkened: black controller, black sticks, black buttons, all black.

What’s not so good?

It seems like the 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus is perfect. It’s almost like that, but there are a few things that could be improved.

For Switch players, the controller does not offer IR or Amiibo support. Granted, even the Switch Pro Controller doesn’t support IR, but amiibo lovers won’t find any compatibility here.

However, the biggest disappointment for Switch users is that you cannot use this controller to power on your Switch. You have to be scared of getting off the couch and manually turning the switch on before playing. This is probably not 8bitdo’s fault, though – it seems like a classic Nintendo caveat to me.

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Outside of switch compatibility, all users will experience issues with the USB-C cable. The instructions that came with the SN30 Pro Plus make it very clear that you shouldn’t just use a USB-C cable with the controller. Instead, only use the appropriate cable that comes with the controller itself. Now it’s perfectly plausible that this is just 8-bit do, covering up from buyers messing up their controllers with faulty USB-C cables, but I don’t want to risk finding that out. To protect your investment here, you should only use the supplied cable.

Finally, I noticed that during long gaming sessions, the plastic seam connecting the two halves of the controller can dig a bit into my palms. This leads to slight discomfort after a few hours. This is not the case with many other premium console controllers like the Switch Pro because the handles are not seamed. Hopefully this is something that 8bitdo will correct in a future version of this product.

8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus review: should I buy it?

The reason I bought an 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus for the first time was to play emulated Nintendo games. It’s perfect for that. It works on all of my systems. The ABXY buttons are in the “Nintendo” arrangement, not the “All Else” arrangement. It’s completely customizable. If you want a controller for Nintendo emulation, this is without question what you are looking for.

If you’re looking for an all-round controller to use with your PCs, Android devices, and Nintendo Switch, this is an excellent buy too. It will lack some compatibility with the Switch, but its robust customization software and seamless compatibility with other systems more than make up for those losses.

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That said, if you are looking for a controller specifically straight To play Nintendo Switch games, you should probably skip this. For another $ 10, get the official Nintendo Switch Pro controller, which has amiibo support as well as the ability to turn on the console from the couch. It’s worth $ 10 if you ask me.

The 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus isn’t cheap: its list price is $ 49.99. However, 8bitdo often offers it for up to 50% off. If your trying to be cash conscious just wait a bit and you will eventually find it for a cheaper price.