8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller Input lag comparison
| # | Connection | Mode | LatencyAverage (ms) | Polling RateMedian (Hz) | Jitter | OSBuild ver. | FWTester ver. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latency P82 | ||||||||
1 | Cable | XInput | 2.81 7.02 | 955.69 | 0.35 0.45 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.03 5.0.9.2 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 6.08 ms 7.02 ms 7.95 ms 0.45 ms 955.69 Hz | ||||||||
2 | Dongle | XInput | 3.95 8.11 | 940.16 | 0.35 0.55 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.03 5.0.9.2 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 6.98 ms 8.11 ms 9.25 ms 0.55 ms 940.16 Hz | ||||||||
3 | Bluetooth | DInput | 12.0 16.0 | 123.9 | 2.69 3.00 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | 1.03 5.0.9.2 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 9.29 ms 15.99 ms 22.29 ms 3 ms 123.9 Hz |
Latency
Our visualization focuses on Average Latency, presented as vertical bars to make comparing performance across different connection modes (Wired, Bluetooth, Dongle) instant and intuitive.
The chart differentiates between:
- Button Latency: How quickly the game registers a physical button press.
- Stick Latency: The delay in registering joystick movement (tested at 99% deflection).
Visualizing Stability (Jitter)
You may notice that the top portion of some bars is semi-transparent or "faded". This represents Jitter (instability):
- Solid Bar: Represents the stable, consistent average latency.
- Faded Top: Indicates the variance. A larger transparent area means higher jitter, implying the controller's response time fluctuates. A solid bar with little to no fading indicates a highly stable connection.
Deep Dive: Click the arrow to reveal Probability Distribution Charts. These show the exact breakdown of every input tested, displaying Probability (%) on the Y-axis and Latency (ms) on the X-axis.
Polling Rate vs. Latency
It is crucial to understand that Polling Rate and Latency are measured using two entirely different methodologies on our site:
- Latency (ms) is measured by the Prometheus 82 hardware. It captures the physical movement of the stick or button via hardware interrupts with microsecond precision. This is the "real-world" delay.
- Polling Rate (Hz) is measured via a Software Tool. It shows how often the OS receives reports from the USB stack.
Common Myth: A higher polling rate (like 8000 Hz) does not automatically guarantee lower latency if the controller's internal processing is slow. Conversely, a high polling rate on a chart might show fluctuations (e.g., 7800Hz instead of 8000Hz) due to OS jitter or CPU scheduling, which does not necessarily impact the hardware latency measured by the P82.
To test your own gamepad's polling rate, you can use our tool: Download Polling Rate Tester.
Testing Methods
Gamepadla ensures data integrity by combining three distinct testing methodologies:
-
Prometheus 82 (P82): Our gold standard. A custom-built hardware device that physically actuates buttons and sticks. It uses high-speed hardware interrupts to capture events, making it independent of the controller's polling rate. It provides an error margin of only ±1ms for buttons and sticks. View on GitHub.
-
GPDL Tester: An electrical monitoring tool for highly accurate button latency. While P82 simulates human-like mechanical movement, GPDL focuses on the electrical signal speed. View on GitHub.
-
Software Polling Test: A pure software diagnostic to check communication frequency. We use this to verify if a controller actually reaches its advertised specs (e.g., 1000Hz or 8000Hz) at the OS level. Download Software.
Note: By comparing hardware-level latency (P82) with software-level reports (Polling Test), we can identify if a controller has "fake" high polling rates or poorly optimized firmware.
Stick test of 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
Stick test results for 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller gamepad • Dongle connection • XInput mode • FW 1.03, by John Punch
- Inner D.ZoneNone
- Outer D.Zone0.2 mm
- Asymmetry9.8 / 13.2%
- Circle Error4.1 / 6.1%
- Stick Bitness10.5 bit
- Stick Centering2.9 / 2.5%
- Polling RateN/A
Inner Dead Zone
The Inner Dead Zone is the area around the center of the stick where small movements are not registered. This helps prevent stick drift or accidental inputs, but if the dead zone is too large, it can make aiming less precise, especially in games requiring fine control. We evaluate the Inner Dead Zone based on how much you need to move the stick before it responds—the less movement required, the better.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller has no Inner Dead Zone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
For comparison, many budget gamepads often have a moderate to large Inner Dead Zone, while premium controllers typically aim for a slight or no dead zone for better precision.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Inner Dead Zone works.
Outer Dead Zone
The Outer Dead Zone is the area near the edge of the stick’s range where further movement isn’t registered. This can make the stick feel less responsive at full tilt, affecting actions like quick turns or maximum speed in games. We evaluate the Outer Dead Zone based on how much 'lost' range there is—the smaller the dead zone, the better, as it allows full use of the stick’s range for more precise control.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller has a slight Outer Dead Zone (0.2 mm). There’s a small portion of the stick’s range that isn’t registered, but it’s minimal and unlikely to affect gameplay noticeably.
Per-stick breakdown for the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller: the left stick measures 0.2 mm, which corresponds to a slight outer dead zone, while the right stick measures 0.2 mm, which corresponds to a slight outer dead zone. This helps show whether the controller loses range evenly on both sticks or if one stick is noticeably weaker near full tilt.
Both sticks show the same measured Outer Dead Zone, which suggests consistent edge behavior between movement and camera inputs.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have moderate to large Outer Dead Zones, while premium controllers strive for minimal or no dead zone to maximize control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Outer Dead Zone works.
Stick Asymmetry
Stick Asymmetry measures the consistency of the joystick's response across different directions. Ideally, if you physically deflect the stick by 80% from the center, the software should report an 80% deflection regardless of the direction. A high asymmetry score indicates a problem where for the same physical movement, the reported coordinates are inconsistent—for example, 60% in one direction and 90% in another. This creates an uneven, often 'egg-shaped,' response zone, which negatively impacts aiming and control predictability.
For the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, the Stick Asymmetry is 9.8% for the left stick and 13.2% for the right stick. Higher values can lead to noticeable inconsistencies, potentially impacting aiming or movement in games.
Testing Methodology: It's crucial to note that this test is performed at partial stick deflection (~80%), using special physical limiters (clips). Testing at 100% deflection often hides asymmetries because the controller's output is clamped at the maximum value, artificially 'smoothing' the resulting shape. Our method reveals the true performance of the stick in the ranges most critical for gameplay. This precise approach was also utilized by Linus Tech Tips in their controller review.
For comparison, many budget gamepads show asymmetry levels above 30%, while high-end controllers typically stay below 10% for better uniformity.
Learn more about how different gamepads perform in the Stick Asymmetry test and how to conduct such a test in this article. You can learn how to test joystick asymmetry yourself from this video.
Circle Error
Circle Error evaluates how closely the stick’s movement follows a perfect circle. A high Circle Error means the path is more square-like, which can cause inconsistent speeds when moving diagonally—your character might move faster or slower than expected. The lower the percentage, the better, as it ensures smooth, uniform movement in all directions.
For the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, the Circle Error is 4.1% for the left stick and 6.1% for the right stick. This is a good result, providing smooth diagonal movement similar to premium controllers.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have Circle Errors above 12%, resulting in 'square' feeling sticks, while high-quality ones aim for under 8% for better smoothness.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Circle Error impacts performance.
Stick Bitness
Stick Bitness measures the precision of the joystick’s analog input, similar to bit depth in audio. Higher bitness means more distinct positions the stick can register, leading to smoother and more accurate control. Lower bitness can result in 'stepping' or less fluid movement, especially noticeable in slow, precise actions like aiming.
Unlike declared digital resolution, our True Bitness metric is derived from actual physical stick movement, reflecting the usable positions the stick can produce in practice. For the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, the movement-based True Bitness is 10.5 bits on both sticks. This is excellent precision, comparable to high-end controllers, ensuring smooth inputs in demanding games.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00138 on both sticks, with about 724 SFC (Steps From Center) on each side, meaning roughly 724 distinct positions from the center to one edge.
For comparison, many budget gamepads have around 8 bits, while premium ones often exceed 10 bits for superior accuracy.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Bitness affects control. It is important to note that the video specifies the resolution of the stick, not the bit depth; the higher the bit depth, the higher the resolution.
Stick Centering
Stick Centering measures how accurately the joystick returns to its neutral (center) position after you release it. A good Stick Centering value prevents stick drift—a common issue where your character or camera moves slightly in a game, even when you're not touching the stick. The lower the percentage, the better the centering, and the less likely you are to experience drift.
For the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, the Stick Centering is 2.9% for the left joystick and 2.5% for the right stick. Values above 2% may lead to noticeable drift in some scenarios, which can affect precision in games.
This test methodology intentionally employs a more rigorous approach by implementing small-angle deflection and release, which produces the most challenging conditions for stick re-centering. This technique differs from the conventional maximum-deflection method where the stick is pulled to its full range and released, as small-angle deflection better simulates the micro-adjustments typically executed during actual gameplay scenarios, providing more representative data on potential stick drift occurrence during normal use.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Centering works.
Axis Magnet
Axis Magnet is a form of stick processing where movement tends to 'snap' or cling to the X or Y axis when the stick passes close to it within a certain part of its travel. This can make pure horizontal or vertical movement feel cleaner, but it also alters the real stick path and can distort diagonal or subtle player input.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller shows no Axis Magnet. That means the stick does not artificially cling to the horizontal or vertical axes, so your real movement path is preserved more accurately. This is the preferable behavior for consistent aiming and natural analog control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Axis Magnet affects stick behavior.
Polling Rate
Polling Rate describes how often the controller sends stick data to the system, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher values mean the controller reports its position more frequently, which can reduce the time between updates and make input feel more responsive.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller does not have a saved polling-rate value for this test entry, so the field is shown as N/A. This usually means the measurement was not captured together with the stick data, not necessarily that the controller performs poorly.
Polling Rate is measured separately from latency, so it is best used as supporting information rather than a standalone quality verdict. In addition, this reading is approximate: Stick Tracer is not a specialized tool for precise polling-rate measurement, so some margin of error is expected.
Center Skip
Center Skip, also known as Stick Skipping, is a rare behavior where the joystick does not begin moving smoothly from its neutral position. Instead of a gradual response, it suddenly jumps to a noticeable deflection as soon as movement starts, which makes fine control much harder.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller shows no Center Skip. That means the stick begins moving gradually from neutral, which is the expected and desirable behavior for precise aiming, camera control, and micro-adjustments.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Skipping affects performance.
Disclaimer
We tested the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller gamepad using a single unit, so keep in mind that other units of this model might perform slightly better or worse. In most cases, these differences are minor and shouldn’t affect your experience significantly. The results were obtained with the Stick Tracer program, and some values might vary if you use different software or testing methods.
Testing conditions, such as the gamepad’s firmware version (FW: 1.03) or connection type, can also influence the results. If you have this gamepad, we’d love for you to share your own test results! This will help us build a more comprehensive picture of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick test results for 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller gamepad • Cable connection • XInput mode • FW 1.03, by John Punch
- Inner D.ZoneNone
- Outer D.Zone0.2 mm
- Asymmetry12.0 / 14.2%
- Circle Error4.1 / 6.3%
- Stick Bitness10.6 bit
- Stick Centering2.4 / 1.6%
- Polling RateN/A
Inner Dead Zone
The Inner Dead Zone is the area around the center of the stick where small movements are not registered. This helps prevent stick drift or accidental inputs, but if the dead zone is too large, it can make aiming less precise, especially in games requiring fine control. We evaluate the Inner Dead Zone based on how much you need to move the stick before it responds—the less movement required, the better.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller has no Inner Dead Zone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
For comparison, many budget gamepads often have a moderate to large Inner Dead Zone, while premium controllers typically aim for a slight or no dead zone for better precision.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Inner Dead Zone works.
Outer Dead Zone
The Outer Dead Zone is the area near the edge of the stick’s range where further movement isn’t registered. This can make the stick feel less responsive at full tilt, affecting actions like quick turns or maximum speed in games. We evaluate the Outer Dead Zone based on how much 'lost' range there is—the smaller the dead zone, the better, as it allows full use of the stick’s range for more precise control.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller has a slight Outer Dead Zone (0.2 mm). There’s a small portion of the stick’s range that isn’t registered, but it’s minimal and unlikely to affect gameplay noticeably.
Per-stick breakdown for the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller: the left stick measures 0.2 mm, which corresponds to a slight outer dead zone, while the right stick measures 0.2 mm, which corresponds to a slight outer dead zone. This helps show whether the controller loses range evenly on both sticks or if one stick is noticeably weaker near full tilt.
Both sticks show the same measured Outer Dead Zone, which suggests consistent edge behavior between movement and camera inputs.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have moderate to large Outer Dead Zones, while premium controllers strive for minimal or no dead zone to maximize control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Outer Dead Zone works.
Stick Asymmetry
Stick Asymmetry measures the consistency of the joystick's response across different directions. Ideally, if you physically deflect the stick by 80% from the center, the software should report an 80% deflection regardless of the direction. A high asymmetry score indicates a problem where for the same physical movement, the reported coordinates are inconsistent—for example, 60% in one direction and 90% in another. This creates an uneven, often 'egg-shaped,' response zone, which negatively impacts aiming and control predictability.
For the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, the Stick Asymmetry is 12.0% for the left stick and 14.2% for the right stick. Higher values can lead to noticeable inconsistencies, potentially impacting aiming or movement in games.
Testing Methodology: It's crucial to note that this test is performed at partial stick deflection (~80%), using special physical limiters (clips). Testing at 100% deflection often hides asymmetries because the controller's output is clamped at the maximum value, artificially 'smoothing' the resulting shape. Our method reveals the true performance of the stick in the ranges most critical for gameplay. This precise approach was also utilized by Linus Tech Tips in their controller review.
For comparison, many budget gamepads show asymmetry levels above 30%, while high-end controllers typically stay below 10% for better uniformity.
Learn more about how different gamepads perform in the Stick Asymmetry test and how to conduct such a test in this article. You can learn how to test joystick asymmetry yourself from this video.
Circle Error
Circle Error evaluates how closely the stick’s movement follows a perfect circle. A high Circle Error means the path is more square-like, which can cause inconsistent speeds when moving diagonally—your character might move faster or slower than expected. The lower the percentage, the better, as it ensures smooth, uniform movement in all directions.
For the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, the Circle Error is 4.1% for the left stick and 6.3% for the right stick. This is a good result, providing smooth diagonal movement similar to premium controllers.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have Circle Errors above 12%, resulting in 'square' feeling sticks, while high-quality ones aim for under 8% for better smoothness.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Circle Error impacts performance.
Stick Bitness
Stick Bitness measures the precision of the joystick’s analog input, similar to bit depth in audio. Higher bitness means more distinct positions the stick can register, leading to smoother and more accurate control. Lower bitness can result in 'stepping' or less fluid movement, especially noticeable in slow, precise actions like aiming.
Unlike declared digital resolution, our True Bitness metric is derived from actual physical stick movement, reflecting the usable positions the stick can produce in practice. For the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, the movement-based True Bitness is 10.6 bits on both sticks. This is excellent precision, comparable to high-end controllers, ensuring smooth inputs in demanding games.
This corresponds to a measured Step Resolution of 0.00129 on both sticks, with about 776 SFC (Steps From Center) on each side, meaning roughly 776 distinct positions from the center to one edge.
For comparison, many budget gamepads have around 8 bits, while premium ones often exceed 10 bits for superior accuracy.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Bitness affects control. It is important to note that the video specifies the resolution of the stick, not the bit depth; the higher the bit depth, the higher the resolution.
Stick Centering
Stick Centering measures how accurately the joystick returns to its neutral (center) position after you release it. A good Stick Centering value prevents stick drift—a common issue where your character or camera moves slightly in a game, even when you're not touching the stick. The lower the percentage, the better the centering, and the less likely you are to experience drift.
For the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, the Stick Centering is 2.4% for the left joystick and 1.6% for the right stick. Values above 2% may lead to noticeable drift in some scenarios, which can affect precision in games.
This test methodology intentionally employs a more rigorous approach by implementing small-angle deflection and release, which produces the most challenging conditions for stick re-centering. This technique differs from the conventional maximum-deflection method where the stick is pulled to its full range and released, as small-angle deflection better simulates the micro-adjustments typically executed during actual gameplay scenarios, providing more representative data on potential stick drift occurrence during normal use.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Centering works.
Axis Magnet
Axis Magnet is a form of stick processing where movement tends to 'snap' or cling to the X or Y axis when the stick passes close to it within a certain part of its travel. This can make pure horizontal or vertical movement feel cleaner, but it also alters the real stick path and can distort diagonal or subtle player input.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller shows no Axis Magnet. That means the stick does not artificially cling to the horizontal or vertical axes, so your real movement path is preserved more accurately. This is the preferable behavior for consistent aiming and natural analog control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Axis Magnet affects stick behavior.
Polling Rate
Polling Rate describes how often the controller sends stick data to the system, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher values mean the controller reports its position more frequently, which can reduce the time between updates and make input feel more responsive.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller does not have a saved polling-rate value for this test entry, so the field is shown as N/A. This usually means the measurement was not captured together with the stick data, not necessarily that the controller performs poorly.
Polling Rate is measured separately from latency, so it is best used as supporting information rather than a standalone quality verdict. In addition, this reading is approximate: Stick Tracer is not a specialized tool for precise polling-rate measurement, so some margin of error is expected.
Center Skip
Center Skip, also known as Stick Skipping, is a rare behavior where the joystick does not begin moving smoothly from its neutral position. Instead of a gradual response, it suddenly jumps to a noticeable deflection as soon as movement starts, which makes fine control much harder.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller shows no Center Skip. That means the stick begins moving gradually from neutral, which is the expected and desirable behavior for precise aiming, camera control, and micro-adjustments.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Skipping affects performance.
Disclaimer
We tested the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller gamepad using a single unit, so keep in mind that other units of this model might perform slightly better or worse. In most cases, these differences are minor and shouldn’t affect your experience significantly. The results were obtained with the Stick Tracer program, and some values might vary if you use different software or testing methods.
Testing conditions, such as the gamepad’s firmware version (FW: 1.03) or connection type, can also influence the results. If you have this gamepad, we’d love for you to share your own test results! This will help us build a more comprehensive picture of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick Movement Linearity Test
Linearity test for 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller • Firmware 1.10 • Stick Analyzer 2.3.0.4 • Dongle connection • Xinput mode • Manual Input. Uploaded, by Goim
Stick Motion Resolution Analysis
This test evaluates the analog stick's ability to register unique positions during a controlled, linear motion from the center to the edge of its range. The analysis was conducted using the Line program, ensuring precise measurement of the stick's resolution, linearity, and response characteristics.
Data Points
Data Points represents the total number of unique positions registered during the smooth movement of the stick from center to edge. This includes both the stable analog values and positions affected by signal processing or jitter. In this test, we recorded 798 data points, which is an excellent result that indicates very precise stick movement registration. For a more accurate assessment of stick precision, it's important to also consider the Straight Points metric, which filters out noise and signal processing artifacts.
Straight Points
Straight Points represent the number of unique positions detected after filtering out tremor and signal processing artifacts during stick movement. This filtering process identifies points that follow a consistently increasing trajectory, showing the true analog values without noise. The test registered 600 straight points. This is an excellent result, indicating very smooth and precise stick movement. This value highlights the stick's ability to provide stable and reliable position data during smooth motion.
Resolution
Resolution in this test refers to two complementary measurements:
Total Resolution: 637 positions across the entire stick range. This number represents how many distinct positions the analog stick can detect from center to edge. This might result in somewhat stepped or less smooth movement
Step Resolution: 0.00157 per increment. This value represents the average size of each step between detected positions (smaller values indicate higher precision). It determines how smoothly the stick can transition between positions, which directly impacts precise aiming and subtle movements in games.
A high total resolution combined with a low step resolution provides the optimal experience for precise control in games requiring fine adjustments.
Tremor
Tremor percentage represents the amount of signal processing that occurs between raw stick movement and the final output. It is calculated as the percentage of data points that don't follow a consistently increasing trajectory. The test measured 24.8% tremor. This represents typical noise levels in stick signal processing. Different controllers have different signal processing characteristics, and lower tremor values typically indicate more direct translation of physical movement.
Linearity
Linearity represents how closely the stick movement follows an ideal linear path. It's calculated as 100% minus the nonlinearity percentage, where nonlinearity measures deviations from a perfectly straight line. The test measured 94.2% linearity. This indicates excellent stick linearity, providing consistent and predictable movement.
At the same time, a gamepad stick is not a perfectly linear mechanical system. The stick rotates around a pivot, the cap travels along an arc, and the sensor reads that rotational movement rather than a truly straight physical path. Because of this, a graph that bends slightly below the ideal straight line is often normal. In many cases, that lower arc-like bow reflects the real mechanics of the stick more faithfully than a response that was tuned mainly to look perfectly straight in this specific test.
What matters most is that the movement remains smooth, progressive, and predictable. A mild, even downward curve can be acceptable or even technically more natural, while sharp dips, waviness, uneven acceleration, or asymmetry still indicate worse response quality.
Test Duration
The time taken to complete the test was 1.57 seconds. Note that this test was completed too quickly for optimal results. A slower, more controlled movement would provide more accurate measurements. For the most accurate results, the stick movement should be smooth and controlled, typically taking between 5 and 8 seconds.
Linearity test for 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller • Firmware 1.06 • Stick Analyzer 2.0.3.0 • Cable connection • Xinput mode • Manual Input. Uploaded, by TheGershon
Comment: 1000
Stick Motion Resolution Analysis
This test evaluates the analog stick's ability to register unique positions during a controlled, linear motion from the center to the edge of its range. The analysis was conducted using the Line program, ensuring precise measurement of the stick's resolution, linearity, and response characteristics.
Data Points
Data Points represents the total number of unique positions registered during the smooth movement of the stick from center to edge. This includes both the stable analog values and positions affected by signal processing or jitter. In this test, we recorded 723 data points, which is an excellent result that indicates very precise stick movement registration. For a more accurate assessment of stick precision, it's important to also consider the Straight Points metric, which filters out noise and signal processing artifacts.
Straight Points
Straight Points represent the number of unique positions detected after filtering out tremor and signal processing artifacts during stick movement. This filtering process identifies points that follow a consistently increasing trajectory, showing the true analog values without noise. The test registered 723 straight points. This is an excellent result, indicating very smooth and precise stick movement. This value highlights the stick's ability to provide stable and reliable position data during smooth motion.
Resolution
Resolution in this test refers to two complementary measurements:
Total Resolution: 767 positions across the entire stick range. This number represents how many distinct positions the analog stick can detect from center to edge. This might result in somewhat stepped or less smooth movement
Step Resolution: 0.00130 per increment. This value represents the average size of each step between detected positions (smaller values indicate higher precision). It determines how smoothly the stick can transition between positions, which directly impacts precise aiming and subtle movements in games.
A high total resolution combined with a low step resolution provides the optimal experience for precise control in games requiring fine adjustments.
Tremor
Tremor percentage represents the amount of signal processing that occurs between raw stick movement and the final output. It is calculated as the percentage of data points that don't follow a consistently increasing trajectory. The test measured 0.0% tremor. This indicates very stable stick movement with minimal noise in signal processing. Different controllers have different signal processing characteristics, and lower tremor values typically indicate more direct translation of physical movement.
Linearity
Linearity represents how closely the stick movement follows an ideal linear path. It's calculated as 100% minus the nonlinearity percentage, where nonlinearity measures deviations from a perfectly straight line. The test measured 93.9% linearity. This indicates excellent stick linearity, providing consistent and predictable movement.
At the same time, a gamepad stick is not a perfectly linear mechanical system. The stick rotates around a pivot, the cap travels along an arc, and the sensor reads that rotational movement rather than a truly straight physical path. Because of this, a graph that bends slightly below the ideal straight line is often normal. In many cases, that lower arc-like bow reflects the real mechanics of the stick more faithfully than a response that was tuned mainly to look perfectly straight in this specific test.
What matters most is that the movement remains smooth, progressive, and predictable. A mild, even downward curve can be acceptable or even technically more natural, while sharp dips, waviness, uneven acceleration, or asymmetry still indicate worse response quality.
Test Duration
The time taken to complete the test was 7.69 seconds. This is an optimal test duration, providing reliable results. For the most accurate results, the stick movement should be smooth and controlled, typically taking between 5 and 8 seconds.
Linearity test for 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller • Firmware 1.05 • Stick Analyzer 2.0.3.0 • Cable connection • Xinput mode • Manual Input. Uploaded, by Franek Ziemian
Stick Motion Resolution Analysis
This test evaluates the analog stick's ability to register unique positions during a controlled, linear motion from the center to the edge of its range. The analysis was conducted using the Line program, ensuring precise measurement of the stick's resolution, linearity, and response characteristics.
Data Points
Data Points represents the total number of unique positions registered during the smooth movement of the stick from center to edge. This includes both the stable analog values and positions affected by signal processing or jitter. In this test, we recorded 500 data points, which is an excellent result that indicates very precise stick movement registration. For a more accurate assessment of stick precision, it's important to also consider the Straight Points metric, which filters out noise and signal processing artifacts.
Straight Points
Straight Points represent the number of unique positions detected after filtering out tremor and signal processing artifacts during stick movement. This filtering process identifies points that follow a consistently increasing trajectory, showing the true analog values without noise. The test registered 468 straight points. This is an excellent result, indicating very smooth and precise stick movement. This value highlights the stick's ability to provide stable and reliable position data during smooth motion.
Resolution
Resolution in this test refers to two complementary measurements:
Total Resolution: 496 positions across the entire stick range. This number represents how many distinct positions the analog stick can detect from center to edge. This might result in somewhat stepped or less smooth movement
Step Resolution: 0.00201 per increment. This value represents the average size of each step between detected positions (smaller values indicate higher precision). It determines how smoothly the stick can transition between positions, which directly impacts precise aiming and subtle movements in games.
A high total resolution combined with a low step resolution provides the optimal experience for precise control in games requiring fine adjustments.
Tremor
Tremor percentage represents the amount of signal processing that occurs between raw stick movement and the final output. It is calculated as the percentage of data points that don't follow a consistently increasing trajectory. The test measured 6.4% tremor. This indicates very stable stick movement with minimal noise in signal processing. Different controllers have different signal processing characteristics, and lower tremor values typically indicate more direct translation of physical movement.
Linearity
Linearity represents how closely the stick movement follows an ideal linear path. It's calculated as 100% minus the nonlinearity percentage, where nonlinearity measures deviations from a perfectly straight line. The test measured 97.9% linearity. This indicates excellent stick linearity, providing consistent and predictable movement.
At the same time, a gamepad stick is not a perfectly linear mechanical system. The stick rotates around a pivot, the cap travels along an arc, and the sensor reads that rotational movement rather than a truly straight physical path. Because of this, a graph that bends slightly below the ideal straight line is often normal. In many cases, that lower arc-like bow reflects the real mechanics of the stick more faithfully than a response that was tuned mainly to look perfectly straight in this specific test.
What matters most is that the movement remains smooth, progressive, and predictable. A mild, even downward curve can be acceptable or even technically more natural, while sharp dips, waviness, uneven acceleration, or asymmetry still indicate worse response quality.
Test Duration
The time taken to complete the test was 3.76 seconds. This is an optimal test duration, providing reliable results. For the most accurate results, the stick movement should be smooth and controlled, typically taking between 5 and 8 seconds.
Linearity test for 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller • Firmware 1.06 • Stick Analyzer 2.0.3.0 • Dongle connection • Xinput mode • Manual Input. Uploaded, by Abel Trinidad
Stick Motion Resolution Analysis
This test evaluates the analog stick's ability to register unique positions during a controlled, linear motion from the center to the edge of its range. The analysis was conducted using the Line program, ensuring precise measurement of the stick's resolution, linearity, and response characteristics.
Data Points
Data Points represents the total number of unique positions registered during the smooth movement of the stick from center to edge. This includes both the stable analog values and positions affected by signal processing or jitter. In this test, we recorded 671 data points, which is an excellent result that indicates very precise stick movement registration. For a more accurate assessment of stick precision, it's important to also consider the Straight Points metric, which filters out noise and signal processing artifacts.
Straight Points
Straight Points represent the number of unique positions detected after filtering out tremor and signal processing artifacts during stick movement. This filtering process identifies points that follow a consistently increasing trajectory, showing the true analog values without noise. The test registered 671 straight points. This is an excellent result, indicating very smooth and precise stick movement. This value highlights the stick's ability to provide stable and reliable position data during smooth motion.
Resolution
Resolution in this test refers to two complementary measurements:
Total Resolution: 713 positions across the entire stick range. This number represents how many distinct positions the analog stick can detect from center to edge. This might result in somewhat stepped or less smooth movement
Step Resolution: 0.00140 per increment. This value represents the average size of each step between detected positions (smaller values indicate higher precision). It determines how smoothly the stick can transition between positions, which directly impacts precise aiming and subtle movements in games.
A high total resolution combined with a low step resolution provides the optimal experience for precise control in games requiring fine adjustments.
Tremor
Tremor percentage represents the amount of signal processing that occurs between raw stick movement and the final output. It is calculated as the percentage of data points that don't follow a consistently increasing trajectory. The test measured 0.0% tremor. This indicates very stable stick movement with minimal noise in signal processing. Different controllers have different signal processing characteristics, and lower tremor values typically indicate more direct translation of physical movement.
Linearity
Linearity represents how closely the stick movement follows an ideal linear path. It's calculated as 100% minus the nonlinearity percentage, where nonlinearity measures deviations from a perfectly straight line. The test measured 95.1% linearity. This indicates excellent stick linearity, providing consistent and predictable movement.
At the same time, a gamepad stick is not a perfectly linear mechanical system. The stick rotates around a pivot, the cap travels along an arc, and the sensor reads that rotational movement rather than a truly straight physical path. Because of this, a graph that bends slightly below the ideal straight line is often normal. In many cases, that lower arc-like bow reflects the real mechanics of the stick more faithfully than a response that was tuned mainly to look perfectly straight in this specific test.
What matters most is that the movement remains smooth, progressive, and predictable. A mild, even downward curve can be acceptable or even technically more natural, while sharp dips, waviness, uneven acceleration, or asymmetry still indicate worse response quality.
Test Duration
The time taken to complete the test was 5.32 seconds. This is an optimal test duration, providing reliable results. For the most accurate results, the stick movement should be smooth and controlled, typically taking between 5 and 8 seconds.
Linearity test for 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller • Firmware 1.06 • Stick Analyzer 2.0.3.0 • Cable connection • Xinput mode • Manual Input. Uploaded, by Abel Trinidad
Stick Motion Resolution Analysis
This test evaluates the analog stick's ability to register unique positions during a controlled, linear motion from the center to the edge of its range. The analysis was conducted using the Line program, ensuring precise measurement of the stick's resolution, linearity, and response characteristics.
Data Points
Data Points represents the total number of unique positions registered during the smooth movement of the stick from center to edge. This includes both the stable analog values and positions affected by signal processing or jitter. In this test, we recorded 678 data points, which is an excellent result that indicates very precise stick movement registration. For a more accurate assessment of stick precision, it's important to also consider the Straight Points metric, which filters out noise and signal processing artifacts.
Straight Points
Straight Points represent the number of unique positions detected after filtering out tremor and signal processing artifacts during stick movement. This filtering process identifies points that follow a consistently increasing trajectory, showing the true analog values without noise. The test registered 678 straight points. This is an excellent result, indicating very smooth and precise stick movement. This value highlights the stick's ability to provide stable and reliable position data during smooth motion.
Resolution
Resolution in this test refers to two complementary measurements:
Total Resolution: 719 positions across the entire stick range. This number represents how many distinct positions the analog stick can detect from center to edge. This might result in somewhat stepped or less smooth movement
Step Resolution: 0.00139 per increment. This value represents the average size of each step between detected positions (smaller values indicate higher precision). It determines how smoothly the stick can transition between positions, which directly impacts precise aiming and subtle movements in games.
A high total resolution combined with a low step resolution provides the optimal experience for precise control in games requiring fine adjustments.
Tremor
Tremor percentage represents the amount of signal processing that occurs between raw stick movement and the final output. It is calculated as the percentage of data points that don't follow a consistently increasing trajectory. The test measured 0.0% tremor. This indicates very stable stick movement with minimal noise in signal processing. Different controllers have different signal processing characteristics, and lower tremor values typically indicate more direct translation of physical movement.
Linearity
Linearity represents how closely the stick movement follows an ideal linear path. It's calculated as 100% minus the nonlinearity percentage, where nonlinearity measures deviations from a perfectly straight line. The test measured 95.5% linearity. This indicates excellent stick linearity, providing consistent and predictable movement.
At the same time, a gamepad stick is not a perfectly linear mechanical system. The stick rotates around a pivot, the cap travels along an arc, and the sensor reads that rotational movement rather than a truly straight physical path. Because of this, a graph that bends slightly below the ideal straight line is often normal. In many cases, that lower arc-like bow reflects the real mechanics of the stick more faithfully than a response that was tuned mainly to look perfectly straight in this specific test.
What matters most is that the movement remains smooth, progressive, and predictable. A mild, even downward curve can be acceptable or even technically more natural, while sharp dips, waviness, uneven acceleration, or asymmetry still indicate worse response quality.
Test Duration
The time taken to complete the test was 5.59 seconds. This is an optimal test duration, providing reliable results. For the most accurate results, the stick movement should be smooth and controlled, typically taking between 5 and 8 seconds.
Reviews of 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
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User comments
Are the rear and extra shoulder buttons able to be mapped to keyboard inputs through the Ultimate software or Steam input? If they can only be assigned to other controller buttons, that seems a bit pointless.
Update firmware on the controller, turn it off and when turning on hold B button to start in Dinput mode. Now controller is recognized in SteamInput as 8bitdo Ultimate 2 and all buttons as well ass gyro are customizable via SteamInput.
Yes, the R4 and L4 buttons on the Ultimate 2 can be mapped through Steam Input, so it would be surprising if they didn't have the same capability as the Ultimate 2C.
This controller has 2 paddles, not 4.
Thank you, I’ve corrected that.
I was wondering if you've experienced any lag or delay in wireless connectivity with this controller, and if so, have you found any ways to minimize it?
on Firmware 1.06, they have added a Switch mode and Switch support. To enable Switch mode on PC, hold the Power/Home Button and Y Button while turning it on.
Could you please update the specs for the controller? It only has 2 back paddles.
I'm excited for the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controller to arrive. I really enjoy my current Ultimate Bluetooth controllers and would switch them out right away. It seems like a significant upgrade.
This controller looks great! I recently got the Ultimate and it's become my favorite, particularly because of the sticks. I'm really looking forward to trying this new version.
My 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless fell and the left analog stick (TMR) got damaged. Does anyone know which replacement module is compatible with this controller? I’m trying to repair it myself but I’m not sure what exact part to get. Any advice is appreciated.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 looks solid, but I wonder about the durability of those paddles. My experience with other controllers shows that if they’re too flimsy, it can really mess up gameplay. Hope they hold up well under pressure.
I understand your concern about durability, but 8BitDo generally delivers on that front. Their paddles appear to be solid, so they should perform well during intense gameplay.
I'm a bit worried the paddles on the Ultimate 2 might be too small for my thumbs, which could be a drawback, but I'm hoping they won't be a disappointment in practice, especially considering my experience with other 8BitDo controllers.
I'm really curious about the long-term performance of the stick modules, especially since I've had issues with drift on my current controller, so I'm keeping an eye out for any signs of wear or degradation during extended gaming sessions.
idk how they managed to fit 2 paddles in, sounds like a weird design choice, hope it doesn't feel awkward in my hands, still super hyped for this thing though.
I'm a bit concerned the paddles might not be the sturdiest, but the overall design looks really sharp - will it hold up or just fall apart after a week of use?
There is a typo in SPECS: Paddles should be 2.
Thank you, I’ve corrected that.
It's like they're phoning it in on the polling rate, which is pretty disappointing considering the rest of the controller's features.
I'm curious to see how this thing holds up to marathon gaming sessions - we've all had those controllers that crumble after a few weeks of intense use, so I'm hoping the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 can withstand the test of time.
I'm a bit concerned about the paddles holding up, they feel a bit cheap and I've seen some users complaining about them already.
I love the sleek design of this controller, but I'm a bit worried about its durability - I've seen some reports of paddles breaking after a short time. Does anyone else have experience with this issue?
I'm a bit disappointed to hear paddles breaking after just a week. You'd think a premium controller like this would last longer than that. Guess we'll see how well it holds up in the long run.
That's the kind of enthusiasm I'm looking for, Ultimate 2's got some serious potential.
I'm not sold on the grip layout, it seems pretty tight compared to my older controllers, but overall it looks like a solid product for the price and wireless convenience.
I've had my Ultimate 2 for a week now and the paddles are already feeling a bit flimsy, which is a shame considering the otherwise solid build quality and decent hall effect sticks.
I'm not a fan of the Ultimate 2's paddles, they feel pretty fragile and sometimes the presses don't register right, anyone else having this issue with theirs?
Love the controller, but still got some nagging doubts about durability. 8BitDo has always been solid, but I'm not sure if they can keep up with the big boys in terms of build quality.
Pairing it with a PC is no issue, tbh wireless works like a charm. My main gripe is the ergos, it's kinda uncomfortable to hold for long gaming sessions.
thanks for the review, btw, have you tried pairing the ultimate 2 with a ps4 or pc via bluetooth? just wondering if it's a seamless process
i was skeptical at first but after using the ultimate 2 for a bit i think it's a solid option if you're looking for a wireless controller, just be aware that it's not perfect and has some flaws.
I'm glad I got a chance to try the Ultimate 2, but I'm still a bit concerned about the face buttons - are they membrane or mechanical, and how do they compare to previous 8bitdo models?
Considering this is my first 8BitDo controller, I'm curious to see how it performs in real-world use cases.
Beware, high volume of trigger failure reported on Amazon. Not everything is about latency.