Gamers and retro enthusiasts, take note: a previously unseen wireless controller from beloved peripheral maker 8BitDo has seemingly popped up online, sparking excitement and speculation. Spotted on Amazon listings before any official reveal, this new pad hints at another potential hit from the company known for its quality retro-inspired and modern gamepads.
The controller, visible in product images, sports the distinctive 8BitDo design language – clean lines, a comfortable-looking shape, and familiar face button coloring (A: green, B: red, X: blue, Y: yellow). Early images suggest it features Bluetooth connectivity (likely Bluetooth 5.0 or later for low latency), a USB-C port for charging, and what appears to be a standard layout with dual analog sticks, a D-pad, four shoulder buttons (L/R, LZ/RZ), Start, Select, and likely 8BitDo's signature star button for functions like Home or pairing.
The Leak: The existence of this new controller first came to light thanks to vigilant gaming deals tracker Wario64, who spotted placeholder listings on Amazon. The listings, devoid of official product names or detailed specifications, provided the first glimpse of the hardware.
https://x.com/Wario64/status/1940993331271696418
Where It Appeared: The controller surfaced on Amazon via two separate placeholder links, suggesting potentially different colorways or bundles:
- Amazon Listing 1: https://amzn.to/40qvvsj
- Amazon Listing 2: https://amzn.to/4nEJWD4
As is typical with such early leaks, clicking these links currently leads to inactive or "Page Not Found" listings on Amazon, as the product hasn't been officially launched yet. However, the mere presence confirms 8BitDo is preparing something new for the market.
What We Don't Know (Yet):
- The Official Name: Is this a new entry in the Ultimate Controller line? A successor to the Pro 2? Or an entirely new series? The naming remains a mystery.
- Key Features: While Bluetooth is evident, does it support 8BitDo's versatile connectivity modes (X-Input, D-Input, Switch, macOS, Android)? Are hall effect joysticks included (a popular feature in their premium models)? What about back buttons or customizable profiles? Battery life? These details are still under wraps.
- Platform Focus: 8BitDo controllers are renowned for their cross-platform compatibility. Will this pad target Nintendo Switch players, PC gamers, mobile users, or all of the above?
- Price & Release Date: The most burning questions remain unanswered. When will 8BitDo officially unveil it, and what will it cost?
Why It Matters: 8BitDo has built a stellar reputation for delivering high-quality, often feature-rich controllers at competitive prices. Their products frequently blend nostalgic design with modern tech (like hall effect sensors for drift-free sticks) and broad compatibility. A new controller from them is always noteworthy, potentially offering a compelling alternative to first-party pads or other third-party options.
What's Next? Typically, leaks like this precede an official announcement by days or weeks. Given the listings appeared on Amazon, it's highly likely 8BitDo is in the final stages of preparing this controller for launch. Gamers should keep an eye on 8BitDo's official social media channels and website for the inevitable reveal, where all the specifications, pricing, and availability details will be confirmed.
Until then, the mystery new 8BitDo controller serves as an exciting teaser of what's to come from one of the most consistently popular controller manufacturers in the gaming scene. Will it be the next must-have gamepad? We'll find out soon.
Post a Comment