8Bitdo is well known for its modern but retro-style Bluetooth controllers. They are a favorite among AP staff and a good fit for big emulators. The company is tailoring one of its best-selling game controllers specifically for Microsoft’s upcoming Stadia-like xCloud game streaming service. The new controller is a modified version of the existing SN30 Pro, with a new Xbox compatible color scheme and explicit support for Microsoft xCloud.
According to The Verge, 8Bitdo is not just releasing a licensed and branded version of its existing product, the company has worked together with Microsoft to make it “fully functional with xCloud.” It will also be compatible with existing 8bitdo Ultimate software, which allows you to remap buttons and adjust things like trigger and lever sensitivity, with support for multiple profiles. (Hopefully they can launch an Android app with the same functionality; it’s a bit of a pain having to use your computer to change this setting.)
Although 8Bitdo claims it’s only Android compatible, it appears to be identical to existing SN30 Pro models, and that includes the overall design: twin analog sticks, two triggers, two bumpers, a d-pad, the usual facial buttons, and A handful of buttons that guarantee a wide compatibility of devices. More technically, you can expect a 480 mAh battery that lasts up to 18 hours, a USB Type-C port for charging and cable usage, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The new SN30 Pro for Xbox Cloud Gaming on Android (that’s its full name) also comes with a sleek new Gaming Clip that connects the controller to your phone, which looks much better than the previous model.
Pre-orders for the new controller are open on Amazon starting today, for $ 45. According to the current list, the controller will formally launch on September 21.
