8BitDo Gaming Controllers Now Compatible With iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Mac
A selection of controllers from gaming company 8BitDo are now compatible with Apple's product lineup, thanks to a firmware update that was released today.
The 8BitDo SN30 Pro for Android, SN30 Pro, Pro+, Pro 2, Ultimate 2.4g and Lite SE can be used with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and
Apple TV devices that are running the latest Apple software.
All 8BitDo controllers that are compatible with Apple devices can be used like any other Made for iPhone controller to play games that offer controller support, including Apple Arcade titles.
iPads and Macs with USB-C ports can use a wired connection to a compatible 8BitDo controller, but otherwise Bluetooth connections are available. Up to four controllers can be connected at one time depending on device, and unfortunately, rumble and motion control functions are not supported.
Controllers will need a firmware update to work with Apple devices, with the firmware updating software available through the 8BitDo website.
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Top Rated Comments
Switch compatible (S mode)
* emulates a Nintendo Switch Pro controller
* allows for gyro to be used for motion controls
* trigger buttons not in analogue mode (they're either fully on or fully off)
* rumble support
Apple compatible (A mode)
* emulates a PlayStation DS4 controller
* no gyro
* trigger buttons in analogue mode
* rumble support
DirectInput (D mode)
* most compatible mode for emulators and old games due to it being the dominant 'standard' input mode before X-input
* can be used in Windows, Linux, Android and macOS (with emulators)
* no gyro
* trigger buttons in analogue mode (if the game supports it?)
* no rumble
X-input (X mode)
* emulates a Xbox 360 controller
* supported by pretty much all modern platforms such as Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and iOS/tvOS/iPadOS
* most modern games will pre-map their controller buttons automatically in this mode
* no gyro
* trigger buttons in analogue mode
* rumble support
It depends. Some of 8BitDo's controllers are better if you're frequently swapping your controller between different devices (of different types) since you can have it paired with up to 4 different types of devices with a simple switch mode on the back.
I for one, absolutely hate having to do the pair/re-pair Bluetooth dance between different devices when I use an Xbox or PS4/5 controller. With my Pro 2, I can go from using it on my iPhone (A mode) to my Windows PC (X mode) to my emulation box (D mode) to my tablet (S mode) by simply flicking a switch and it instantly pairs to each device. That functionality alone is a really nice 'quality of life' feature.
You also have control over things like deadzones in the 8BitDo software that you don't get with Xbox and PS controllers.
Controllers are also a bit of personal preference when it comes to ergonomics, so as always, it's best to check and test them yourself if you can before buying.