Review on 🎮 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Gamepad: Wireless Bluetooth Controller for Nintendo Switch and More by Henry Brown

Update the firmware before doing anything else: After unboxing and charging the controller, I plugged it into my computer to check Steam compatibility. I was only aware of this because I have a Steam desktop connected to my TV and the less I have to use the wireless keyboard/mouse from the couch the better for me. Everything worked great. During X-type, the controller's home button opens the large Steam image, just like I was hoping for. Then I connected it to my switch. The SNES and NES library is great, I like this controller better. When I went back to connect it to my computer it failed to connect. It blinks as if set to the PC X input. Nothing. I tried to make it discoverable after forgetting the device on my PC but couldn't find it. Double checked if the Nintendo Switch is powered off. Tried pairing again, couldn't find it. I updated the firmware on the controller using the USB cable that came with it; Problem solved. It now toggles between controller modes/system connection options by toggling it off and on with the appropriate key combination. The shortcut keys are printed on the back of the controller so you don't have to look them up in this little guide. . I suspect that this seal will wear off over time. The p-touch labeller may be able to cope with this in the future. The controller feels as light as I remember the SNES controller. I don't remember the SNES being economical and this controller feels like the old controllers. The R2 and L2 buttons are a bit awkward at first. I think the newer version of this controller tries to solve this with buttons and layout, but I haven't tried the newer one to see if it does it for me. Basically, I wanted this controller for SNES games in the Switch library to be even more like the games I grew up with, and it does it perfectly, uncontrollably thin, ergonomically outdated layout and all. I like it better than the dual Joy-Con grip, but it's nowhere near as comfortable as a pro controller. The smaller size of the controller makes it easier to carry the Switch when moving around with it. The controller does not wake up the Nintendo Switch. That means I have to turn on the switch when I turn on the TV. Not critical for me, but definitely worth mentioning.