Get back in the ring with 8BitDo's Arcade Controller range

Today, 8BitDo announced their Arcade Controller range, a series of leverless fight sticks that are small and portable.

Game Outlet Europe®, an independent distributor of video games and gaming accessories and part of Embracer Freemode®, today announced the all-new 8BitDo® Arcade Controller range, the ultimate controller for the FGC (fighting game community) and arcade fans worldwide!

Expected to ship across Europe in July 2025 and with pre-orders opening today, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller will be available in two variations, an officially licensed Xbox version (compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows® PC), and a standard version (compatible with Nintendo® Switch™ and Windows® PC).

Perhaps the most advanced Arcade Controller ever made, the new line is built for professionals, competitive gamers and fans of arcade style controllers.

Impossibly slim and ideal for tournament travel, the new Arcade Controller is nearly the same size as a sheet of A4 paper measuring as thin as 1.6cm thick and almost one-third the size of the standard 8BitDo Arcade Stick.

Choose wired for minimum lag and tournament play or go wireless, the choice is yours! Gamers can enjoy a rock solid 2.4G wireless connection via an included adapter which is magnetically stored in the base of the controller or connect a cable for wired play. On the standard version, even more connectivity options are present thanks to Bluetooth® for use on Switch. When used in wireless mode, gamers can enjoy between 20 and 40 hours of use thanks to the powerful Li-ion rechargeable battery.

With the Arcade Controller, gamers can experience unmatched accuracy and ultra-fast inputs with an all-button arcade design and precise quad-movement layout, executing combos with greater speed and precision than ever before. 

Gamers can customise their controller via the Programmable Buttons, remapping P1 and P2 (Xbox) or P1, P2, P3 and P4 (standard) to fit different gaming postures and scenarios. With such effortless customisation, complex fighting combos are performed with ease and precision whatever the game being played. In addition, gamers can disable the Programmable Buttons by replacing them with flat lock caps to avoid accidental presses (four button lock caps included).

Designed for professional play, the Arcade Controller range comes equipped with esports-ready features, including SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) cleaning and tournament lock, providing optimal performance during competitive play.

On the standard version, players can make use of the Dynamic Button Layout. When users switch between Switch (S-Input) and PC (X-Input) mode, the Arcade Controller’s dynamic button layout changes its visual layout!

A host of clever design features elevate the Arcade Controller yet further. Magnetic Foldable Feet engineered from metal allows users to adjust between two angles for comfort and stability, and the fingerprint-proof Tempered Glass Faceplate is sure to turn heads offering a sleek smudge-resistant appearance. The underside of the Arcade Controller is fitted with a non-slip Silicone Mat providing secure and stable placement during gameplay.

The Independent Control Panel located on the top left of the Arcade Controller allows for  mastery of the extensive feature set. Easily adjust volume and RGB lighting and map your buttons simply with intuitive controls. No complex shortcuts here, enjoy effective operative with just a turn and a click!

Created for customizable modification, the Arcade Controller range features a hot-swappable PCB. Featuring 16 Kailh Wizard low-profile mechanical switches, gamers are free to replace with alternative switches to match their preference should they wish.

Making full use of the powerful 8BitDo Ultimate Software, gamers can enjoy endless customization, affording precise button mapping, RGB lighting modes (Xbox only), SOCD modes, firmware updates and more!

The 8BitDo Arcade Controller range is expected to ship from July 15, 2025 across North America, and from August 15, 2025 across Europe. Pre-orders are open now!

The standard version of the Arcade Controller is expected to retail for €89.99 / £74.99 and the officially licensed Xbox version is expected to retail for €99.99 / £84.99.

The 8BitDo Arcade Controller Xbox and 8BitDo Arcade Controller is available for purchase on Amazon.com. They’re also available on Amazon.co.uk, where you’ll find the 8BitDo Arcade Controller Xbox here, and the 8BitDo Arcade Controller right here.

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