8BitDo Halts US Shipments Due To Tariffs, But You Can Get Great Controller Deals (For Now)

8BitDo has announced it is temporarily pausing shipments to the US due to tariffs. The popular third-party controller manufacturer is based in China, the country that has been hit with the highest tariffs by the Trump administration. 8BitDo is one of the largest gaming manufacturers to take this step, but it's demonstrative of what could become a trend.Here is the full statement posted on 8BitDo's website: "Due to U.S. tariffs, only products from our U.S. warehouse are available for shipping to the United States. China warehouse shipping is temporarily paused."US tariffs on China are drastically higher than . Rather than asking US consumers to cover cost increases that, in some cases, could double the price of goods, 8BitDo and other manufacturers have made the decision to suspend shipments. This isn't really surprising. 8BitDo, for instance, is known for making superb controllers for Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, and mobile devices for budget-friendly prices. If a controller that has sold for $50 for years is suddenly $100 or more, the number of buyers would plummet and 8BitDo's brand identity would be damaged, perhaps irrevocably. Blaze Entertainment, creator of the Evercade retro handhelds and consoles, also recently paused shipments due to tariffs.In the US, 8BitDo accessories are primarily sold on Amazon. As such, we've rounded up some of the company's best controllers, keyboards, arcade sticks, and other products that are still in stock for retail price or less. There are still deals to be found on 8BitDo products, but keep in mind that depending on how long the shipment pause lasts, accessories are likely to start selling out.8BitDo's notable recent releases include the flagship Ultimate 2 Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Controllers and the Xbox Edition Retro Keyboard and Mouse. It's worth noting that while you can still currently preorder the matching Xbox Edition 3-Mode Ultimate Controller, 8BitDo's NES-themed Retro R8 Gaming Mouse is no longer available to preorder and unlikely to return before its May launch.Quick look: 8BitDo Notable Products & Deals at Amazon8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC)White -- $63 ($70) | Click coupon boxBlack -- $63 ($70) | Click coupon box8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller (PC, Android)Black-- $50 ($60)White -- $50 ($60)Purple -- $50 ($60)8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, mobile)Transparent Green -- $70 | Releases May 15White -- $63 ($70)Black -- $62 ($70)8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC, mobile) -- $49 ($60)8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller + Carrying Case -- $55 ($70)8BitDo Ultimate 2C Controller - Black Myth: Wukong -- $29.72 ($35)8BitDo Ultimate 2.4GHz Controller - Genshin Impact -- $50 ($60)8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC, mobile) -- $40.49 ($45)8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC, mobile) -- $38.75 ($50)8BitDo Xbox Edition TKL Mechanical Keyboard -- $100 ($120)8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse - Xbox Edition -- $608BitDo N Edition Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard -- $96 ($120) 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC)$63 ($70)8BitDo's newest flagship controller, the Ultimate 2, offers meaningful upgrades for Nintendo and PC users. The controller features two remappable back buttons and two extra top bumpers, essentially combining the layout of the original Ultimate Bluetooth and the Ultimate 2C.The Ultimate 2 is also the first 8BitDo controller to use TMR electromagnetic analog sticks, which are similar to Hall Effect sticks but feel smoother and are a bit more precise, in our experience. Another first for 8BitDo is the use of adjustable trigger locks with two settings. It's also the first 8BitDo controller to use a USB-C dongle for its optional 2.4GHz wireless connection. It remains to be seen whether the dongle will be compatible with Switch 2, but you should have no problem syncing the controller via Bluetooth with Nintendo's new console.Along with the normal internal customization features found in 8BitDo's Ultimate controllers, the Ultimate 2 uses the V2 software--which is only available on PC, Android, and Mac--which has a section for customizing the joystick lighting rings.The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth is available in white or black and comes with a matching charging dock. It released a few weeks ago and is up for grabs for 10% off at Amazon. See at Amazon 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless 2.4GHz Controller (PC, Android)$50 ($60)Prior to the release of the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, 8BitDo debuted the new design with the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller for PC and Android. Like its predecessor, the PC edition lacks Bluetooth and retails for $10 less than the Switch/PC edition. This controller launched in February in three different colors--white, black, and purple--and is currently available for $10 off. See at Amazon 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard - Xbox Edition (PC, Mac, Steam Deck, Android)$100 ($120)The Xbox Edition of 8BitDo's Retro Mechanical Keyboard has all of the same fe

Apr 29, 2025 - 23:55
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8BitDo Halts US Shipments Due To Tariffs, But You Can Get Great Controller Deals (For Now)


8BitDo has announced it is temporarily pausing shipments to the US due to tariffs. The popular third-party controller manufacturer is based in China, the country that has been hit with the highest tariffs by the Trump administration. 8BitDo is one of the largest gaming manufacturers to take this step, but it's demonstrative of what could become a trend.

Here is the full statement posted on 8BitDo's website: "Due to U.S. tariffs, only products from our U.S. warehouse are available for shipping to the United States. China warehouse shipping is temporarily paused."

US tariffs on China are drastically higher than . Rather than asking US consumers to cover cost increases that, in some cases, could double the price of goods, 8BitDo and other manufacturers have made the decision to suspend shipments. This isn't really surprising. 8BitDo, for instance, is known for making superb controllers for Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, and mobile devices for budget-friendly prices. If a controller that has sold for $50 for years is suddenly $100 or more, the number of buyers would plummet and 8BitDo's brand identity would be damaged, perhaps irrevocably. Blaze Entertainment, creator of the Evercade retro handhelds and consoles, also recently paused shipments due to tariffs.

In the US, 8BitDo accessories are primarily sold on Amazon. As such, we've rounded up some of the company's best controllers, keyboards, arcade sticks, and other products that are still in stock for retail price or less. There are still deals to be found on 8BitDo products, but keep in mind that depending on how long the shipment pause lasts, accessories are likely to start selling out.

8BitDo's notable recent releases include the flagship Ultimate 2 Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Controllers and the Xbox Edition Retro Keyboard and Mouse. It's worth noting that while you can still currently preorder the matching Xbox Edition 3-Mode Ultimate Controller, 8BitDo's NES-themed Retro R8 Gaming Mouse is no longer available to preorder and unlikely to return before its May launch.


Quick look: 8BitDo Notable Products & Deals at Amazon


8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC)


$63 ($70)

8BitDo's newest flagship controller, the Ultimate 2, offers meaningful upgrades for Nintendo and PC users. The controller features two remappable back buttons and two extra top bumpers, essentially combining the layout of the original Ultimate Bluetooth and the Ultimate 2C.

The Ultimate 2 is also the first 8BitDo controller to use TMR electromagnetic analog sticks, which are similar to Hall Effect sticks but feel smoother and are a bit more precise, in our experience. Another first for 8BitDo is the use of adjustable trigger locks with two settings. It's also the first 8BitDo controller to use a USB-C dongle for its optional 2.4GHz wireless connection. It remains to be seen whether the dongle will be compatible with Switch 2, but you should have no problem syncing the controller via Bluetooth with Nintendo's new console.

Along with the normal internal customization features found in 8BitDo's Ultimate controllers, the Ultimate 2 uses the V2 software--which is only available on PC, Android, and Mac--which has a section for customizing the joystick lighting rings.

The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth is available in white or black and comes with a matching charging dock. It released a few weeks ago and is up for grabs for 10% off at Amazon.


8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless 2.4GHz Controller (PC, Android)


$50 ($60)

Prior to the release of the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, 8BitDo debuted the new design with the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller for PC and Android. Like its predecessor, the PC edition lacks Bluetooth and retails for $10 less than the Switch/PC edition. This controller launched in February in three different colors--white, black, and purple--and is currently available for $10 off.


8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard - Xbox Edition (PC, Mac, Steam Deck, Android)


$100 ($120)

The Xbox Edition of 8BitDo's Retro Mechanical Keyboard has all of the same features as the tenkeyless models released before it, but it has a transparent green design inspired by the original Xbox's special-edition console of the same color. The Xbox Edition--which doesn't actually work on Xbox--is on sale for $100 for a limited time at Amazon.

The keyboard can connect wirelessly via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth to PC, Mac, and Android. It comes with a matching Super Button module featuring a pair of large microswitch buttons.


8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse - Xbox Edition (PC, Mac, Android)


$60

The matching transparent green Retro R8 Wireless Mouse is an all-new product from 8BitDo. This ambidextrous wireless mouse supports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections on PC, Mac, and Android. It has four remappable side buttons (two on each side) and comes with a matching charging dock.

8BitDo previously released a 2.4GHz wireless mouse themed around the NES that features a D-pad on the side and a touchpad for scrolling. The Retro R8 Mouse is a big step up, but the peculiar N30 is available for only $21 right now.

8BitDo Full-Sized Retro Mechanical Keyboard (PC, Mac, Steam Deck, Mobile)


$96 ($120)

8BitDo released full-sized versions of the N and Fami Edition keyboards in late 2024. Both models add a numpad and are available for 20% off at Amazon.

If you already have one of the 87-key TKL models, you can pair it with one of 8BitDo's wireless numpads instead.


8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller - Black Myth: Wukong (PC, Android)


$29.72 ($35)

8BitDo's Ultimate 2C is the budget version of the company's flagship controller for PC and Android. This special-edition version is officially licensed and themed around Black Myth: Wukong.

The controller's pro-style features include Hall Effect analog sticks and a pair of remappable top bumpers. Unlike the main Ultimate and Ultimate 2 Controllers, the 2C does not support 8BitDo's customization software. The extra remappable buttons are assigned using a button on the controller.


8BitDo Ultimate 2.4GHz Wireless Controller (PC, Android, iOS)


$50 ($60)

This Genshin Impact-themed version of the Ultimate connects via a 2.4GHz wireless adapter. Like its Bluetooth counterpart, you're getting a charging dock, Hall Effect joysticks, and pro-style back buttons for added accessibility. You can also use the Ultimate Software on your PC to further modify its performance.


8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller (Xbox, PC, Android)


8BitDo's Ultimate 3-Mode Controller is a bit confusing from a compatibility perspective. Although it's officially licensed by Xbox, it only works with a wired connection via the included USB-C cable. The other two "modes" are wireless: 2.4GHz on PC and Bluetooth on Android.

The Ultimate 3-Mode supports 8BitDo's Ultimate software on PC, mobile, and Xbox. The controller has Hall Effect sticks and a pair of remappable back buttons. It also comes with a charging dock, though the upcoming transparent green edition includes a black charging dock rather than the usual matching one.


8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller + Carrying Case (Switch, PC, Mobile)


$55 ($70)

The original Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is still an excellent gamepad thanks to Hall Effect sticks, a pair of remappable back buttons, and the ability to customize trigger, rumble, and stick sensitivity via 8BitDo's Ultimate Software. This discounted bundle comes with a carrying case and charging dock for the controller.

Alternatively, you can save six bucks by ditching the carrying case.


8BitDo Arcade Fight Stick


$88 ($90) for Switch/PC | $108 ($120) for Xbox/PC

8BitDo's budget-friendly wireless arcade sticks offer terrific performance for the price. Available in Nintendo Switch and Xbox editions--both of which work wirelessly on PC--these fight sticks feature great, accurate sticks as well as eight, satisfyingly clicky buttons. Both editions are moddable with third-party parts and are compatible with 8BitDo's Ultimate software, allowing you to set up macros and customize other settings. The Switch edition supports Bluetooth wireless, while the Xbox version utilizes a 2.4GHz wireless dongle.


8BitDo Pro 2 Wireless Controller (Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile)


$36 ($50)

The 8BitDo Pro 2 is retro-style Switch and PC controller that takes inspiration from the SNES controller while also offering all of the inputs found on modern gamepads and ergonomic handles. It includes a pair of remappable back buttons and is compatible with 8BitDo's Ultimate Software. Just like the flagship Ultimate series, the Pro 2 lets you customize settings such as stick sensitivity and configure up to three custom profiles.


8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller (Switch)


$27 ($30)

One of the best Nintendo Switch controllers for $30 or less, the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth edition supports motion controls, rumble, and has great battery life. Just like the 2.4GHz edition of the 2C, it has a pair of remappable top bumpers.


8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC, Android)


$40.49 ($45)

The SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller is modeled after the Super Nintendo controller but has two analog sticks as well as the triggers and shoulder buttons found on modern gamepads. Unlike the Pro 2, however, it doesn't support 8BitDo's customization app, and it doesn't have remappable back buttons. But if you want a retro controller for modern platforms that also happens to include turbo functionality, motion controls, and rumble, the SN30 Pro is one of the best and most versatile.


8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard (PC, Mac, Steam Deck, Android)


$86 ($100) for NES Edition

Besides the transparent green edition, there are four TKL 8BitDo keyboards themed around the NES, Famicom, Commodore 64, and old IBM computers. All four of these wireless keyboards connect via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C wired. Unlike the Xbox Edition, these work on iOS because they utilize 8BitDo's original Ultimate Software instead of the V2 version. Each keyboard comes with a pair of detachable Super Buttons, while the C64 Edition also includes the Super Stick (detachable arcade stick).


8BitDo M30 Bluetooth Controller (Switch, PC, Android)


$30

Fans of the Sega Genesis should check out 8BitDo's M30 Bluetooth Controller for Switch, PC, and Android. This wireless controller is modeled after the six-button Genesis controller and is great for playing retro games on Nintendo Switch Online.