Over the past few years, I’ve purchased and used quite just a few controllers across a spread of consoles, PCs, and mobile platforms. Some of them were average, others were amazing. I also use these controllers in a spread of game genres, and I’m slowly discovering that sometimes I prefer different controllers for different genres. After purchasing several 8BitDo products, I’m principally a fan and buy every recent product they release every time I can to try it out. The latest of these is the 8BitDo M30 Bluetooth Controller, which I purchased for use on mobile, Switch, and Steam Deck. There can also be an Xbox version which I’ll buy soon to jot down about. The 8BitDo M30 controller continues to impress me and I liked it enough to wish to review it despite its age, so here we’re. Before we get into the full review, any mention of the 8BitDo M30 Controller refers to the Bluetooth version unless otherwise noted.

8BitDo M30 controller – package contents

The model I even have is the Bluetooth 8BitDo M30 version. It comes with an actual controller and a USB C to A cable. My kit also got here with an 8BitDo pin, which I placed in my bag. The included cable is sufficient, but I actually recommend buying it one of these for use on various platforms when you don’t have already got good cables.

8BitDo M30 controller compatibility

The advertised 8BitDo M30 controller officially supports Switch, macOS, Android, Windows, Steam and Raspberry Pi. I used it on my Nintendo Switch OLED, Steam Deck (each LCD and OLED), iPad and iPhone for on a regular basis use and for this review. When Nintendo announced Nintendo Switch Online controllers for various apps, I used to be annoyed that the SEGA 6-button was only available in Japan and sold out quite quickly. After the NeoGeo 8BitDo controller became available for use on Steam Deck, I looked through the Xbox lineup and found the M30 variant released by the company. Then it hit me that there was a Bluetooth M30 model and I ordered it. I’m glad I did because I like this controller and it is perhaps my favorite fighting game and shmup controller outside of regular sticks and leverless controllers.

Directional pad of the 8BitDo M30 controller

Yes, I’m not exaggerating, and it’s mainly because the d-pad is rattling good on the 8BitDo M30 controller. If we have a look at current consoles and the official controllers available, Switch Joy-Cons are at the low end for the D-pad (when you may even call it that) with the DualSense Edge (improves over the regular DualSense d-pad) on Mountain. But that is obviously an enormous price discrepancy, and while the Xbox Series

8BitDo M30 controller front buttons and hand feel

Aside from the D-pad, the feel of the controller in your hand will vary depending in your hand size and the controllers you are used to fidgeting with, but I like every thing about it. The shoulder buttons, face buttons and other buttons are good and work as they need to. Apart from the buttons, the pairing of the controller and the different modes may be very easy to make use of or switch between them. There’s a cheat sheet on the back of the controller for the modes (switch, dinput, xinput, and macOS), and you principally hold down one specific face button and the start button to show the 8BitDo M30 controller into a particular mode.

8BitDo M30 controller – battery life

The 8BitDo M30 controller has a 480mAh battery. It is advertised as having the ability to run for as much as 18 hours on a full charge and takes 1-2 hours to charge. I have not stretched it to 18 hours yet, but I’ve used it for over 12 hours on a single charge multiple times. However, I normally charge the controllers when not in use. When charging via USB C, I normally leave it plugged in after just a few days of use. I even have no complaints about battery life and charging time.

8BitDo M30 Controller – Genesis Nintendo Switch Online, fighting games, shmups and more

Initially, I believed I might mainly use the 8BitDo M30 controller for the Genesis app on Nintendo Switch Online and just a few other games, but I’ve found that I enjoy it more in almost every game. Playing shmups like G-Darius HD and even modern fighting games like Street Fighter 6 was great because of the excellent D-pad. Basically, you’ll be able to safely use the 8BitDo M30 controller in games that do not require each analog sticks and can run with as much as six or eight buttons and a D-pad.

I used the 8BitDo M30 controller via Bluetooth on iOS, Switch, and Steam Deck and had no issues with inputs or connectivity. I also tried the cable and it really works superb. It’s principally the perfect controller for games that do not require analog sticks to do anything. What does it seem like in modern fighting games? Well, I used to be surprised at how well it worked. I do know I shouldn’t, however it’s now my favorite fighting game controller, other than real game sticks and leverless controllers.

On iOS, I used the 8BitDo M30 controller to play games like Streets of Rage 4 and it felt amazing. I’m considering purchasing the white variant of the controller specifically for use on iOS. As far as iOS controllers go, I do not recommend buying this as a primary controller as there are too many games that now require each analog sticks with console game ports, but as a controller for older games and retro titles, that is unrivaled in terms of comfort and performance at its price.

However, the 8BitDo M30 controller has one problem and it could or might not be an enormous problem for you. The three buttons at the top are smaller than the ones below. Of course, this is supposed to be as authentic as possible as a consequence of the controller’s inspiration (the 6-button Mega Drive controller), however it’s not perfect as a consequence of the buttons being placed in a concave area. This signifies that the X button is sort of at the edge. It’s not a deal breaker and I’ve gotten used to it, but having all six the same size could be higher. Apart from that, I even have no objections. The 8BitDo M30 controller does more than it advertises and I like to recommend it, even when it costs twice as much because it currently does. This is so good.

8bitdo M30 Bluetooth review rating: 4.5/5

If you should download it, the 8BitDo M30 controller is obtainable for $30 on Amazon at Black AND White variants. Is also 2.4G model it costs $5 less, but I have not used it yet. If you select to purchase one or already own one, I’d like to know what you concentrate on it. Let us know in the comments below and also when you would love to see a review of a particular controller.