8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller for Switch, Windows and Android: A Review
If you are a fan of SEGA’s classic games, you might be looking for a controller that can give you the authentic retro gaming experience on your Nintendo Switch, Windows PC or Android device. One of the best options available is the 8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller, a wireless gamepad that is designed to mimic the look and feel of the original SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive controller. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, drawbacks and customer feedback of this product, and compare it with some similar products on the market.
Features
The 8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller has the following features:
– A 6-button layout that is perfect for SEGA’s classic games, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe and more.
– A smooth matte texture D-pad and subtle action buttons for a satisfying feel.
– A Turbo function that can be mapped to any button for faster firing rates.
– A rechargeable battery that lasts up to 18 hours of playtime with 2 hours of charging time.
– A Bluetooth connection that works with Switch, Windows 10 or above, Android 9.0 and above, and Raspberry Pi devices.
– A USB-C cable that can be used for wired mode or charging.
– A firmware that can be upgraded via PC or Mac.
Benefits
The 8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller offers several benefits for retro gamers, such as:
– It is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, so you can enjoy your favorite SEGA games on different screens and systems.
– It is wireless and portable, so you can play anywhere you want without being restricted by cords or batteries.
– It is ergonomic and comfortable, so you can play for long hours without feeling fatigue or strain on your hands.
– It is customizable and versatile, so you can adjust the Turbo function and button mapping to suit your preferences and game styles.
– It is affordable and high-quality, so you can get a great value for your money and a durable product that will last for years.
Drawbacks
The 8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it, such as:
– It does not have HD rumble, motion controls, NFC scanning or console wake functions that are available on the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
– It does not support some functions on certain platforms, such as vibration on Switch or analog triggers on Windows.
– It may have some compatibility issues or latency problems with some games or devices, depending on the software updates or Bluetooth interference.
– It may not fit well in some cases or holders designed for other controllers.
Customer Feedback
The 8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller has received mostly positive feedback from customers who have bought and used it. Here are some representative reviews from Amazon:
> “This controller is amazing. I love the feel of it. The buttons are responsive and have a nice click to them. The D-pad is smooth and accurate. The Turbo function works great. The battery life is impressive. The Bluetooth connection is stable and easy to pair. I use it mainly for my Switch and PC, and it works flawlessly with both. It’s perfect for playing SEGA Genesis Classics or any other retro games. Highly recommended.” – 5 stars
> “This controller is good, but not perfect. I like the design and the quality of it. The buttons are nice and the D-pad is decent. The Turbo function is useful. The battery life is good. The Bluetooth connection is okay, but sometimes it drops or lags a bit. I use it mostly for my Android phone and tablet, and it works well with most games. However, it does not work with some emulators or apps that require analog triggers or sticks. Also, it does not fit in my case very well. Overall, it’s a good controller for the price.” – 4 stars
> “This controller is disappointing. I don’t like the feel of it. The buttons are stiff and mushy. The D-pad is inaccurate and hard to press. The Turbo function is annoying. The battery life is poor. The Bluetooth connection is unreliable and slow. I use it mainly for my Raspberry Pi, and it works poorly with most games. It often disconnects or freezes or has input lag or wrong mapping. Also, it does not work with my PC at all. It’s a waste of money.” – 1 star
Comparison
The 8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller is not the only retro-style controller available for Switch, Windows and Android devices. Here are some similar products that you can compare it with:
| Product | Price | Features | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller | $29.99 | 6-button layout, Turbo function, Bluetooth and wired mode, rechargeable battery, firmware upgradeable | Compatible, wireless, portable, ergonomic, comfortable, customizable, versatile, affordable, high-quality | No HD rumble, motion controls, NFC scanning or console wake functions; limited functions on some platforms; possible compatibility issues or latency problems; may not fit well in some cases or holders |
| Retro-Bit Official SEGA Genesis Bluetooth Controller | $34.99 | 6-button layout, Home and Select buttons, Bluetooth and wired mode, rechargeable battery | Licensed by SEGA, compatible, wireless, portable, ergonomic, comfortable | No Turbo function, firmware upgradeable, HD rumble, motion controls, NFC scanning or console wake functions; limited functions on some platforms; possible compatibility issues or latency problems |
| PowerA Fusion Wireless Arcade Stick | $129.99 | 8-button arcade layout, joystick and D-pad switch, Turbo function, Bluetooth and wired mode, rechargeable battery | Compatible, wireless, portable, customizable, versatile, high-quality | Expensive, bulky, heavy, no HD rumble, motion controls, NFC scanning or console wake functions; limited functions on some platforms; possible compatibility issues or latency problems |
Conclusion
The 8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller is a great choice for retro gamers who want to play SEGA’s classic games on their Switch, Windows or Android devices. It has a 6-button layout that is perfect for these games, a Turbo function that can be mapped to any button for faster firing rates, a Bluetooth connection that works with a wide range of devices and platforms, a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 18 hours of playtime with 2 hours of charging time, and a firmware that can be upgraded via PC or Mac. It is also compatible, wireless, portable, ergonomic, comfortable, customizable, versatile, affordable and high-quality.
However, it also has some drawbacks that you should consider before buying it. It does not have HD rumble, motion controls, NFC scanning or console wake functions that are available on the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It does not support some functions on certain platforms, such as vibration on Switch or analog triggers on Windows. It may have some compatibility issues or latency problems with some games or devices depending on the software updates or Bluetooth interference. It may not fit well in some cases or holders designed for other controllers.
If you are looking for a controller that has more features or functions than the 8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller, you might want to check out the Retro-Bit Official SEGA Genesis Bluetooth Controller, which is licensed by SEGA and has Home and Select buttons. Or you might want to check out the PowerA Fusion Wireless Arcade Stick, which has an 8-button arcade layout and a joystick and D-pad switch. However these controllers are more expensive than the 8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller, and they also have their own drawbacks.
Ultimately the choice is yours depending on your preferences and budget. If you are interested in buying the 8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller, you can click here to order it from Amazon now.
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