Over the past few years, I’ve bought and used a lot of controllers across different consoles, PC, and mobile platforms. Some of them are mediocre, while others are stunning. I also use these controllers in a variety of game genres and have slowly discovered that I sometimes prefer using different controllers for different genres. After purchasing a few 8Bitdo products, I have basically become a 8Bitdo fan and will buy any new product they release to test out whenever I get the chance. The latest of these is the 8BitDo M30 Bluetooth controller that I bought to use on my phone, Switch, and Steam Deck. There is also an Xbox version, which I will be purchasing and writing an article about soon. I’ve always been impressed by the 8Bitdo M30 controller, and even though it’s old, I liked it enough to give it a review, so here we are. Before proceeding with a full review, all references to the 8Bitdo M30 controller refer to the Bluetooth version unless otherwise stated.
8Bitdo M30 Controller – What’s in the Box
My model is 8bitdo M30 Bluetooth version. Comes with actual controller and USB C to A cable. Mine also includes an 8BitDo badge, which I put on my bag. The included cable is sufficient, but if you don’t already have a good cable, I really recommend buying one of these to use with your platform.
8Bitdo M30 controller compatibility
The 8Bitdo M30 controller is advertised as officially supporting Switch, macOS, Android, Windows, Steam and Raspberry Pi. I’ve used it on my Nintendo Switch OLED, Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), iPad, and iPhone for daily use and this review. When Nintendo announced the Nintendo Switch Online controller for various apps, I was always annoyed that the 6-button SEGA controller was only available in Japan and sold out so quickly. After getting my hands on the 8BitDo NeoGeo controller for use on the Steam Deck, I checked out the Xbox lineup and discovered the M30 variant the company had released. Then it dawned on me that the M30 Bluetooth model already existed and I ordered it. I’m glad I did because I love this controller and it’s probably my favorite fighting game and shmup controller besides actual sticks and stickless controllers.
8Bitdo M30 controller direction keys
Yes, I’m not exaggerating, it’s mainly because the D-pad is awesome on the 8BitDo M30 controller. If we look at the current consoles and the official controllers available, the Switch Joy-Con sits underneath the D-Pad (if you can even call it one), with the DualSense Edge (which is an improvement over the regular DualSense D-Pad ) pad) on top. Sure, the price difference is huge, and the Xbox Series X controller is very good, but none of them can match the feel of the 8BitDo M30 controller’s d-pad for fighting games, arcade games, and shmups.
8Bitdo M30 controller front buttons and feel
Aside from the D-pad, the feel of the controller will vary depending on the size of your hands and the controller you’re used to using, but I love everything about it. The shoulder buttons, face buttons, and other buttons are all good and feel like they should work great. In addition to the buttons, pairing the controller and the different modes are also very easy to use or switch between. There’s a cheat sheet for the modes (switch, dinput, xinput, and macOS) on the back of the controller, and you basically hold down a specific face button and the start button to turn on the 8BitDo M30 controller in a specific mode.
8Bitdo M30 Controller – Battery Life
The 8Bitdo M30 controller comes with a 480mAh rechargeable battery. It is advertised that it can last for 18 hours after being fully charged, but the actual charging time is 1-2 hours. I haven’t pushed it to 18 hours yet, but I’ve used it multiple times for more than 12 hours on a single charge. However, I usually charge the controller when not in use. When charging via USB C, I usually plug it in after a few days of use. I have no complaints about battery life or charging times.
8Bitdo M30 Controller – Genesis Nintendo Switch Online, fighting games, shmups, and more
I originally thought I would primarily use the 8BitDo M30 controller with Nintendo Switch Online’s Genesis app and a few other games, but I find myself preferring it in almost every game. Playing shmups like G-Darius HD or even modern fighting games like Street Fighter 6 feels great thanks to the excellent D-pad. Basically, you can safely enjoy the 8BitDo M30 controller in games that don’t require analog sticks and can use up to six or eight buttons and D-pad.
I’m using the 8BitDo M30 controller via Bluetooth on iOS, Switch, and Steam Deck with no issues with input or connection. I’ve also tried a wired connection and it works fine. This is basically the perfect controller for games that don’t require analog sticks. So how does it fare in modern fighting games? Well, I was surprised at how well it worked. I know I shouldn’t do this, but this is my favorite fighting game controller right now besides actual arcade sticks or stickless controllers.
On iOS, I use the 8Bitdo M30 controller to play games like Streets of Rage 4, and it feels great. I’m considering purchasing a white controller specifically for iOS. When it comes to iOS controllers, I wouldn’t recommend buying it as a primary controller because there are so many games these days that require two analog sticks and a console game port, but as a controller for older and retro games, this is just the thing. For its price, its convenience and performance are unmatched.
However, there is a problem with the 8Bitdo M30 controller, which may or may not be a big issue for you. The three buttons at the top are smaller than the ones below. This is obviously meant to be as true to the controller’s inspiration (the Mega Drive 6 button controller) as possible, but it’s not ideal due to the way the buttons are located in the concave area. This means the X button is almost on the edge. It’s not a deal-breaker, I’m used to it, but it would be nice to have all six the same size. Other than that, I have no complaints. The 8Bitdo M30 controller does more than it advertises and I would recommend it even though it cost twice as much. It’s just that good.
BaBitang M30 Bluetooth review score: 4.5/5
If you want to buy one, the 8BitDo M30 controller is available on Amazon for $30 and comes in black and white. There is also a 2.4G model that’s $5 cheaper, but I haven’t used it yet. If you end up buying it or already own one, I’d love to know what you think of it. Let us know in the comments below and let us know if there are any specific controllers you’d like to check out.
It will help TouchArcade a little if you purchase the controllers or items listed and linked above through our links on Amazon.