Apple Arcade gamers can now use some of the best controllers with iOS


This is great news for iOS device owners and Apple Arcade subscribers, as 8BitDo has updated its excellent third-party drivers to support Apple phones, tablets, and computers.

8BitDo announced today that its line of controllers is now officially compatible with iOS, tvOS, and macOS devices. This includes the iPhone 14 streaming device, MacBook Air, and Apple TV 4K. You will just need to make sure that the latest firmware update is installed on your chosen hardware.

Compatible controllers include the excellent 8BitDo Ultimate and the 8BitDo Pro 2. You'll also need to make sure your controller is updated to their latest firmware, available for wireless transfer via the 8BitDo mobile app.

8BitDo also confirmed with TechRadar Gaming that the controller pack will be updated to reflect compatibility with iOS, as well as compatibility with consoles like Xbox Series X | S and Nintendo Switch, and the best Android phones.

Here is a list of controllers that 8BitDo has confirmed now have iOS support. The company said that more of its pads will also receive the update in the future.

8 bit win

8BitDo SN30 Pro

(Image credit: 8BitDo)

I have praised 8BitDo's controllers in the past. The 8BitDo Ultimate, for example, tops our best Nintendo Switch controller buying guide. And for my money, it's a better quality pad than the official Nintendo Switch Pro controller. That's largely down to the Ultimate's excellent build quality, remappable rear buttons, and respectable battery life.

I think this is a huge win for Apple Arcade gamers in particular. Apple's gaming subscription service only gets better with time with a library of compelling exclusives and availability across the Apple ecosystem at one low monthly cost. Now being able to use some of the best third-party controllers in the business makes Apple Arcade even more attractive.

I'd also like to see 8BitDo's wireless arcade stick get an iOS compatibility update at some point. Ranked among our best fighting sticks, this would be a great choice for Apple Arcade thanks to the largely fast-paced nature of its game library.


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