Tech Up! 8Bitdo SF30 Pro Bluetooth Gamepad Review

Just from the image on the front of the box, it would be easy to mistake the SF30 for an official product, as apart from the logo alteration, it looks just like its inspirational model, save for the new analogue sticks and a couple of smaller additional buttons. Taking it out of the box reinforces this impression, as the satisfyingly chunky press of the main buttons and grip texture of the pad is a strong call-back, even more so to recent purchasers of a Nintendo Classic Classic: SNES.

Holding the controller for the first time gives notice to the new L2 and R2 digital triggers, both of which have smooth sloping grooves ready-made for fingers to rest on. This further improves the grip overall, which is secretly a blessing in disguise, because the positioning of the analogue sticks and the somewhat slippery texture of the controller surface make the SF30 slightly cumbersome to hold onto in intense play, especially for bigger hands. This can be adjusted to, thankfully, but there is a notable phase of acclimation there.

The analogue sticks take subtle inspiration from the PlayStation 4 controller in their positioning and how they feel, with a comfortable rubber structure and easy click inwards. Looking under the hood reveals more of the SF30's capabilities, with gyroscopic motion control as standard; perfect for the turf wars of Splatoon 2 or the devious tilting puzzles of Breath of the Wild, for instance. Rumble functionality is also here, and it actually does a respectable job of replicating Nintendo's HD rumble tech. The feedback has gone over several firmware updates as of this review write-up, but each one has only improved the rumble consistency and subtlety.

The SF30 comes with a recharging cable, and like the Switch itself, uses the USB-C standard, ensuring quick re-energizing after lengthy use, which for a reported 15-to-20 hour battery life ensures minimal downtime.

To only speak of Switch support would be underselling the capability of the SF30 greatly, though, as it can connect to Android devices, laptops and computers, and essentially any games machine that supports Bluetooth input. The controller works on these devices just as well as on Nintendo Switch, even including Turbo functionality that strangely doesn't work on the latter.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the SF30 since reveal is if it would operate with the SNES Mini. With the 8Bitdo retro receiver that is sold separately, it is indeed possible, and with the functional home button now providing a quick exit to the menu, it is by far the most authentic and practical way of playing on SNES Mini wirelessly.

Although the SF30 is labelled as a general use controller suitable for many Bluetooth supported gaming devices, its biggest selling point is Switch compatibility, and the d-pad does a great job of enforcing this. With many Switch Pro Controllers sporting issues with their d-pad input reliability, and the Joy-Con lacking one entirely, the SF30 is easily one of the best options on the market for this purpose. In a prime location of the controller and gratifying to press, playing games like Sonic Mania and Shovel Knight with this input is pure joy.

When paired with a Switch, the two extra smaller buttons on the bottom of the controller act as the screenshot and home buttons, respectively, and do so wonderfully. If not for the lack of an NFC reader, meaning no amiibo functionality, and the inability to switch on the console remotely, the SF30 would be a strong consideration for a Pro Controller replacement.

One notable flaw to mention with the controller is the initial connection reliability. When attached to a Switch or other device, the SF30 remains secured, but said receiver can take some time in finding the controller - an issue that has gotten better with each firmware update, but still of note. Another is a recent bug that stopped the SF30 from staying switched on when searching for a device, but that was thankfully ironed out, also, and does little to hinder the overall strengths of the controller.

9/10

Exceptional - Gold Award

Taking the best of the past and mixing with the most efficient of the present results in the 8Bitdo SF30 Bluetooth Gamepad being  one of the best options available on the market right now. With strong Nintendo Switch compatibility, and other multimedia purpose possibilities, this newest controller from 8Bitdo is a great option for both classic and modern games alike.