Calling all fight stick fanatics and competitive gamers: 8BitDo is leveling up the arcade experience with its brand-new, ultra-slim Arcade Controller range, designed for the Fighting Game Community (FGC) and retro enthusiasts alike. Set to ship across North America on July 15 and Europe on August 15, pre-orders for both the Xbox-licensed and Standard editions are officially live.
Crafted for tournament-grade performance but slim enough to slide into a backpack, this latest innovation from 8BitDo is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most anticipated accessories for fighting game fans and arcade purists.
Meet the 8BitDo Arcade Controller: Engineered for Precision, Built for the Pros
The new 8BitDo Arcade Controller pushes the boundaries of form and function. Just 1.6 cm thick—about the height of a pencil—and roughly the size of an A4 sheet, it’s one of the slimmest arcade sticks ever released.
But don’t let the size fool you—this beast is packed with competitive features like:
- All-button arcade layout for precision combos and lightning-fast input
- Programmable buttons for personalized configurations (4 on Standard / 2 on Xbox)
- Hot-swappable Kailh Wizard low-profile mechanical switches
- SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Direction) cleaning for fair tournament play
- Tournament lock to prevent accidental presses mid-match
- Magnetic 2.4G wireless adapter, Bluetooth support (Standard), and wired play options
Whether you’re pulling off frame-perfect inputs in Street Fighter 6 or exploring retro classics, the Arcade Controller delivers pro-grade responsiveness and flexibility.
🕹️ Choose Your Fighter: Xbox Edition vs Standard Edition
Two variations are available, each tailored to different ecosystems:
✅ 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox
- Officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC
- 2 programmable buttons
- 2.4G wireless + wired USB-C connection
- Supports RGB lighting modes (customizable via 8BitDo Ultimate Software)
🎮 8BitDo Arcade Controller (Standard Edition)
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch and Windows PC
- Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired support
- 4 programmable buttons + dynamic button layout (S-Input/X-Input mode)
- Compatible with a wide range of PC emulators and fighting games
Both versions boast 20–40 hours of battery life (wireless mode) and are easily recharged via USB-C.
🔧 Customization Without Limits
Thanks to the 8BitDo Ultimate Software, players have full control over:
- Button remapping
- RGB lighting profiles (Xbox only)
- SOCD behavior
- Firmware updates
- Tournament profiles
You can even swap out all 16 switches thanks to a hot-swappable PCB, making it a true modder’s dream. Prefer faster actuation? Swap in a different switch type and make the controller truly yours.
🖤 Sleek, Durable & Designed for Serious Play
More than just performance, 8BitDo has given the Arcade Controller serious aesthetic appeal and durability:
- Tempered glass faceplate – fingerprint-resistant and smooth to the touch
- Magnetic foldable metal feet – adjust for the perfect angle on any surface
- Non-slip silicone base – stable and secure for even the most intense sessions
- Independent Control Panel – adjust volume, lighting, and button mapping on the fly without any app or confusing key combos
It’s style meets substance, engineered to shine on stream and on stage.
📦 Availability, Price & Where to Buy
Release Dates:
- North America: Shipping begins July 15, 2025
- Europe: Shipping begins August 15, 2025
Retail Pricing:
- Standard Edition: €89.99 / £74.99 / approx. $89.99 USD
- Xbox Edition: €99.99 / £84.99 / approx. $99.99 USD
Pre-Orders Now Open via:
🔗 Learn More
For complete product details, head to the official product pages:
