8BitDo Unveils Impossibly Slim Arcade Stick for Nintendo Switch: Release Date, Features, and Pricing
Entry information
Published on: May 16, 2025
Description
Accessory giant 8BitDo has officially announced the release of its innovative new arcade controller for the Nintendo Switch, signaling a significant leap for enthusiasts of professional and retro gaming hardware.
Renowned for their high-quality accessories and commitment to the gaming community, 8BitDo continues to set industry standards, this time with an arcade stick that promises both remarkable portability and elite performance.
Scheduled to begin shipping from July 15, 2025, in North America and from August 15, 2025, in Europe, the 8BitDo arcade stick will soon be available to players eager to enhance their Nintendo Switch or PC gaming setups.
Pre-orders have opened immediately, marking the start of eager anticipation among competitive and professional gamers.
The controller is available in two versions: a standard edition and an Xbox-branded variant, with the standard edition being a standout for Switch users.
8BitDo has underscored its focus on the needs of 'professionals, competitive gamers, and fans of arcade style controllers.' The device is described as 'impossibly slim,' boasting a remarkable thickness of just 1.6 centimeters while maintaining a footprint comparable to an A4 sheet of paper.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the controller supports wireless play via an included adapter as well as direct cable connection, the latter offering minimal input lag—a crucial feature for tournament scenarios.
For those utilizing wireless mode, a rechargeable battery is standard, ensuring uninterrupted sessions.
A major advantage of the new 8BitDo arcade controller is its compatibility across platforms.
Users can effortlessly switch between Nintendo Switch (S-Input) and PC (X-Input) modes, adjusting the controller’s configuration to match the selected device.
This seamless interchangeability is particularly appealing to competitive players who demand versatility without compromising performance.
Competitive functionality is further emphasized through the inclusion of SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) cleaning and a dedicated tournament lock function—both essential for upholding integrity in esports and reducing controller conflicts during heated gameplay.
The standard 8BitDo arcade controller is priced at €89.99 / £74.99, delivering pro-level features at an accessible cost.
Meanwhile, the Xbox-branded version carries a slightly higher price point of €99.99 / £84.99 and offers optional RGB lighting for players who want added customization.
Both models reinforce 8BitDo's reputation for blending quality, affordability, and innovation in gaming accessories.
With a July 2025 launch, the 8BitDo arcade stick is poised to become an essential accessory for Nintendo Switch and PC gamers seeking competitive reliability and arcade authenticity.
As 8BitDo expands its hardware offerings, its latest addition stands as a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to elevating the gaming experience across platforms.
