8BitDo's tiny Zero 2 Bluetooth gamepad now available

8BitDo makes some of the best third-party controllers for a variety of consoles and gaming PCs around. If their current catalogue of controllers comes across as cumbersome, you might want to check out the Zero 2, which is now available on Amazon.

The Zero 2 is a minuscule Bluetooth gamepad that is compatible with Windows PCs, macOS, all models of the Raspberry Pi, Android smartphones and tablets, and the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite. The tiny controller weighs in at a mere 20.7 grams and is small enough to fit in the palm of a hand at 73 x 36.5 x 14.7 mm. 8BitDo includes a lanyard (which matches the controller’s color) so it can be attached to a bag or keychain.

8BitDo claims the Zero 2 can last 8 hours on a single charge. The 180 mAh Li-Ion battery takes an hour or two to fully juice up via the microUSB port on the bottom. That microUSB port can also be used to install new firmware as it's released by 8BitDo. The controller can be set to X-input, D-input, Mac mode, Switch mode, or as a Bluetooth keyboard. There is a 4-way directional pad, four face buttons, and two shoulder buttons, so gamers should be aware of how many buttons are needed in their favorite games before buying the controller.

Since the controller works on Android and the Raspberry Pi, it’s probably also compatible with most Linux distros, though this isn’t stated by 8BitDo. There’s also no word on whether or not the Zero 2 works on iOS or iPadOS, though Apple’s recent inclusion of support for Xbox One and PS4 controllers in the mobile operating systems may open the gates for 8BitDo (or intrepid hackers) in the future.

The 8BitDo Zero 2 is available in Pink, Yellow, or Turquoise for US $19.99 from Amazon. (Note that this link is an Amazon affiliate link. Purchases made via this link will support Notebookcheck.net at no extra cost to the buyer.)