8BitDo Arcade Controller and Arcade Stick get support for the Nintendo Switch 2 via firmware update

Following the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, many manufacturers have announced new accessories for the gaming handheld. However, many existing accessories should still work without any modification or with a software update as is the case with the 8BitDo Arcade Stick and the 8BitDo Arcade Controller.

The gaming accessory manufacturer has announced that the Arcade Stick that was released in 2020 as well as the recently announced Arcade Controller which will be released next month now support the Nintendo Switch 2. However, owners will have to update their controllers to the latest firmware version.

For owners of the Arcade Stick (available on Amazon for $89.99), they can do this by downloading the firmware update tool (available for Windows and macOS) from 8BitDo's website and using it to update their controller and adapter. The firmware version for the Arcade Stick that adds support for the Nintendo Switch 2 is Firmware v1.04.

You will have to connect both the Arcade Stick via USB and its adapter to your PC. Once connected, open the firmware update tool and update the Arcade Stick and its adapter. Make sure the controller is powered on when connected.

The Arcade Controller can be updated using the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 which is also available for Windows and macOS. Once installed, connect your controller to your computer via USB and launch the Ultimate Software V2 program. It should display your controller. Click on the update button and it should show the available firmware version to download.

The firmware version that adds Nintendo Switch 2 support is version 1.04, although the latest firmware version is version 1.05. Click on update and proceed to update your controller. There doesn't seem to be an update for the adapter, but you can try to update it nonetheless. Simply plug it into your computer and repeat the steps above.