8BitDo gives its 5-year-old Arcade Stick a color refresh

Late last year, 8BitDo announced a purple variant of its Arcade Controller that was originally released in July 2025. Now, it has announced a purple version of the Arcade Stick controller that was first released in 2020.

When the Arcade Stick was announced, it was available to buy in a single color called N Edition, inspired by classic Nintendo consoles. Then a few years later, 8BitDo released an Xbox edition that arrived in Black and White color options.

Now, more than five years after it first hit store shelves, the Arcade Stick can be purchased in Purple. The new color isn't transparent like that of the Arcade Controller but a solid shade. It has a black joystick, purple buttons, and black knobs. The connectivity switch, select, start, and the buttons on the right side of the knobs are also black. However, the features are the same as that of the original N Edition.

The Arcade Stick connects via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C and is compatible with the Nintendo Switch and Windows devices. In June 2025, 8BitDo released a software update that added compatibility with the Switch 2. The controller has two dedicated macro buttons, a dynamic button layout that changes when you switch input modes from Windows's X-Input to that of the Nintendo Switch.

It also has a knob that lets you switch the function of the joystick from left joystick to D-pad mode to right joystick mode. Users can remap buttons, create macros, and create controller profiles using the 8BitDo Ultimate Software for Windows and macOS.

The controller has a 1,000mAh battery that provides up to 40 hours of play time when connected in 2.4GHz mode and up to 30 hours in Bluetooth mode. 8BitDo ships the Arcade Stick with a USB-C cable and a 2.4GHz adapter that can be stored in a compartment under the controller.

The Purple 8BitDo Arcade Controller is available to buy now directly from 8BitDo's eShop for $89.99. It is also available on Amazon for the same price. On the other hand, the N Edition is available on Amazon for $79.99 ($10 off).