The 8BitDo SN30 Pro - Could This be the One to Rule Them all?

Cross platform and Retro - The 8BitDo SN30 Pro is a Viable Option for PC Gaming and More

If you've been gaming for as long as I have, then chances are you've probably got a dozen or so controllers cluttering your gaming area, each with their own parent console and level of wear. Back in the day one console guaranteed that you'd get at least one gamepad to play it with, but in these new days of pc gaming, mobile gaming and emulators, there's an opportunity to avoid the peripheral clutter and buy a multi-platform controller. The best choice right now is the SN30 Pro from 8bitdo. It's old-school, new school and all cool. Here's why. 

Versatile

One of the things that's so great about the SN30 Pro is it's versatility. You can use this controller across a multitude of platforms that either don't come with a gamepad outright or just throw you a pair of Joycons. You've got the controls to play new, old and retro style games, so just what platforms does the Sn30 Pro support?

Nintendo Switch

This is the main appeal, the Nintendo Switch has had reports of Joy Con stick-drift issues, not a problem if you source your own gamepad, a gamepad that has the look and feel of the Super Nintendo with the functionality of a modern peripheral. It's a trip down memory lane without the twisted cord and mushy, well-worn buttons.  

Super Nintendo 

Speaking of Super Nintendo, perhaps my favorite Nintendo console, there's a special Bluetooth device that acts as a wireless adapter for the old SNES console. Not many controllers let you jump four generations between consoles, actually I think none of them do. The only downside here is that the Bluetooth adapter is sold separate, though it's not the most expensive thing you can buy for a Nintendo, new or old. (Bluetooth adapter sold separate)

Raspberry Pi machines

Perhaps you're one of those people who that have shed the limitations of the classic consoles and arcade machines, yet their spirit lives on in your own passion project. I'm talking about emulation, something that's become even cooler with the rise of Raspberry Pi emulation machines. You can even buy the hard plastic shells to emulate the look of whatever console that captures that childhood joy of gaming. The 8bitdo SN30 Pro has the Raspberry Pi compatibility to not only play Super Nintendo Roms, but anything else you throw at it, with it's dual thumbsticks and shoulder buttons. 

Android Devices

One of the cheaper ways to enjoy mobile gaming is on a mobile phone. Your Android device can play games from both the App Store or even as an emulation device. Either way the 8bitdo SN30 Pro can do the job with a phone cradle attachment (sold separately). Yet another platform that the SN30 Pro takes the cake. 

Windows PC and Steam

Playing games on pc looks like a largely keyboard and mouse affair, though if you look past the RBG bedazzled peripherals to the varied libraries of games available to your gamer kin it's apparent that there's still need for a gamepad. Newer games like Yakuza or Horizon Zero Dawn have been ported to pc and still play best on a gamepad, same goes for all the retro styled games that'd be best enjoyed on the Super Nintendo styled controller, even if those games need the thumbstick controls and rumble feature that the 8bitdo Sn30 Pro has to offer. 

Mac OS

The 8bitdo Sn30pro works on a lot of platforms, a boast that's even stronger considering it even works on an operating system that's largely known for not even having any games. Whether you're running an emulator or playing mobile games on your iPhone, the familiar Famicon gamepad yet again swoops in with the support and features that defy it's Nintendo inspired design. 

Portability

Gaming on phones, laptops, tablets and Nintendo Switch means that the 8bitdo sn30 pro needs to be portable too. Thankfully the ergonomic yet small gamepad doesn't have the large profile of a Playstation shaped peripheral. 8bitdo's small and powerful gamepad can slip into all manner of laptop bags and pockets. Nobody likes lint, so if you want the official carry-bag that includes a usb cable pocket, you can pre-order the latest version here. 

Battery Power

Just how much time you spend using the Sn30 Pro without having to recharge it is 18 hours before plugging it in for 1-2 hours. That's more time than most people can spend playing videogames, so even if you're sharing the controller with a friend, you still only need to have the usb-c cable plugged in for less time than it takes to watch either cut of the DC Justice League film. 

In closing

The 8bitdo SN30 Pro isn't going to pair with every single gaming device in your house, but that's not the point. What the SN30 pro can do is unite the roaming gangs of controller-less devices, some of which need the quality D-pad, others will rely more on the thumbsticks and rumble feature. There's other options for Bluetooth gamepads, but they're not going to give you the combination of retro style and quality of the SN30 Pro. It can be found on Amazon. 

If there's a better gamepad to fit this niche, either leave a comment or send me an email. I'm always looking for decent hardware that works on PC.