8bitdo SF30 Pro Controller Review

The 8bitdo SF30 is a modern gamepad with retro sensibilities. It’s got a fun, old-school gaming aesthetic mixed with an updated control scheme. Cross-platform compatibility with loads of consoles and operating systems (OSes) makes it a versatile gamepad. But should you get one? Learn why the 8bitdo SF30 Pro controller may be the ultimate gamepad in our hands-on review!

What is the 8bitdo SF30 Pro – Specs and More

8bitdo makes an array of different retro-styled game controllers. Its SF30 Pro, upon first glance, masquerades as a Super Famicom or Super Nintendo Entertainment System gamepad. However, it sports a modern control scheme. There are multi-colored X, Y, A, and B buttons, start and select keys, a directional pad (D-pad), four shoulder buttons, and dual analog control sticks.

A USB-C port doubles for charging the SF30 Pro controller as well as for use with a USB cable for wired connectivity. Additionally, Bluetooth wireless technology allows the 8bitdo SF30 to sync with PCs, game consoles, and mobile devices. The SF30 features motion controls, rumble vibration, and a turbo function. It’s cross-platform compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. There are X-input, D-input, macOS, and Switch modes for use with an array of different devices. At 250 grams and 144 x 63.5 x 33mm, the 8bitdo SF30 Pro is lightweight and portable. An optional cellphone clip provides a simple means of attaching mobile devices for Android and iOS gaming.

8bitdo SF30 specs:

• Bluetooth wireless and wired USB connectivity
• USB-C for charging and wired connections
• Modern control scheme: 2 x analog control sticks, 1 x D-pad, 4 x shoulder buttons (R1, R2, L1, L2), Start button, Select button, X/Y/A/B buttons
• Motion controls
• Vibration control
• Cross-platform compatibility – works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and game consoles including the Nintendo Switch
• Retro Super Famicom/SNES aesthetic
• Controller modes: X-input, D-input, macOS mode, Switch mode
• Optional cellphone clip
• Weight: 250G
• Dimensions: 144 x 63.5 x 33mm

8bitdo SF30 Design and Build Quality

The 8bitdo SF30 is small at 144 x 63.5 x 33mm and lightweight, clocking in at 250G. However, it’s well-built and feels durable enough to chuck safely in a bag or backpack There’s a USB-C port on the front of the gamepad that doubles as a charging port and for use with its included USB-C to USB Type-A cable for a wired connection.

Connectivity Options on the 8bitdo SF30 Pro Gamepad – Wireless and Wired Connections

Because of its Bluetooth wireless connectivity, the 8bitdo SF30 Pro works with most PCs and game consoles. Four modes ensure that the SF30 can connect to an array of different consoles and PCs. X-input and D-input deliver XInput and DirectInput support. There’s a macOS mode as well as a dedicated Nintendo Switch option. Thus, the 8bitdo SF30 Pro works across a slew of different PCs and consoles, making it a great choice for Steam, RetroPie, Android and iOS mobile devices, Switch gaming, or even cloud game-streaming platforms such as Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna.

Controls and Layout

On the front of the gamepad, you’ll find four shoulder buttons: L1, L2, R1, and R2. On top, there’s a directional pad on the left-hand side. The start and select buttons are in the middle with X, Y, A, and B buttons on the right-hand side. A pair of analog thumbsticks sit near the middle of the gamepad at the bottom of the controller.

Everyday Use – 8bitdo SF30 Pro Review

With its SNES gamepad styling, the 8bitdo SFPro is an attractive controller that fuses retro styling with a modern control scheme. I like the balance of small size and lightweight which is conducive to portability. Pairing the SF30 is a breeze. Conveniently, the bottom of the controller includes a sticker with the various hotkeys for putting the gamepad in its different modes. The SF30 remains comfortable in my hands, even for several hour-long gameplay sessions.

I enjoy the responsiveness of the buttons. There’s decent feedback without feeling too stiff or hard to press. Battery life is excellent. I rarely need to recharge, and even a short stint plugged into the included USB-C charging cable provides ample juice to continue gaming. In addition to charging the battery, its sole USB-C port provides wired connectivity for situations where the battery is depleted or use with devices lacking Bluetooth wireless. It’s a really nice touch that’s enabled me to keep playing even when my SF30 battery dies mid-game. In that case, I’ve simply plugged the controller in with a USB cable and continued gaming.

Compatibility with Steam is fantastic. The 8bitdo SF30 Pro works flawlessly out-of-the-box with Steam Big Picture Mode. Likewise, the SF30 Pro functions perfectly with virtually every PC game that boasts native gamepad support. It’s a great controller for emulation, and my go-to RetroPie and NVIDIA Shield TV emulator gamepad.

Because of its small size and weight, the 8bitdo SF30 is easy to tote around. When traveling, I bring my SF30 along for gaming on the go. In addition to my Windows and Linux gaming PCs, Raspberry Pi retro gaming console, and NVIDIA Shield TV Android TV box, I’ve used the SF30 Pro with my Android mobile devices and a Nintendo Switch console. Since it’s a controller on the smaller size, the shoulder buttons occasionally feel somewhat cramped, particularly for gamers like me with larger hands and fingers. Still, it’s pretty manageable and over the course of marathon gaming sessions, the SF30 Pro remains comfortable to hold. Although Bluetooth wireless gaming peripherals can introduce some lag, it’s not noticeable with the SF30 Pro.

The Competition – 8bitdo SF30 Pro Alternatives

8bitdo’s SF30 Pro and SN30 Pro game controllers come in several color combinations. The SF30 Pro sports a lovely Super Famicom vibe with its green, blue, red, and yellow Y, X, A, and B buttons. Alternatively, the SN30 Pro is available with an SNES aesthetic sporting dark and light blue buttons, as well as Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)-styled SN30 variants in the SN30 Pro-SN and SN30 Pro-GB.

For a more traditional controller experience, 8bitdo offers its SN30 Pro+ in blue, red, and black which is a bit larger and comes with hand grips. The NEXiLUX wireless 3 Pro Controller is a good SF30 Pro alternative that affords a standard gamepad experience complete with palm grips. It retains a retro look and feel as well as the modern control layout of the SF30 Pro. If you’re seeking an old-school PlayStation appearance, the JoyRetro is a solid option.

Overall, the SF30 Pro is arguably the best gamepad for most users. It’s modestly sized, lightweight yet durable, and fuses a retro sentiment with an updated control scheme. Wired and wireless functionality alongside cross-platform support makes it a versatile game controller. If you want something a bit larger, the 8bitdo SF30 Pro+ is also great and delivers a more traditional controller experience replete with hand grips.

Final Thoughts – Should You Use the 8bitdo SF30 Pro?

Ultimately, there’s a lot to like about the 8bitdo SF30 Pro. The throwback styling lends a fun flair while its four shoulder buttons and dual analog thumbsticks provide all the necessary buttons for modern gaming. It works extremely well out-of-the-box with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, and the Nintendo Switch. Whether for retro gaming emulation or playing the latest AAA titles, the SF30 Pro is a fantastic gamepad that should satisfy most users.

Your turn: Which game controllers do you recommend?