How Small is Too Small? 8BitDo Micro Review
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- Let's take a look at the new 8BitDo Micro controller, which looks to be super portable, and compatible with Switch, Android and other devices. In this video I'll test its hardware feel, compatibility with retro gaming, and explore whether it'll be worth dropped $25 to add it to your arsenal.
Buy one here: amzn.to/3sASS3W
Whisker Squadron Survivors: store.steampowered.com/app/21...
Other controllers featured:
8BitDo Zero 2: amzn.to/3EbZOHp
8BitDo Lite: amzn.to/3E9Yll4
8bitDo SN30 Pro: amzn.to/47ZO0pA
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
00:39 unboxing and impressions
04:21 size comparison
06:32 Nintendo Switch testing
08:49 Android testing
11:21 Linux (Steam Deck & Batocera) testing
13:50 Ultimate Software demo
15:43 summary and conclusion
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This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#8bitdo #emulation #controller #steamdeck - Ігри
This thing would be PERFECT for piloting a submarine!
Actually, it's overqualified
Not enough battery life for the return trip... wait. Never mind.
that controller has an horrendous deadzone and innacurate joysticks, i have the cheaper F310 which i do like but damn you do not want to pilot anything with this thing, let alone the F710 that they used which is wireless only
@@Josuh say this to the army
@@Josuhit is the most uncomfortable controller that I have, especially on the area where your middle finger is resting.
It looks like a good device for artists using tablets for drawing. Binding the buttons for undo, common brushes, etc.
Dude. Didn't even cross my mind. You're a genius! 😮 not joking
8bitdo actually advertises this functionality on their website! I’ll probably use mine for this more than gaming
you can get a streamdeck or keyoboard alternative for that. Bigger size, feels less cramped.
Turn based RPG. One handed.
Great idea!
One interesting use case is for kids with small hands. We‘ve had quite a bit of fun playing with my daughter in Untitled Goose Game with the Zero 2, just going around, honking and picking up things
You're right, and I hadn't thought about this. I would have loved a micro controller as a kid.
I agree with that. My 3 year old daughter plays the steam deck but has a hard time using the analog sticks. This could be the answer.
In terms of sizing, it sounds like you want the old N30 pro. To this day I HATE that they discontinued it, it was the perfect sized controller for situations where you need a quick controller. I keep mine in my backpack at all times, in the event that I find myself with some time to kill and I want to play some old SNES games on my tablet.
Yep, I have the original N30 from back in the day, I used to love it but it can be uncomfortable. I’d love it if they applied everything they’ve learned over the past 10 years to a controller that size.
@@RetroGameCorps Have you guys tried the Razer JungleCat controllers? They're small, but since it slides on the sides of a Samsung S10+ it becomes much more ergonomic. However, you can slide them out, stack them together, and throw them into your pocket.
It's definitely a more pocketable gaming experience than having two devices (eg iPhone Mini + RG 353m -vs- JungleCat + S10+). However, I will be the first to admit that the Samsung Device is beginning to age, the real-world battery life is lower, and separating your Entertainment from Work into two devices makes things more simple. At least those are the conclusions I came upon.
Funny you happen to mention the only 8bitdo controller I have bought, thus far. Although the sticks on mine drift from improper storage. They discontinued it and purposefully kept a few software features from gracing it.
I have the SN30 Pro and I find it works well for these situations. It fits into a sunglasses case!
I love my N30Pro, it's thin enough to put in a pocket but has buttons for everything from NES to modern consoles (minus analog triggers).
After using these micro controllers; I can honestly say that a single joycon has been the most comfortable and functional of all these controllers. I think the analog sticks (despite their propensity to drift), are what make it so that the hand does not cramp after prolonged use.
8bitdo used to sell a middle ground controller between the Zero 2 and SN30 pro called the "N30 pro". 8bitdo discontinued it. It's been my travel controller for years.
It’s not the size, it’s how you use it
It's actually pretty average
Size does matter sometimes
Makes a great teleprompter or DSLR controller if supported as a custom input device. ;)
I like the way you think 😊
And using it will cramp up your hands after 5 minutes.
I work in a hospital and I love playing retroarch on my phone on my lunch breaks using my Zero 2 controller. Since this has more buttons, I'm going to buy this and try it out instead. Thank you for such a thorough and well done review!
These micro controllers are absolutely /perfect/ for visual novels. But it definitely seems like there's a ton of overlap in that respect between the Zero 2 and the Micro
I view the micro as an upgraded zero 2
@@Sir.YeetusIII I thought that too, the one complication is that the Micro doesn't have an xinput or dinput mode like the Zero 2.
@@everynone1849 He shows you in the video that it has D input?
No way I have been on the fence about this one for quite some while now! And just today when I am again contemplating the purchase, I see you’ve posted 9 minutes ago about the very product! This is great haha, now time to watch!
I have the first version of one of these. It's a neat little device. I wouldn't dare attempt to game competitively with it but it does come through in the clutch for passive gaming sessions.
I get such a kick out of the previous model and I like seeing it get an update to its materials
I was waiting for this thank you!
I love how you format your videos.
Man I was thinking how this would've been perfect for some quick gaming on the phone but that input lag...
I completely agree with you that a middle ground that's just right would be perfect, it would need analog sticks and gyro for me though.
Really would love a smaller Lite 1 with rubber dome buttons, the switches used on the Lite 1 were too hard for the Dpad and were uncomfortable. But it was way more pocketable than the lite 2
This may seem very specific (that's because it is) but I bought this controller specifically for playing visual novels on android. It has the perfect amount of buttons for this use case. Controller support is very hit or miss in android apps based on Ren'Py, so in the past I was forced to configure the Zero 2 to use a third party app to translate the utterly random keyboard key assignments to actually useful ones, but even that never worked perfectly. Being able to reassign the buttons to specific keyboard keys is perfect for my use case.
I have the larger Lite 2 8bitdo controller, and I can see how this can be a useful thing if you have a phone or tablet with a stand on you. Emulators or simple games like Vampire Survivors will probably feel nicer with that vs touch screen controls if you have just a few minutes to kill
This is exactly what I was needing I need a tiny hideable controller but the zero limited the PS1 and ps2 games you could play finally having 2nd triggers on top
I like their Lite 1 as a portable controller. Its similar to the Lite 2, but d-pads instead of joysticks and in-line shoulder buttons improve its portability. Great for retro games on my phone.
The Lite 1 is the same price as this Micro as well, so you might as well pay to get a "full controller"
I used to have a Zero 2 on my Keychain, now I have it attached to my purse in much the same way. It's pretty funny when people think it's just an ornament, and then I get to show them that it actually works.
I don't use it much, but if I don't have any other devices with me besides my phone, it works well in a pinch for retro games.
I must say I really enjoyed the extended intro music in the background :)
Ive bought one of the micro controllers for my daughter who has small hands, she struggles to use a normal controller but this really helps.
6:10 Agreed. I was on a 2 week trip visiting family and needed a controller for my iphone. I ended up buying an 8bitdo Ultimate controller thinking I'd use it also for my PC at home. However like you said there's definitely a Goldilock's size for travel. It's possible the SN30 Pro might fit the bill and it also has a phone mount/holder.
This tiny controller looks really cute and I want this but for drawing on my tablet. My go to for a portable small controller has been the SN30 Pro (first version.) But now it's the 8Bitdo Lite 2. Personally I think it's great in terms of portability and function.
I love the Lite 1 as a travel controller. Also ordered this one since the Zero 2 has the annoying habit of turning itself on and wasting the battery, so I’m hoping this will be a suitable upgrade.
Thanks for the comparisons
5:30 The SN30 Pro fits perfectly in a 5€ glasses case I bought at my local drugstore.
It's my travel controller.
I have a Zero 2 that's always on my commute bag. Is a small controller, but is actually really comfortable to play after you discover your ideal position of fingers (i have medium to large hand palm, but medium to small fingers), mine is medium fingers on the back, index on L/R and thumbs for pressing any button on dpad/abxy or the bizarre grip for holding my phone and the Zero 2 at the same time (Both index and mid finger holding the phone on L shape, ring finger for L/R, pinky on the back and thumbs on dpad/abxy).
Maybe i buy the micro for more ps1 oriented RPGs that use a second trigger and for trips where i cant store my switch on a case
I’m looking for something that bridges the gap too!! Please keep covering them
Development of small controllers, I’ve desperately been waiting for useable niche small/flat controller
This would be 100% awesome for retro games in portate orientation on a phone. Just hold it infront of the bottom front of a phone kinda like a Gameboy. Maybe even hot glue a wide elastic loop to back of the contoller.
I have a Zero original and I have it as a travel controller. I can fit an Amazon Fire stick, remote, controller, USB OTG, flash drive & etc in a little pencil case for when I'm in a hotel room.
nice! been waiting for them to refresh this product with usb C
Would love one to take on travels for some 8/16bit gaming with a tablet
wow, you mentioned the Surface Duo 2 for the first time (that I remember), from that time I saw it on your shelf when you did a tour on your studio showing all the handhelds you have. I currently use it as my daily phone and it's awesome at 3DS emulation
seems reasonable for certain situations. Get a kickstand case for your phone and anytime you have to wait on something you can just play a game because this thing was in your pocket with your phone. It's likely not the greatest experience, but good enough for some quick light gaming (strategy games or RPGs on an emulator or something. Not sure I would want to play something reaction heavy like a platformer because hand cramps.) Definitely better than on screen controls.
I agree, I think that's the most logical choice, to have it as a small complement to a phone. If you set the phone up with Webrcade to pull the games from the cloud, you'd be set!
is it cheaper than telescoping controllers, sure. If you have an xbox or playstation controller already, you get an even better experience clipping that to your phone. Of course neither are as small, but places to kickstand your phone are less functional than handheld. Maybe if you have two of them, for really cramped multiplayer, kickstand
I ordered this to use with hotkeys in procreate on the iPad, I’m sure it’ll be decent enough for some games but that keyboard setting and the size of being able to fit in one hand while I draw with the other sounds perfect for the niche use case I have for it.
On the note of your one-handed controller- there used to be a fair market for these, in the ps1 days I saw quite a few that were more or less targeted at people playing Final Fantasy games. I have vague memory of ads describing one hand to control the game and one hand to turn pages on your Prima guide.
I think that with the keyboard mode and an emulator, it would be comfortable for an adult to play most of the classic jrpg games one (left) hand, with the dpad mapped for directions (90* turned) under your thumb, a/b to comfortable shoulder buttons letting you move the characters, and menu options with select/cancel under your fingertips, and the face buttons mostly ignored. I could see myself (finally) playing Pokemon with this, while waiting for things like servers to reboot at work.
I totally agree. I've been looking for a mini controller about that size I can bring with me when traveling but none seem to have analog sticks
I've been thinking of getting this to play retro games at school (cause I hate school) and this is seemingly the best product for me.
I have the original zero controllers when they could still connect to Apple. I got them more for emulators on my phone. I got used to them. They’re great for games with limited inputs, much like these. For a bit i was designing a grip to put the controller in to make it more comfortable but abandoned the project. With 3D printing now I’m sure someone could easily design a grip that could improve this micros comfort level. Having a little extra to hold on to with your actual hand should help reduce the strain on your fingers.
I think I'll get this for my two and four year old. Looks like it would be perfect for their size hands
I used my original V1 to play Tetris on my phone until I got a Miyoo mini. I like the concept and it's great to live in a bag, but you are right it's more of a very short use/emergency controller.
I'm glad they let you set the Dpad to map straight to the dpad or stick. For Switch some games would require the stick mapping, but on emulation I'd prefer the dpad.
However my bad experience with their first microcontroller a couple years ago means I'll never try this out.
This would be great for coop games on the go with the deck
I use the lite 2 in my everyday bag, I did get a 3d printed grip to get better ergos it’s awesome
If I didn’t already have the Zero 2, I’d consider buying this one. I like it’s thin and flat shape, along with the extra shoulder buttons.
I want buy micro for ps1 emulation on android phone. But afraid of its size. Can u get some feedback for this size format? I thought buy miyoo mini plus but not sure at all
I bought both
It's so funny! I don't think I could see myself using this one
i actually have the old version of this control, its surprisingly good for some short burst gaming
Same, my only issue with the Zero was it was the only device I still carry that uses micro USB. Also the round back and flat front isn't great for comfort.
It's pretty tiny but cute. I'm addicted to buying 8bitdo controllers, but maybe not for 25. I don't know. Maybe. I already have a Mini and it occupies the same function as the Micro would (stuffed in my work bag). Maybe for 10-15, either in a deal or priced with another controller. As long as the battery is up to the normal 8bitdo standards it would be fine
not planning to buy this, but it's a pretty great review :)
Other comments already covered it but this thing makes an awesome mini macro device.
Its average...
Its not , its the best mini controller on the market in this size shape and compare to the 8bitdo zero 2: its way beter for trigger , buttons and cross.
Definitely an upgrade quality compare to before
@@MatakkoTV it was a joke 💀
you got me there ahah 🤣 @@ItalianRossana
@@MatakkoTV lmao
@@MatakkoTV true though, its really good
I use the older version to turn pages while reading on my phone. Way more comfortable than constantly swiping.
"Emergency controller" sums it up. I agree with need something in between this and sn30pro, light 2 without analog stick would have filled a better market void.
Since it has wired functionality, I see this being a great project board for some DIY micro handhelds with zero input latency
The Zero 2 was held back by its micro-usb port. This one looks really good as a portable controller and remote (presentations and stuff). It's probably possible to print some shells to make it a bit more comfortable for gaming.
what's wrong with micro usbs?
@@Josuh It's a not very good and, more importantly, outdated connector.
I don’t mind the old standard. However usb - C is much more durable than the old standard which is important for longevity.
I love the concept of "emergency controller"
I have an 8bitdo lite 2 controller that my son uses and the only way I could get it to connect to my RG353M was in switch mode and it works great. I know its a different controller but I thought it worth mentioning as another controller that can be used in switch mode.
I like my trusty old $18 telescopic Ipega 9087s for these kind of use cases. Its still very small and light but much more useable, even outside of its primary purpose of turning my overkill phone into a handheld gaming console.
im a graphic designer and i play games. this would really help my work flow be more enjoyable when i do manual drawings on my tablet. :) its gonna be like im playing games
The 8BitDo Lite 2 is the GOAT, not gonna lie about that. I love driving on big huge road trips and with the shape of the Lite 2, it can go in a bag next to my iPad and come out at a whim. I have a Pro 2 as well but that little bit of extra bulk makes the Lite 2 the better option. I think I'll stick with this but that Micro is super cool. Probably would work amazing if your primary means of play is something like 16 bit and below emulation.
Holy crap, that surface duo 2 looks amazing!! I always wanted to grab me one of those but a lot of negative reviews are currently talking me out of it.
It'll really come down to the price, I paid an exorbitant amount for it (over $600) but it puts all other phone setups to shame.
Yeah, I've been occasionally checking eBay for it too and it's still in the $800+ range most of the time. Although I guess that's also due to the massive original MSRP.
It may not be great for gaming, but fantastic as a left-hand keypad when you're drawing stuff on iPad.
Can you play games on the iPad with this controller, or is it only a mappable shortcut for iPad?
I want the Nintendo Focus for $399 and with a 3D platformer pack-in game. If Nintendo is headed to VR, I can imagine it being similar to the Pimax Portal.
Trying my best to give this controller a use case, I thought a couple that make a decent amount of sense...
1. BEST CASE. You have an android phone, you use retroarch and like to have real buttons instead of using your touchscreen. AND you are mostly playing pokemon/golden sun/final fantasy RPG style games. The input delay wouldn't be as punishing in games that don't require precise inputs and it is small enough to fit in a jacket pocket or cargo shorts on a flight/drive.
2. Emergency switch controllers for a quick 4 player mario party or mario kart session. You already have 2 joycons, so a couple of these for about 50$ could make sense (though uncomfortable) for a road trip with another couple or a family of 4... Though if it is a planned trip and there is space in the bag, I would probably recommend the Lite 2 or Pro 2 controllers instead.
I wanna get one just for the cuteness factor.
Personally, if it didn’t have the inline trigger style than I would totally deem this to feel much more comfortable and less cramped on the way I hold it
I mean, it is an interesting idea to have a very portable controller, but then I've never felt like things like the Switch Pro controller or some of 8BitDo's controllers were too big to pack when traveling. My hands feel sore just looking at how cramped this thing is! 😅
I think the smallest controller I can comfortably tolerate would be something like the NES controller. I generally prefer a controller that has things a bit more spaced out. The Switch Pro Controller or 8BitDo Ultimate have been my ideal picks for most games as they just feel extremely comfortable even after longer play sessions.
as someone who want this for studying and going through anki cards without going back and forth from my keyboard, I was originally looking at the zero2 but people on amazon complained about the controls being a pain to map keyboard wise. I'm going to go with this, hopefully it helps productivity, since I just want to start and stop youtube videos and flip through digital flash cards and it seems like they addressed the issue of not having enough button inputs on such a small device, I know my use case is a smaller one. IDK
that cable has a good personality
Man, if these could be extended, that would be delightful.
8bitdo used to make the N30 Pro, i think that fit inbetween those sizes (Sn30 and micro) I am lucky enough to own one
This a controller I will be using during a short break, quick match of KOF or Street Fighter. I was planning on buying the lite 2 but it is a bit big to carry anywhere
I feel like I might be the exact niche for this : I like playing old GB-GBA type games on my phone while I'm on the bus, I usually play more slow games like turn bases RPG's in these settings, and I hate not having physical buttons. I might keep an eye out for a sale for one of these lol. I really do hope they update the firmware that causes lag on androids though.
I would be more interested in a 8bit do lite 2 review. I know its a year old and close to other offerings, but its a got a good price and is pretty compact. Theres not many detailed reviews on youtube
For your small controller needs, I'm not sure how they can make them smaller but not too small. 8bitdo's N30 Pro2, the new version of the NES Pro, is slightly smaller in height and width than a SN30 Pro, but is much thinner. The shell is about 15 mm thick, but the analog sticks raise it to 23mm. It's wide enough to not be cramped, certainly not as cramped as the Zero 2, but thin enough that it feels very portable.
Another alternative is the N30 which is styled on an original NES controller. It's same thickness as the N30 Pro but without the analog sticks. It's therefore more limited as a controller, but for retro gaming where analog is not needed, it's fine. The new version of the N30 has only A and B buttons, unfortunately, two regular, two turbo. But for NES, SMS, Gameboy, this is fine. It also has L1 and R1, so Gameboy Advanced is also fine. The older version has ABXY in the usual cross shape while the new one has AB and turbo buttons in a square.
These controllers may be closer to when you're looking for in a portable controller. Be interesting to see if you think they err too much on the full sized controller side while the Lite was too small.
Screen and controller size is always going to be matter of personal preference. Some like Small retro pocketables - 3.5~5" screens
Mini - 5~6" screens
regular 7~8" screen
Max/Ultra 8.4~10" screens
Love it!
Might get this for my dwarf friend
My neighbor's 9 year old girl hangs out with us all the time and she is obsessed with "tiny" things. This controller would be her absolute favorite.
I actually just got the datafrog sn2000 for her, it was $20 and comes with two wireless controllers. Apparently that thing has a 2.4ghz chip built into it. It also supposedly got a big firmware update, maybe worth looking at again sometime?
With the software that lets you map a keyboard that'd actually be great to play OpenRCT2 on Android. I know, weird use case but it isn't really optimized for portable or touch screens, and this would eliminate all those problems!
This controller about to go off at Evo 2024!
Yes, I would like a middle ground controller. Slightly larger micro with analogue sliders would be perfect IMO.
Gulikit's Elves controller might be what you're after, seems to be in-between the SN30 Pro and the Lite controller's size
I'm mostly thinking it might be useful along with some macro software for system shortcuts on my computer.
Hey bro. I just recently subbed to your fire content. Are you ever going to make a “PSP as a retro gaming handheld” like you did with the Vita? I can’t find anything about you talkin about the PSP…do you think it also has those downsides of the laggy gameplay/bugs with retroarch, etc? Thank you 😊
Damn. I thought the lag I was experiencing with it on my Android phone was just because of the emulator I was using. The lag is really bad. Appreciate the tip about switch mode. I'll try that. If they can get a firmware update out within 30 days I'll try it, but if not I may decide to return it...
I challenge anyone to finish Dead Cells at 5BC with this little guy ;D
I'm picking one up as a keychain
I have a lot of down time at work and have a tablet I take with me to watch movies and UA-cam on. Something like this that I can use and palm/pocket quickly if needed would be good to have. Probably would just stick to RPGs games and others that don't require quick movements.
Great video. Does it work with binding of Isaac?
This looks like something I’d really enjoy playing Mario Kart with
What do you mean? that controller is HUMONGOUS! I don't think I could even fit my hands around that controller!
For switch I totally thought I’d use little controllers like this on the go. Imo the joy-con are actually a just more comfortable.
a smaller snes style controller with something like the circle pads from the 3ds for more clearance would be best for traveling
I've seen these tiny controllers being used as teleprompter controllers - you can see them in the hands of Linus Tech Tips hosts if you look close enough. I believe they use the 8bitdo controller with a joystick tho? idk
As for teleprompters, do note that auto-scrolling via speech recognition exists as well!
Someone makes a band you put on your phone you can clip the micro into and use it on your phone emulators in vertical mode with physical buttons. I looked into it before i got my rg35xx, because i didn't like playing with the touch screen.
it's called micro for a reason though. But i agree it would be cool to have something between this and the sn30 pro in size
Buying this.
We keep two in the Tesla. They can be used in it both wired and Bluetooth. I do agree they could have been 50% larger, using the shoulder buttons is cramped after a couple of minutes.
I'm curious if this is any better, besides L2/R2, than the 8BitDo Zero 2 which is 5 bucks less and doesn't have the input lag, it seems?