Controllers / Compare

8BitDo Arcade Stick vs Nintendo Joy-Con Pair

A

Product A: 8BitDo

Arcade Stick

60 of 151 known

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B

Product B: Nintendo

Joy-Con Pair

73 of 151 known

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All 151 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

A8BitDo Arcade Stick

BNintendo Joy-Con Pair

General

9 of 11 differ

Series

Not available

Nintendo Switch2Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.htmlRead 10 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

80FE, 80FE022Maker product pageshop.8bitdo.com/products/8bitdo-ultimate-wired-controller-for-switch-and-windows-officially-licensedRead 20 October 2026Public store product JSON variants: G Classic 80FE and Purple 80FE02. The Xbox edition (81JA01D, 81JA02D) is a different product and is not covered.

HAC-015, HAC-0164Owner's manualnintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/support_1/nintendoswitch/NSwitch_Information_JoyCon_EUR.pdfRead 10 October 2026MODEL NO.: Joy-Con (L): HAC-015 / Joy-Con (R): HAC-016 / Joy-Con Strap: HAC-014. The strap is not a controller model.

GTIN / EAN

692262150135012Retailer pagekubii.com/en/controllers-arcade-stick/3221-8bitdo-arcade-stick-6922621501350.htmlRead 21 October 2026Retailer page for the 8BitDo Arcade Stick, reference 80FE. The product URL carries the barcode 6922621501350, a valid EAN-13 with the 692262 prefix. Electronic Express lists the same code for model 80FE. It belongs to the G Classic 80FE. The Purple 80FE02 barcode is not found.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

1 September 20205Press articleautomaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20200901-135467Read 20 October 2026Announced for overseas markets on 1 September 2020.

20 October 201619Press articlepolygon.com/2016/10/20/13345506/nintendo-switch-controller-joy-conRead 10 October 2026Polygon, 20 October 2016, the day of the Nintendo Switch reveal: "Called Joy-Con controllers, the company detailed several configurations in which players can use the new peripherals." The Pro Controller entry in this catalog uses the same date

Status

Available1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Page sells the Arcade Stick with Amazon US and UK order links and an eShop link.

Available2Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.htmlRead 10 October 2026The Joy-Con Pair is listed on the maker current accessories page with battery-revision notes for units sold from summer 2026, so it is still sold

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Pair10Spec databaseen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joy-ConRead 6 October 2026A successor, the Joy-Con 2, serve as the primary controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2. The Joy-Con infobox lists Joy-Con 2 as successor.

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$89.995Press articleautomaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20200901-135467Read 20 October 2026US$89.99 at the overseas announcement. The US price excludes sales tax.

$79.9920Press articlepolygon.com/2017/1/13/14241898/nintendo-switch-detailsRead 10 October 2026Polygon, 13 January 2017, US launch pricing from the Nintendo Switch presentation: Joy-Con are sold separately at $49.99 individually or $79.99 for the pair "which also has straps thrown in". Price excludes US sales tax. No EUR price is stated by a maker source, so launch_price_eur stays empty

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US5Press articleautomaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20200901-135467Read 20 October 2026Launch was overseas with Amazon US pre-orders.

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

G Classic, Purple1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Product page shows the classic colourway and Purple. Shop names them G Classic and Purple.2Maker product pageshop.8bitdo.com/products/8bitdo-ultimate-wired-controller-for-switch-and-windows-officially-licensedRead 20 October 2026Colour option values G Classic and Purple.

Grey, Neon Red/Neon Blue, Neon Yellow, Neon Green/Neon Pink, Blue/Neon Yellow, Neon Purple/Neon Orange, Pastel Pink/Pastel Yellow, Pastel Purple/Pastel Green, Pastel Pink2Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.htmlRead 10 October 2026Joy-Con Pair section lists Grey, Neon red/Neon blue, Neon yellow, Neon green/Neon pink, Blue/Neon yellow, Neon purple/Neon orange, Pastel Pink/Pastel Yellow and Pastel Purple/Pastel Green, the two pastel sets with release date 30/06/2023. Pair names are written as in the maker battery-revision page. Pastel Pink comes from that page.3Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Nintendo-Switch-2/Information-about-upcoming-battery-related-revisions-to-some-Nintendo-products-3132901.htmlRead 6 October 2026Planned Joy-Con Pair colours: Blue/Neon Yellow, Neon Green/Neon Pink, Neon Purple/Neon Orange, Neon Red/Neon Blue, Pastel Pink, Pastel Pink/Pastel Yellow, Pastel Purple/Pastel Green. The revised European units keep the same battery capacity and weight.

Form factor

Other1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Joystick and 8 arcade buttons in a desktop case. The schema has no arcade stick option, so other is stored.

Detachable pair2Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.htmlRead 10 October 2026Joy-Con Pair is a set of a Joy-Con (L) and a Joy-Con (R). Each can be used alone or both together.

Stick layout

Not available

Offset8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026Verified spec Joystick positioning Asymmetric, with the right stick below the face buttons when the pair is held together.

Face button labels

Swappable1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Dynamic button layout: when the mode switches between Switch and PC (X-Input), the visual button layout changes. The manual shows dual labels such as X/Y and A/B.

Nintendo8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026Verified spec Button layout Switch.

Made by the platform holder

No1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 20268BitDo is a third-party maker.

Yes2Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.htmlRead 10 October 2026

Compatibility

6 of 9 differ

Platforms

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Windows1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Tech Specs: Switch (3.0.0 and above), Switch 2 (20.1.1 and above), Windows 10 (1903) and above.

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 22Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.htmlRead 10 October 2026Listed as a Nintendo Switch accessory. Switch 2 support comes from the maker compatibility page.5Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Nintendo-Switch-2/Compatibility-with-Nintendo-Switch-accessories-2786091.htmlRead 6 October 2026Joy-Con controllers: Yes. Used by connecting wirelessly to Nintendo Switch 2. PC and mobile use is not stored, as for the Switch Pro Controller.

Connection per platform

A8BitDo Arcade Stick

Platform	Connection
Nintendo Switch	Bluetooth
Nintendo Switch	2.4 GHz
Nintendo Switch	USB (wired)
Windows	Bluetooth
Windows	2.4 GHz
Windows	USB (wired)

Source3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Switch: 2.4G (system 3.0.0 or above), Bluetooth and wired USB-C to the dock. Windows 10 (1703) or above for Bluetooth, 2.4G and wired USB-C. The manual predates Switch 2, so Switch 2 connections are not listed.

BNintendo Joy-Con Pair

Platform	Connection	All features
Nintendo Switch	Bluetooth	Yes
Nintendo Switch 2	Bluetooth	No

Source5Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Nintendo-Switch-2/Compatibility-with-Nintendo-Switch-accessories-2786091.htmlRead 6 October 2026Switch Bluetooth row uses the maker Bluetooth 3.0 specification with all Joy-Con features. Switch 2 is wireless only. Joy-Con cannot be charged on Switch 2 and the HOME Button cannot exit Switch 2 sleep mode, so all features is false there.

Official licence

Not available

Not available

Input modes

XInput, Switch Pro3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Mode switch S (Switch, needs Pro Controller Wired Communication turned on) and X (X-input on Windows). OFF powers the stick off. A second switch sets the stick to left stick, D-pad or right stick.

Not available

Mode switching

Hardware switch3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Three-position mode switch on the top left: Switch, off, X-input.

Not available

Native Steam Input supportiOfficial Steam Input integration that exposes controller-specific inputs. This does not mean a game uses the Steam Input API or that the controller has only one input protocol.

Not available

Yes18Press releasestore.steampowered.com/oldnews/142072Read 7 October 2026Valve stable Steam Client update August 18, 2022, Steam Input: added support for Nintendo Joy-Con individually as mini-gamepads and combined into pairs. Requires this or a later compatible desktop Steam client. Later software support, not a 2017 launch feature. Does not establish every host platform or full feature availability, so no platform list or route is inferred.

Wakes the supported consoleiWhether the controller can wake a supported console from sleep. The applicable console or Steam Machine is identified in source notes.

No3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Switch section: the system cannot be woken up wirelessly.

Yes8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026Verified spec Switch Wake Up Yes. This applies to the original Nintendo Switch. The maker says the Joy-Con HOME Button cannot exit Switch 2 sleep mode.

Max phone length

Not available

Not available

Works with phone case

Not available

Not available

Connectivity

6 of 15 differ

Connections

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB (wired)1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026

Bluetooth4Owner's manualnintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/support_1/nintendoswitch/NSwitch_Information_JoyCon_EUR.pdfRead 10 October 2026The device has one wireless network port available via Bluetooth, 2402-2480 MHz, 4 dBm. Joy-Con (R) also lists NFC at 13.56 MHz. The rail contacts used in handheld mode have no matching connection option.

Controller Bluetooth versioniBluetooth version implemented by the controller. Host device minimum requirements are not the controller’s Bluetooth version.

Not available

3.01Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026Bluetooth 3.0 on both Joy-Con. Joy-Con (R) adds NFC. Console Bluetooth 4.1 is a separate device specification.

Wireless receiver

Included1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Includes: 2.4G Adapter. It stores in a hidden compartment in the stick.3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 20262.4G receiver connects to one arcade stick at a time.

None2Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.htmlRead 10 October 2026The Joy-Con Pair box list has no receiver or dongle. The Joy-Con pair directly with the console over Bluetooth

Receiver connector

Not available

Not available

Wireless range (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Paired device slots

Not available

111Maker product pagenintendo.com/sg/support/switch/controller/joycon.htmlRead 7 October 2026Each Joy-Con can only be paired to one console. One stored console per controller, not simultaneous players.

Wired connector

USB-C1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Wired USB-C is one of the three connection options.

None4Owner's manualnintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/support_1/nintendoswitch/NSwitch_Information_JoyCon_EUR.pdfRead 10 October 2026No USB port. The leaflet says to charge and pair by attaching the Joy-Con to the Nintendo Switch console (HAC-001/HEG-001) or the Joy-Con charging grip (HAC-012), sold separately. Charging goes through the side rail contacts, which have no option in the charging connector enum, so charging_port is left out.

USB

Not available

Not available

Detachable cable

Yes3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Wired use connects the stick with a USB-C cable.

Not available

Cable length

Not available

Not available

Cable type

Not available

Not available

Claimed polling rate by connectioniMaker-claimed report rate for the stated connection and platform. Tournament modes or protocol requirements go in source notes. This is not input latency or a reviewer measurement.

Not available

Not available

Polling rate wired

Not available

Not available

Polling rate wireless

Not available

Not available

Polling rate Bluetooth

Not available

Not available

Sticks

5 of 15 differ

Stick sensor

Other6Reviewnintendolife.com/news/2021/01/hardware_8bitdos_arcade_stick_grants_that_coin-op_feel_to_your_switchRead 20 October 2026Review describes a microswitched stick with a square gate. It is a digital lever, so other is stored.

Potentiometer8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026Verified spec Sticks type Potentiometers.

Stick module nameiPublished module part number or maker-branded stick mechanism. A brand name does not establish the component manufacturer.

Not available

Not available

Stick resolution (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Default dead zone (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Adjustable dead zoneiTrue when the stick dead zone can be changed on the controller or in an app. A switch between the default and a zero dead zone counts.

Not available

Not available

Adjustable response curve

Not available

Not available

Adjustable stick tension

Not available

No17Reviewgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026Verified specification: Stick tension No. Public indexed specification text read. Direct HTTP challenge not bypassed.

Tension levels

Not available

Not available

Stick throw

Not available

Not available

Stick gate

Not available

Not available

Stick click (L3/R3)

No3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026The control layout labels eight arcade buttons, select, start, home, star, pair and P1/P2. It lists no L3 or R3 stick click.

Yes1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026Left Stick Button and Right Stick Button are listed.

Swappable stick tops

Not available

Not available

Stick tops includediStick cap styles included in this configuration. Counts fitted caps as well as spare caps. Optional caps sold separately are not included.

Not available

Not available

Replaceable stick modules

User-swappable2Maker product pageshop.8bitdo.com/products/8bitdo-ultimate-wired-controller-for-switch-and-windows-officially-licensedRead 20 October 2026Store text: universal mounting plate supports Sanwa arcade sticks. The user can fit another stick.

Service without soldering13Reviewifixit.com/Guide/Left+Joy-Con+Joystick+Replacement/113182Read 7 October 2026Steps 10 to 12 unlock joystick ZIF cable, remove two screws and lift out module. Service needs controller disassembly but no soldering.14Reviewifixit.com/Guide/Right+Joy-Con+Joystick+Replacement/113185Read 7 October 2026Steps 11 to 13 disconnect joystick ZIF cable, remove two screws and remove joystick. Confirms right side too. Later optional Gulikit replacement steps do not describe installed Nintendo hardware.

Stick calibration

Not available

System settings7Maker product pagenintendo.com/au/support/articles/system-update-information-for-nintendo-switchRead 6 October 2026Calibrate Control Sticks in System Settings > Controllers and Sensors. This is console calibration, not an on-controller button combination.

Triggers

1 of 10 differ

Trigger sensoriDigital is on or off. Analog is for analog triggers whose sensor no source names.

Digital3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026ZL/LT and ZR/RT are two of the eight arcade buttons in the layout diagram, so they are on or off inputs.

Digital8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026Verified spec Triggers pressing Digital and Trigger lock No.

Trigger resolution

Not available

Not available

Trigger travel

Not available

Not available

Trigger stops

Not available

No8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026

Trigger stop positions

Not available

Not available

Trigger stop type

Not available

Not available

Shortest trigger travel

Not available

Not available

Adjustable trigger dead zone

Not available

Not available

Hair trigger mode

Not available

Not available

Adaptive triggers

Not available

Not available

Buttons

10 of 17 differ

Face button switches

Not available

Membrane8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026Verified spec Main buttons type Membrane and D-pad buttons type Membrane.

Face button switch nameiPublished switch or mechanism name. May be the maker’s branded design rather than a component part number.

Not available

Not available

Swappable face buttons

Yes5Press articleautomaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20200901-135467Read 20 October 2026The joystick and the 30 mm and 24 mm buttons can be replaced with parts such as Sanwa or Seimitsu components.11Retailer pagecore-electronics.com.au/8bitdo-arcade-stick.htmlRead 21 October 2026Retired retailer page that repeats the maker text: "You can swap out 30mm/24mm arcade buttons" and a universal joystick mounting plate for Sanwa, Seimitsu and Happ sticks.

Not available

Bumper switches

Not available

Not available

D-pad

Not available

Four buttons1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026Joy-Con (L) lists Up/Down/Left/Right buttons, which are four separate buttons and not a cross D-pad.

D-pad switches

Not available

Membrane8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026

Rear grip buttons or paddlesiMaximum number of additional rear grip inputs the controller supports. Excludes standard shoulder buttons and triggers (L1/R1/L2/R2 or LB/RB/LT/RT), extra shoulder buttons and front buttons. Removable paddles are counted when fitted. Check the box contents for included paddles.

03Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026The control layout lists no rear buttons.

08Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026Verified spec Paddles No. The SL and SR buttons on each rail are not rear grip inputs and are excluded. They are also not stored as extra shoulder buttons.

Rear grip input typeiPhysical form of the additional rear grip inputs. Swappable means the same slots accept alternative button and lever or paddle shapes.

Not available

Not available

Removable rear paddlesiWhether rear paddles or lever-shaped back buttons can be removed by the user. This does not count the standard shoulder buttons or triggers.

Not available

Not available

Additional shoulder buttonsiAdditional physical shoulder or bumper buttons. Excludes standard L1/R1/L2/R2 or LB/RB/LT/RT controls and rear grip inputs.

Not available

Not available

Additional remappable buttonsiCounts additional remappable controls across the rear, shoulders and front. Excludes normal face buttons, D-pad directions, stick clicks, standard shoulders and triggers, and system or profile buttons. Optional removable paddles count when fitted.

21Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Two dedicated macro buttons (P1/P2). Button mapping and macros are set in 8BitDo Ultimate Software.

Not available

On-controller remappingiAt least one configurable gameplay button can be remapped using controller controls without a companion app. Does not imply that every button is remappable without software.

Not available

No12Maker product pagenintendo.com/au/support/articles/what-is-button-mappingRead 7 October 2026Button mapping is configured on Nintendo Switch systems, not using controller controls. Console System Settings procedure.

Custom onboard profilesiNumber of additional named or custom profiles stored on the controller, beyond any separate default bank identified by the maker. Excludes app-only profiles. Does not assume the default bank is immutable.

Not available

012Maker product pagenintendo.com/au/support/articles/what-is-button-mappingRead 7 October 2026Custom button configurations are saved on the Nintendo Switch system, not on the controller. Five console Favourites are not stored onboard profiles.

Profile switch controliA dedicated button, or a dedicated function button used in a combination, that switches saved controller profiles.

Not available

Not available

Turbo

Yes1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 20263Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Hold a button and press the star button to switch turbo on or off for it. Joystick, home, select and start are excluded.

Not available

Macros

Yes1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Ultimate Software can create long sequence macros for the two dedicated macro buttons.

No8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026Verified spec Macros option No.

Share or capture button

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026Capture Button on Joy-Con (L).

Feedback

4 of 5 differ

RumbleiFeedback features as published. Trigger rumble means dedicated trigger-vibration feedback, separate from motor-driven adaptive trigger resistance. HD haptics follows the maker’s stated high-definition feedback feature.

Not available

HD haptics1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026HD rumble, capable of multiple vibration patterns. Stored as HD haptics. Motor type and count are not published.

Rumble motor type

Not available

LRA9Reviewifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo+Switch+Teardown/78263Read 10 October 2026Step 21 names a linear resonant actuator (LRA). Voice-coil describes its internals, not an incompatible second motor type.

Rumble motors in grips

Not available

29Reviewifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo+Switch+Teardown/78263Read 10 October 2026Step 19: on the bottom of each rests a hefty HD Rumble motor. One in each of the two controllers, two across pair.

Trigger rumble motors

Not available

017Reviewgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026Verified specification: Trigger vibration No. No independent trigger rumble motor. Body HD rumble is separate.

Adjustable rumble

Not available

Not available

Motion and touch

6 of 12 differ

Gyroscope

No3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Switch section: motion controls are not supported.

Yes1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026Accelerometer and gyroscope in both Joy-Con. The number of axes is not published.

Combined motion sensor axesiTotal gyroscope and accelerometer axes. A three-axis gyroscope plus a three-axis accelerometer is a six-axis motion sensor.

Not available

69Reviewifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo+Switch+Teardown/78263Read 10 October 2026Step 19 Joy-Con motion chip: STMicroelectronics LSM6DS3H "3-axis accelerometer/gyroscope (likely)". iFixit marks the part identification as likely. A 3-axis accelerometer plus 3-axis gyroscope gives six axes in total. The maker does not state the axis count

Gyro as mouse

Not available

Not available

Touchpad

No3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026No touchpad in the complete control layout.

No1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026Complete maker button and sensor inventory has no touchpad.

Touchpads

Not available

Not available

Clickable touchpadiSupports a press-to-click action, including pressure-sensed haptic clicks. Does not imply a mechanically moving switch.

Not available

Not available

NFC

No3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Switch section: NFC scanning is not supported.

Yes1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026NFC is in Joy-Con (R) only.

IR camera

No3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Switch section: the IR camera is not supported.

Yes1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026IR Motion Camera is in Joy-Con (R) only.

Built-in display

No3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026No display in the complete control layout. The maker page lists none.

No8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026Verified specs Display No and Audio port No.

Light bar

No3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026The control layout lists only LED lights (player number and status) and no light bar.

Not available

RGB lighting

No6Reviewnintendolife.com/news/2021/01/hardware_8bitdos_arcade_stick_grants_that_coin-op_feel_to_your_switchRead 20 October 2026Review describes the red light-up symbols next to each button, which change with the Switch or X-Input mode. Single colour label lighting, no multicolour RGB. The manual lists only player and status LEDs besides these.

Not available

Lighting zones

Not available

Not available

Measured

2 of 13 differ

Measured input latencyiHardware-measured latency for the documented stock setup. Connection, input, operating system, input mode, firmware, tester and settings are recorded in source notes. Polling rate is a separate report-rate measurement. Different setups are separate rows.

A8BitDo Arcade Stick

Not available

BNintendo Joy-Con Pair

Connection	Input	Average (ms)	Min (ms)	Max (ms)	Jitter (ms)	Polling rate (Hz)	Tested on
Bluetooth	Button	14.47	6.81	24.33	4.29	66.78	Windows

Source8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026GPDL tester v2.2.0, test 1434 on 2024-06-09 by Violet Prismriver. Windows 11 build 10.0.22631, Bluetooth, native Switch mode, firmware listed as 1.0. Which Joy-Con was tested is not stated. Polling rate is the measured report rate. The page is marked not verified yet and has no stick test.

Button latency wired (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

Not available

Button latency wireless (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

Not available

Button latency Bluetooth (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

14.47ms=CalculatedFrom Measured input latency

Stick latency wired (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

Not available

Stick latency wireless (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

Not available

Stick latency Bluetooth (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

Not available

Measured stick testsiReviewer measurements for each stick under the connection, input mode, firmware and calibration settings documented in source notes. Inner dead zone reported as absent is stored as zero. Outer dead zones in mm are not converted to percent.

Not available

Not available

Inner dead zone (measured, worst stick)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Circularity error (measured, worst stick)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Measured battery lifeiReviewer-measured runtime under the connection, activity, rumble and lighting settings stated in source notes. Missing setup cells are unknown, not disabled.

Not available

Not available

Full charge time (measured)iReviewer measurement from an empty battery to full. Source notes identify the power source, connection, controller operating state and test method when published. Partial charges and maker claims are excluded.

Not available

Not available

Weight (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Audio

1 of 6 differ

3.5 mm jack

No7Reviewhlplanet.com/8bitdo-arcade-stick-xbox-edition-reviewRead 20 October 2026Xbox edition review comparison table: Switch/PC version has no headphone jack.

No8Measurementgamepadla.com/nintendo-switch-joy-con.htmlRead 7 October 2026

Jack works over

Not available

Not available

Speaker

No3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026No speaker in the control layout or the maker spec list.

No1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026The spec table lists buttons, communication, sensors, rumble and battery for each Joy-Con. It lists no speaker. Audio port is also absent per Gamepadla

Microphone

No3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026No microphone in the control layout or the maker spec list.

No1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026The spec table sensor list has accelerometer, gyroscope and IR Motion Camera only. No microphone is listed

Microphone mute controliDedicated physical button or switch on the controller that mutes a built-in or connected headset microphone. Excludes a normal gameplay button assigned to mute through software.

Not available

No1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026The button list for both Joy-Con has no mute button

Expansion port

Not available

Not available

Battery and charging

10 of 13 differ

Battery type

Built-in1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026

Built-in1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026Lithium-ion. The maker says the internal battery cannot be removed. From 16 July 2026 the maker replaces some European units on a rolling basis with revisions that have a user-replaceable battery. Those revisions are not covered here.

Batteries

11Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026One built-in 1000mAh battery.

29Reviewifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo+Switch+Teardown/78263Read 10 October 2026Step 17: each controller is fitted with a 1.9 Wh lithium-ion battery. Two physical cells across the L/R pair. Existing energy/capacity fields stay per controller.

Batteries included

Yes1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026The battery is built in and part of the product.

Yes1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026

Battery capacity

1,000mAh1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 20261000mAh Li-ion battery, rechargeable.

525mAh1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026525 mAh in each Joy-Con. This is not the total for the pair.

Battery energy

Not available

1.9Wh9Reviewifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo+Switch+Teardown/78263Read 10 October 2026Step 17: each controller is fitted with a 1.9 Wh lithium-ion battery. Value for one Joy-Con, not the pair. The maker does not publish the nominal voltage. 525 mAh at 3.7 V gives 1.94 Wh, which fits.

Claimed battery lifeiMaker-claimed runtime. Missing connection, rumble or lighting cells mean that the maker did not state that condition. A plus sign or up-to qualifier is preserved in source notes.

A8BitDo Arcade Stick

Connection	Hours (h)
2.4 GHz	40
Bluetooth	30

Source1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 202640 hours of play time on 2.4G and 30 hours on Bluetooth. Rumble and lighting conditions are not stated. The stick has neither.

BNintendo Joy-Con Pair

Hours (h)
20

Source1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026Approx. 20 hours for each Joy-Con. Maker estimate. Connection and rumble conditions are not stated.

Longest claimed battery lifeiLargest numerical runtime figure in the stored maker claims. A 35+ hour claim is a lower-bound figure, not an upper limit. Up-to, approximate and plus qualifiers are preserved in source notes.

40h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

20h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Charging connectoriConnector used for charging a rechargeable battery. On AA-powered controllers, USB charging requires a compatible rechargeable pack and does not recharge ordinary AA cells.

USB-C3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Battery section: rechargeable, red LED solid while charging. The only wired port is the USB-C port, so charging goes through it. The manual does not name the connector in the battery section.

Not available

Full charge time (claimed)iMaker-claimed charging time from an empty battery to full. Charger, cable and controller power state are noted when published.

240min1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 20264 hours charging time. Charger and starting level are not stated.

210min1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026Approx. 3.5 hours, converted exactly to 210 minutes. The Joy-Con must be attached to the console or a Joy-Con charging grip to charge.

Charging dock

Not available

Sold separately15Maker product pagenintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-switch-joy-con-charging-stand-two-way-120830Read 7 October 2026Separate accessory product, Joy-Con not included. Original Joy-Con compatibility stated. Not the console dock and not Joy-Con 2 charging hardware.

Dock

Not available

Joy-Con Charging Stand (two-way)15Maker product pagenintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-switch-joy-con-charging-stand-two-way-120830Read 7 October 2026Joy-Con Charging Stand (two-way). Later accessory, not a launch bundle item.

Play while charging

Yes6Reviewnintendolife.com/news/2021/01/hardware_8bitdos_arcade_stick_grants_that_coin-op_feel_to_your_switchRead 20 October 2026Wired use through the bundled USB to USB-C cable gives endless battery life, so the stick is played while connected by cable.13Reviewprofightstick.com/8bitdo-arcade-stick-reviewRead 21 October 2026Review of the 2020 Switch and PC stick: the USB-C cable connects the stick wired and also charges it.

Yes2Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.htmlRead 10 October 2026The maker says the Joy-Con charging grip, sold separately, can recharge the Joy-Con while you play. The bundled non-charging grip cannot.

Battery indicator

LED3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Red LED blinks on low battery, stays solid while charging and turns off when full. Player LEDs show the player number.

On screen16Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Troubleshooting/How-to-Check-the-Battery-Life-on-Nintendo-Switch-1379044.htmlRead 7 October 2026HOME Menu > Controllers displays approximate battery life for each paired controller. Console screen, not controller rail LEDs.

Build

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Shell material

Not available

Not available

Grip texture

Not available

Not available

Swappable grips

Not available

Not available

Swappable faceplate

Not available

Not available

User-replaceable parts

Joystick, Buttons5Press articleautomaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20200901-135467Read 20 October 2026The joystick and the 30 mm and 24 mm buttons can be replaced with parts such as Sanwa or Seimitsu components.

Joystick modules13Reviewifixit.com/Guide/Left+Joy-Con+Joystick+Replacement/113182Read 7 October 2026Joystick modules can be replaced with tools. Left guide shows removable cable and screws. This is service repair, not external hot-swapping.14Reviewifixit.com/Guide/Right+Joy-Con+Joystick+Replacement/113185Read 7 October 2026

Software

2 of 3 differ

Companion app

8BitDo Ultimate Software1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Tech Specs: Ultimate Software V1 (Windows / macOS).

Not available

App platforms

Windows, macOS1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026

Not available

User firmware updates

Yes4Maker product pagesupport.8bitdo.comRead 20 October 2026Support page lists downloadable Arcade Stick firmware v1.04 (Switch 2 support, charging indicator fix) and receiver firmware v1.01.

Yes7Maker product pagenintendo.com/au/support/articles/system-update-information-for-nintendo-switchRead 6 October 2026Version 3.0.0 notes: update connected controllers via System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Update Controllers.

Dimensions and weight

2 of 2 differ

Body dimensionsiController body dimensions, excluding packaging and dock. Width is side to side across the front face. Height is top to bottom across the front face. Depth is front-to-back thickness. Maker axes are reordered when needed without changing the published lengths.

Width303Height203Depth111.5mm(11.9 × 8 × 4.4 in)1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Published as 303*203*111.5mm. Stored as width 303, height (front to back of the top view) 203 and depth (case plus lever) 111.5. The Japanese press release lists the same size.

Width35.9Height102Depth28.4mm(1.4 × 4 × 1.1 in)1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026102 mm tall x 35.9 mm wide x 28.4 mm thick for each Joy-Con. These are single-controller dimensions, not the pair side by side. Weight is left out because the maker gives approx. 49 g for Joy-Con (L) and approx. 52.1 g for Joy-Con (R) and no pair weight.

Weight (claimed)iMaker-published controller weight with its battery. Fitted sticks, paddles or other accessories and any published tolerance are stated in the source notes. Excludes packaging and dock.

2,100g(4.6 lb)1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Published as 2100g. Far above gamepads because this is a desktop arcade stick with steel plates in the base. The Japanese press release says 2.1 kg and Shacknews says over 2 kg. Shop shipping weights of 2.4 to 3 kg are not used.

Not available

Certifications

1 of 1 differ

FCC ID

2AOWF-ARCADE10Regulatory filingfccid.io/2AOWF-ARCADERead 21 October 2026FCC grant record names the 8BitDo Arcade Stick, product code ARCADE, grantee SHENZHEN 8BITDO TECH CO., LTD. (2AOWF), granted 2020-09-25. The Xbox edition has its own ID, 2AOWF-ARCADEX. The record is a public mirror of the FCC grant.

Not available

Other certifications

Not available

Directive 2014/53/EU4Owner's manualnintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/support_1/nintendoswitch/NSwitch_Information_JoyCon_EUR.pdfRead 10 October 2026EU declaration in the leaflet: Nintendo declares that the radio equipment type (Nintendo Switch Joy-Con) complies with Directive 2014/53/EU

In the box

3 of 3 differ

In the box

8BitDo Arcade Stick, 2.4G Adapter, USB-C Cable, Instruction Manual1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026

Joy-Con (L), Joy-Con (R), 2 x Joy-Con straps (grey)2Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.htmlRead 10 October 2026Also includes: 2 x Joy-Con straps (grey). The EU leaflet names the strap HAC-014. No grip, cable or charger is included.

Cables included

A8BitDo Arcade Stick

Type	Count
USB-C cable	1

Source1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026Includes: USB-C Cable. The length is not stated.

BNintendo Joy-Con Pair

Not available

Carrying case

Not available

None2Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.htmlRead 10 October 2026The Joy-Con Pair box list is a Joy-Con (L), a Joy-Con (R) and two Joy-Con straps. No case is listed

Warranty

0 of 2 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year8Maker product pageshop.8bitdo.com/pages/privacy-policyRead 20 October 2026Maker eShop Warranty Policy: free maintenance within one year for product quality problems with a dated receipt from an authorized reseller. Statutory rights are separate.

1year21Maker product pageen-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/50404Read 10 October 2026Nintendo of America Limited Warranty: twelve (12) months from the date of purchase for video game accessories such as controllers. Valid only in the United States and Canada. Statutory rights in other markets are not covered

Stick drift warranty

Not available

Not available

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.8bitdo.com/arcade-stick1Maker product page8bitdo.com/arcade-stickRead 20 October 2026

www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.html2Maker product pagenintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Accessories/Accessories-1183144.htmlRead 10 October 2026

Spec sheet

Not available

www.nintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.html1Maker product pagenintendo.com/my/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.htmlRead 10 October 2026Maker Joy-Con specification table with separate Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R) columns. The Japanese maker table at nintendo.com/jp/hardware/switch/modal/specs/joy-con.html gives the same values. The US tech-specs page repeats the dock size under Joy-Con, so its size row is not used.

Manual

download.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdf3Owner's manualdownload.8bitdo.com/Manual/Controller/Joystick/Arcade-Stick-8.pdfRead 20 October 2026Two-page multilingual sheet titled Arcade Stick instruction manual, created December 2024. It is an image PDF and the English column was read from a render.

www.nintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/support_1/nintendoswitch/NSwitch_Information_JoyCon_EUR.pdf4Owner's manualnintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/support_1/nintendoswitch/NSwitch_Information_JoyCon_EUR.pdfRead 10 October 2026Maker multilingual Joy-Con information leaflet FXA-HAC-A-JA-EUR-WWW9 [0425]. English How to Use, battery warnings and radio table read.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all controllers.