The long-awaited soul-like Black Myth: Wukong was recently released and to celebrate, 8bitDo has teamed up with Game Science to release a special edition controller.
The model chosen for this collaboration was the Ultimate C model, which is adorned with a new coat of paint and even some extra features, which we’ll get into later.
So you might be thinking, “Is this new controller really worth the hype? Has 8BitDo given it any new functionality?” Find out the answers to these questions and more in our full review for the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C – Black Myth: Wukong controller.
8BitDo Ultimate 2C – Black Myth
Manufacturer: 8BitDo
Price: $24.99 (wired) $34.99 (wireless)
In terms of appearance, the very stylish and all-black special edition features two different patterns printed on the sides of the controller. The patterns actually serve to differentiate the functionality, as the wireless model is symbolized by a flame design, while the wired model is symbolized by the Yaksha King-inspired markings.
A really nice detail is that the front of the controller is a bit opaque, so you can barely see the internal parts of the joysticks and the front of the controller’s internal housing. It creates a really trippy effect, especially since you can only see these details when you look from certain angles.
The matte finish on the front is also a very aesthetically pleasing touch, and the material used for both the front and the paint seems extremely durable and scratch resistant. You don’t have to be paranoid about using your special edition controller because you’re afraid it will get damaged. This thing can absolutely withstand everyday use without any visible wear and tear.
As is the case with most 8BitDo controllers, the Ultimate 2C Wukong edition is also designed after the Xbox layout of asymmetrical joysticks and ABXY buttons. The premium quality that 8BitDo is known for is on full display here, and this really could be their best controller when it comes to specs.
This particular special edition is one of the few controllers released by 8BitDo that includes both joysticks and hall effect triggers, and I can tell you that there is no going back once you experience it. The controller’s hall-effect joysticks are incredibly precise and feel very smooth when moved, with the added benefit of being resistant to stick drift.
The controller’s shoulder buttons have a pleasant amount of resistance and provide a very satisfying click when pressed, while the triggers offer a decent amount of resistance and feel buttery smooth when pressed. The hall effect triggers provide a simply superior tactile experience, and anyone who enjoys shooters will have a great time with them, because they are beyond special.
However, a negative point is that the Ultimate 2C Wukong edition does not have its own dock. The lack of a charging station makes it a bit more difficult to get a seat at the table, and is generally a big shame. A themed dock for this controller would look absolutely beautiful.
Understandably, not every controller can have its own dock, but it would be nice if it at least had the contact points on the back to make it compatible with wireless charging or docks previously purchased with other models.
I’m still hoping that a docked version of this controller will appear in the future, as the Ultimate controller’s charging docks have become pretty much synonymous with the 8BitDo brand in my mind, and their functionality is a very useful bonus.
When it comes to connections, the wireless version of the Ultimate 2C features both Bluetooth and 2.4G, provided by the classic brick-style USB receiver that 8BitDo includes with their wireless devices. It features a stunning 1000Hz polling rate on both 2.4G and Bluetooth connections, and requires no special drivers or configuration, making for a simple plug-and-play experience.
Being a Bluetooth device means the Ultimate 2C can also connect to Android devices, and it works fine out of the gate, offering controller support for any game that supports it, while also playing well with mapping software.
The controller also features custom button mapping without the need for any software, making it very easy to link the additional buttons. The Ultimate 2C controller features two additional buttons as an extension of the LB and RB shoulders, which can be freely adjusted. Personally, I like to tie them to the home key, which allows me to use the right stick as a mouse to navigate menus.
Overall, the 8BitDo Black Myth: Wukong Controller has combined the premium and sturdy quality of an 8BitDo product with the flair that a stylish special edition brings. It features just the right amount of customization to be relevant to the Wukong theme without looking tacky, and the color scheme is very pleasing.
The addition of both joysticks and hall effect triggers is truly a game changer, and we can only hope they become the standard for the brand in the future. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this might be one of 8BitDo’s best devices yet.
Despite being a special edition, the Wukong controller is sold at the very affordable prices of 24.99 and 34.99 USD for the wired and wireless versions respectively. Being able to buy a product of this quality cheaper than other current generation controllers is beyond insane, and 8BitDo continues to outdo itself in both style and functionality.
You can find the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C – Black Myth: Wukong Controller on 8BitDo’s online storeas well as their official Amazon And Aliexpress shops.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C – Black Myth: Wukong Controller was reviewed using a unit from 8BitDo. Additional information about Niche Gamer’s review/ethics policy can be found here.