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However, with 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software for Windows, you do have the option to remap buttons as well as to customize the layout of the joystick. When I used the included USB-C cable as well as the wireless dongle, my PC immediately recognized the device and I didn’t have to remap any of the buttons. As such, I first tested it out by playing a few of the best Steam games including Downwell, Celeste and Mortal Kombat 11. In addition to the Xbox Series X/S, the 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox also works on PC, but not on the Nintendo Switch or Android like its predecessor. 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox review: Performance You don’t need to pair the device with your Xbox console and I was happy to discover that with it connected, you can use the 8BitDo Xbox Arcade Stick to wake up your Xbox, even when it’s powered off. However, a diagram similar to the one seen above would make things even easier.Īnother great thing about the 8BitDo Xbox Arcade Stick is that the included wireless dongle is truly plug-and-play. While I haven’t switched out the buttons on my review unit, I previously did so with 8BitDo’s N30 Arcade Stick (the predecessor to the 8BitDo Arcade Stick) and it was a very straightforward process. To make things even easier, 8BitDo has included a diagram at the bottom so you know what wires go to each of the buttons. Luckily, the Total Control 3 adapter lets you use Saturn controllers for the Dreamcast.As I mentioned earlier, it’s also easy to open the 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox if you want to make modifications to the buttons or joystick. For a system with a wealth of shoot'em ups, this is a major letdown. There are texture bumps on the top, but they generally wear down quickly, so any controller used for an average amount of play has been worn down to a shine. The analog stick is plastic as well, and a bit slippery. The d-pad is raised fairly high above the controller base, and has sharper angles in its mold, making for painful use. Since we're on the topic of shoot'em up controls, I feel I must mention my disappointment in the Dreamcast controller, both the d-pad and the analog stick.
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It's ok, but its a tad smaller than the average d-pad and not as comfortable as the others mentioned. I wish the PC-Engine controller had a better d-pad.
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I don't like it quite as much as the diagonals are not as easy to press on a cross pad when compared to a circular based pad. The SNES pad has a cross base, much like the NES, yet is easier on the thumb than the NES d-pad. The Genesis 6-button has a very similar d-pad, so similar that it might be the same. The Saturn pad has the perfect amount of range and cushiony resistance, and due to its circular base, all directions are equally and easily pressed. Also, it is hard to enjoy the backrgound scenery (which is usually gorgeous) as you cannot take your eyes off of your craft. It is with games like this where arcade sticks are beneficial to use over d-pads, as the small size of the d-pads can lead to unintentional input mistakes. With so many bullets on screen at once, the key to survival is small movements, taps at a time. The hitboxes of your avatar are generously small, as you will need all the help you can get.
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Modern shoot'em ups tend to be of the bullet-hell variety, where hundreds of bullets are spewed across the screen, and you have to navigate the slim pockets of empty space between them to survive. Examples include Gradius, R-Type, Aleste, Darius, Star Soldier, Thunder Force, and others. Memorization and reflexes are requisite skills here. Respawning after death occurs at checkpoints, often woefully underpowered. Emphasis is placed on navigating environmental hazards as well as enemy fire and flying enemies themselves. Older (traditional) shoot'em ups are generally slower-paced.