Technology

Today’s best deals: 8BitDo game controllers, Razer gaming mice, and more – Ars Technica

Today’s best deals: 8BitDo game controllers, Razer gaming mice, and more

Ars Technica

It’s time for another Dealmaster! Our latest roundup of the best tech deals from around the web includes a new low price on 8BitDo’s Pro 2 gamepad, which is down to $42.50 at Amazon. If you prefer to shop elsewhere, it’s also available for 50 cents more at Best Buy. The wireless gamepad normally retails for $50, so this isn’t a massive discount, but it’s the best price we’ve tracked.

We gave the Pro 2 a positive review when it launched last year, calling it a “more useful, more comfortable, and more customizable” take on Nintendo’s Switch Pro Controller despite costing $20 less. The controller works across Switch, PC, macOS, Android, iOS, and Raspberry Pi devices. Compared to Nintendo’s “Pro” pad, its biggest addition is two programmable back buttons. These can make pulling off certain inputs in quicker-paced, competitive-minded games more convenient since you won’t have to physically move your hands around as much as you normally would.
The controller is well-built and comfortable, with sizable face buttons, joysticks with a satisfying level of tension, and an even weight balance. Unlike the Pro Controller, the Pro 2 also has analog triggers; this means they’ll respond to varying levels of pressure, which can be useful in, say, gradually accelerating in a racing game, instead of always going full-throttle. The D-pad is a bit firmer than what you’d find on a PS5 or Xbox controller, as it takes after the old Super Nintendo pad, but presses feel crisp and distinct, so it works well for old-school 2D platformers or puzzlers like Tetris. 8BitDo also has a fairly extensive companion app that lets you remap inputs, create and assign macros, and fine-tune the sensitivity of the joysticks and triggers. These tweaks, among others, can be saved across three separate profiles.

The Pro 2 doesn’t work with PlayStation or Xbox consoles. On the Switch, it lacks conveniences like an NFC reader for Amiibo support and the ability to wake the console from sleep mode. The Switch Pro Controller also gets better battery life, lasting about 40 hours compared to Pro 2’s 20, though the latter isn’t poor by any means. Still, if you’d like a feature-rich controller you’ll use across platforms, the Pro 2 is a strong choice, and this deal price only amplifies its value.

If you prefer using a mouse and keyboard instead of a gamepad, our roundup includes the best price we’ve tracked for Razer’s Viper Ultimate, which is down to $52. We previously named this the best wireless gaming mouse you can buy, and while it’s now a couple of years old, it’s an exceptionally lightweight (74 g) and responsive option for both competitive FPS gaming and everyday work. It isn’t the most premium-feeling thing — Razer’s Synapse app can sometimes be a pain — and it charges over microUSB instead of USB-C, but it’s as friendly to lefties as it is righties. It also lets you save settings tweaks to the mouse, and its included cable is highly flexible. It normally retailed around $90 in recent months, but this deal is more approachable for anyone looking for a performance gaming mouse. If you don’t like the Viper Ultimate’s relatively low profile, Razer’s Basilisk Ultimate is a fine alternative that’s also on sale, albeit for $19 more as of this writing.

Beyond that, we also have good deals on Apple’s newest iPad Air, recommended Bluetooth speakers and charging gear from Anker, the popular card-drafting board game 7 Wonders, our 2021 video game of the year, and much more. You can have a look at our full curated rundown below.

Ars Technica may earn compensation for sales from links on this post through affiliate programs.

Featured deals of the day

The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is a versatile and comfortable gamepad for Switch, PC, and mobile devices.
Enlarge / The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is a versatile and comfortable gamepad for Switch, PC, and mobile devices.

Sam Machkovech

Electronics deals

Anker's Soundcore Motion Plus is a full-sounding Bluetooth speaker we like.
Enlarge / Anker’s Soundcore Motion Plus is a full-sounding Bluetooth speaker we like.

Jeff Dunn

The 2022 iPad Air with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
Enlarge / The 2022 iPad Air with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.

Samuel Axon

Laptop and desktop PC deals

The Razer Viper Ultimate is a superlight and highly responsive gaming mouse.
Enlarge / The Razer Viper Ultimate is a superlight and highly responsive gaming mouse.

Jeff Dunn

Video game deals

<em>Psychonauts 2</em> topped our best games of the year list for 2021.
Enlarge / Psychonauts 2 topped our best games of the year list for 2021.
The recently released <em>Kirby and the Forgotten Land</em> is a breezy and adorable 3D platformer.
Enlarge / The recently released Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a breezy and adorable 3D platformer.

Accessories and miscellaneous deals

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