1. Introduction
The 8Bitdo N30 Arcade Stick is a versatile fight stick designed for a wide range of gaming platforms. It offers both wireless Bluetooth and direct USB connectivity, featuring turbo and d-pad/joystick modes. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your N30 Arcade Stick.
Figure 1: Top-down view of the 8Bitdo N30 Arcade Stick.
2. Package Contents
Upon opening the package, ensure all the following items are present:
- 8Bitdo N30 Arcade Stick
- USB-A to USB-A Cable
- Instruction Manual (this document)
Video 1: Unboxing the 8Bitdo N30 Arcade Stick, showing the contents and initial look at the device.
3. Setup
3.1 Compatibility
The 8Bitdo N30 Arcade Stick is compatible with the following platforms:
- Nintendo Switch (Firmware 1.0.0 and 4.1.0 or later)
- Windows 7 and above (Bluetooth 4.0 required for wireless)
- Android 4.0 and above
- macOS 10.7 and above
- Steam
3.2 Firmware Update
It is highly recommended to update the firmware of your N30 Arcade Stick upon first use to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Refer to the official 8Bitdo website for the latest firmware and update instructions.
3.3 Wired Connection
To connect the arcade stick via USB, use the provided USB-A to USB-A cable. Plug one end into the USB port on the side of the arcade stick and the other end into your device (PC, Nintendo Switch dock, etc.).
Figure 2: USB-A port for wired connection.
3.4 Wireless (Bluetooth) Connection
To pair the arcade stick wirelessly via Bluetooth:
- Ensure your device's Bluetooth is enabled.
- Turn on the N30 Arcade Stick.
- Press and hold the 'Pair' button on the top panel of the arcade stick until the LED indicator starts blinking rapidly.
- On your device, search for new Bluetooth devices and select '8Bitdo N30 Arcade Stick' to complete the pairing process.
4. Operating Modes and Controls
The N30 Arcade Stick features several control options to enhance your gaming experience.
4.1 Input Modes (X-Input / D-Input)
Use the 'Input' toggle switch on the top panel to select between X-Input and D-Input modes. X-Input is generally used for Windows PC games, simulating an Xbox controller. D-Input is typically used for Android devices, Raspberry Pi, and other non-Windows platforms.
4.2 Joystick / D-Pad Mode
The 'XY/D-Pad' toggle switch allows you to configure the joystick to act as either an analog stick (XY) or a digital D-pad. This is useful for games that specifically require one or the other.
4.3 Turbo Function
The Turbo function allows a button to be rapidly pressed repeatedly while held down. To activate Turbo for a specific button, hold down the desired action button and then press the 'Turbo' button simultaneously. To disable, repeat the process.
4.4 Buttons Overview
The arcade stick features a standard layout:
- Joystick: For directional control.
- Action Buttons: Y, X, B, A, RB/R1, LB/L1, RT/R2, LT/L2.
- Control Buttons: Start, Select, Pair, Input Mode Switch, Joystick/D-Pad Mode Switch, Turbo.
Figure 3: Close-up of the N30 Arcade Stick controls.
Video 2: Detailed review of the 8Bitdo N30 Arcade Stick, demonstrating input modes, turbo function, and overall build quality.
5. Usage with Nintendo Switch
The N30 Arcade Stick is compatible with the Nintendo Switch. For initial pairing, it may be more reliable to connect the stick via USB to the Switch dock first. To return to the Switch Home screen, hold down the 'Select' button and then press the 'Start' button.
Figure 4: 8Bitdo N30 Arcade Stick in use with Nintendo Switch.
6. Usage with PC
The N30 Arcade Stick performs exceptionally well with PC gaming. When connected via USB, it exhibits very low input lag (approximately 36ms). Bluetooth connectivity also offers good performance (around 44ms), comparable to standard Xbox One controllers.
7. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity of your 8Bitdo N30 Arcade Stick:
- Keep the device clean and free from dust and debris.
- Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures or moisture.
- The buttons and joystick are designed to be moddable, allowing for replacement with standard arcade parts if desired.
8. Troubleshooting
8.1 Connection Issues
If you experience difficulty connecting to your Nintendo Switch wirelessly, try connecting via the USB cable first. Ensure the firmware is up to date.
8.2 Input Lag
While the N30 Arcade Stick offers excellent performance on PC, some input lag (96-104ms) may be noticeable on the Nintendo Switch compared to the official Pro Controller (64ms). This is due to the Switch's internal processing for third-party controllers. On PC, wired connection offers the lowest latency.
8.3 Joystick Springiness
The joystick has a springy feel, which might lead to unintended opposite directional inputs if not handled precisely, especially in games requiring rapid directional changes (e.g., Pac-Man). Adjusting your playstyle or considering modding the joystick with different components may help.
9. Specifications
- Model Number: 6922621500278
- Product Dimensions: 11.81 x 4.57 x 8.9 inches
- Item Weight: 4.07 pounds
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer battery (included)
- Connectivity: Wireless Bluetooth, Direct USB
- Features: D-Input and X-Input functionality, Turbo and d-pad/joystick modes, Mod-able and customizable.
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official 8Bitdo website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
