Product Overview
The 8Bitdo Zero 2 is a keychain-sized mini Bluetooth gamepad designed for portability and broad compatibility. It weighs approximately 20.7 grams and offers up to 8 hours of play time on a single charge.
- Compatible with Switch, Windows, Android, macOS, and more.
- Product Dimensions: 73x36.5x14.7mm; 20.7G.
- Made for 2D games.
- Upgradeable firmware.
A pink 8Bitdo Zero 2 Bluetooth Gamepad, showcasing its compact, oval design with a white D-pad on the left and four white action buttons (X, Y, A, B) on the right, along with smaller select and start buttons in the center.
Compatibility
The 8Bitdo Zero 2 offers wide compatibility across various platforms:
- Windows: Windows 7 and above, Bluetooth 4.0.
- Android: Android 4.0 and above.
- macOS: macOS 10.7 and above.
- Steam: Windows 7 and above, macOS 10.9 and above.
- Switch: Switch 1.0.0 and above.
- Raspberry Pi: Bluetooth 2.0 and above (2B, 2B+, 3B, Zero).
*Additional system support may require downloading and installing firmware available at support.8bitdo.com.
An image illustrating the compatibility of the 8Bitdo Zero 2 with various operating systems and devices, including Windows, Android, macOS, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Raspberry Pi.
Setup
Initial Pairing
To pair your 8Bitdo Zero 2 gamepad with a device, follow these general steps. Specific button combinations are required for different modes.
Pairing with Nintendo Switch:
1. Turn on your Nintendo Switch and go to the "Controllers" menu.
2. On the Zero 2, press and hold the Y button + Start button simultaneously for 3 seconds until the blue LED blinks rapidly.
3. On your Switch, select "Change Grip/Order" or "Find Controllers".
4. The controller should appear as "Pro Controller". Select it to connect. The LED will become solid blue upon successful connection.
Pairing with Android:
1. On your Android device, go to Bluetooth settings and enable Bluetooth.
2. On the Zero 2, press and hold the B button + Start button simultaneously for 3 seconds until the blue LED blinks rapidly.
3. On your Android device, search for new devices. The controller should appear as "8Bitdo Zero 2". Select it to connect. The LED will become solid blue upon successful connection.
Pairing with macOS:
1. On your macOS device, go to Bluetooth settings and enable Bluetooth.
2. On the Zero 2, press and hold the A button + Start button simultaneously for 3 seconds until the blue LED blinks rapidly.
3. On your macOS device, search for new devices. The controller should appear as "8Bitdo Zero 2". Select it to connect. The LED will become solid blue upon successful connection.
Pairing with Windows (X-input mode):
1. On your Windows PC, go to Bluetooth settings and enable Bluetooth.
2. On the Zero 2, press and hold the X button + Start button simultaneously for 3 seconds until the blue LED blinks rapidly.
3. On your Windows PC, search for new devices. The controller should appear as "8Bitdo Zero 2". Select it to connect. The LED will become solid blue upon successful connection.
This video provides an unboxing and review of the 8Bitdo Zero 2 Wireless Game Controller, demonstrating its features and initial setup.
A review of the 8Bitdo Mini Controller, highlighting its benefits for medical students using Anki flashcards and demonstrating its compact size and functionality.
A detailed review of the 8Bitdo Zero 2 Controller, covering its design, features, and performance across various platforms.
Operating the Gamepad
Button Layout
The 8Bitdo Zero 2 features a classic D-pad on the left, four action buttons (X, Y, A, B) on the right, and dedicated Select and Start buttons in the center. It also includes L and R shoulder buttons.
A top-down view of the pink 8Bitdo Zero 2 controller, clearly showing the white D-pad, X, Y, A, B action buttons, and the smaller Select and Start buttons.
A side view of the pink 8Bitdo Zero 2 controller, highlighting the L and R shoulder buttons and the micro-USB charging port located between them.
Using with Applications (e.g., Teleprompter, Anki)
The controller can be configured for various applications beyond gaming, such as controlling teleprompters or navigating flashcard apps like Anki.
This video demonstrates how the 8Bitdo Zero 2 controller can be used as a remote control for a teleprompter, showing its functionality in speeding up, slowing down, and navigating scripts.
Maintenance
Charging
The 8Bitdo Zero 2 features a rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery.
- Connect the included micro-USB cable to the charging port on the top of the controller.
- Connect the other end of the cable to a USB power source (e.g., computer USB port, USB wall adapter).
- A full charge typically takes 1 to 2 hours and provides up to 8 hours of play time.
The pink 8Bitdo Zero 2 controller shown with its short micro-USB charging cable connected, illustrating the charging port location.
Cleaning
Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the surface of the controller. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Troubleshooting
Pairing Issues
If you experience difficulty pairing the controller:
- Ensure the controller is fully charged.
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
- Verify you are using the correct button combination for the desired operating mode (Switch, Android, macOS, X-input).
- Try forgetting the device from your device's Bluetooth settings and re-pairing.
- Refer to the official 8Bitdo support website for the latest firmware updates and detailed troubleshooting guides.
Connectivity Problems
- If the connection is unstable, ensure there are no obstructions between the controller and your device.
- Avoid using the controller in environments with strong wireless interference.
- Ensure your device's operating system is up to date.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Zero 2 |
| Dimensions | 4.33 x 1.5 x 2.17 inches (73x36.5x14.7mm) |
| Weight | 0.8 ounces (20.7g) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Battery Type | Lithium Polymer (included) |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours |
| Charge Time | 1-2 hours |
| Manufacturer | 8Bitdo |
| Release Date | December 31, 2019 |
Warranty and Support
8Bitdo is committed to producing high-quality retro-themed game controllers. For warranty information, technical support, or to download the latest firmware, please visit the official 8Bitdo support website.
Official Support Website: support.8bitdo.com
