Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) — Controller · 2023
8BitDo

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black)

Controller · 2023

84
/ 100
From $44
VS
8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) wins by 8
MSI Claw A1M — 2024
MSI

MSI Claw A1M

2024

76
/ 100
From $699
Specdex verdict

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) lands at 84 and MSI Claw A1M at 76. That puts 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) ahead by 8 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) if…

  • ✓Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
  • ✓Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
  • ✓Cross-platform compatibility

Pick MSI Claw A1M if…

  • ✓Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
  • ✓Store ecosystem
  • ✓Cross-gen compatibility
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Performance

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black)

Compared on the performance sub-score

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) leads on performance (84 vs 76).

Games

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black)

Compared on the games sub-score

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) leads on games (86 vs 74).

Features

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black)

Compared on the features sub-score

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) leads on features (82 vs 74).

Value for money

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) more score per dollar ($44 vs $699).

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) 84
vs
76 MSI Claw A1M

Score breakdown

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black)
84
performance 84
games 86
features 82
value 82
MSI Claw A1M
76
performance 76
games 74
features 74
value 82

Specs side-by-side

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) versus MSI Claw A1M — full spec comparison
Spec 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) MSI Claw A1M
Type
Controller
—
Color
Black
—
Release year
2023
2024

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black)

Pros
  • +Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
  • +Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
  • +Cross-platform compatibility
Cons
  • −Battery replacement paid on some
  • −Software dependency
  • −Stick drift still possible (non-Hall)

MSI Claw A1M

Pros
  • +Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
  • +Store ecosystem
  • +Cross-gen compatibility
Cons
  • −Storage expansion pricey
  • −Dashboard UX ages
  • −Subscription required for online

FAQ: 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) vs MSI Claw A1M

Which is better, 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) or MSI Claw A1M? +

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) scores 84 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 8. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) worth the price? +

At $44, 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in games.

Is MSI Claw A1M worth the price? +

At $699, MSI Claw A1M delivers a Specdex score of 76 — strongest in value.

Does 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) or MSI Claw A1M last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for performance, 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) or MSI Claw A1M? +

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) — leads on performance (84 vs 76). Compared on the performance sub-score.

Which is better for games, 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) or MSI Claw A1M? +

8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Black) — leads on games (86 vs 74). Compared on the games sub-score.