I own and enjoy both controllers. Ultimately for me, I find the Gulikit a better Switch controller while I find the 8bitdo a better PC controller. The 8bitdo button layout resembles Xbox controllers which I have used for PC gaming for years. It felt more natural on PC whereas the Gulikit is laid out like the Switch Pro controller so it feels more natural for Switch gaming. I feel like the 8bitdo feels better construction wise, but I agree with you that the ergonomics are better on the Gulikit. I had some pretty bad fatigue the first time I had a lengthy gaming session on the 8bitdo after I had been using the Gulikit, but eventually my hands adjusted to the feel of both and playing on either is fine now. I do like the kind of soft feel the plastic on the Gulikit has, but overall it feels more cheaply made. I could be totally wrong though, it has shown no signs of failing to me though sometimes the ABXY buttons can feel a little sticky. Both of controllers are a noticeable dpad improvement compared to Switch Pro controller, though I felt the Gulikit was a bit stiffer and more fatigue inducing after extended play. I also feel like I had fewer false inputs while trying to play Tetris as fast as possible on the Gulikit, probably because of the stiffness making it harder to accidentally trigger the dpad registering an up when not intended. Either controller is a massive improvement over the Switch Pro controller in this regard. Ultimately I ended up ordering Xbox layout ABXY buttons for the Ultimate (available on 8bitdo's website, but annoyingly not on Amazon) and will probably use it as my primary PC gamepad, and will probably get two more Gulikit controllers for Switch in the other two colors offered at Target stores in the USA. Edit: What I think makes Gulikit great for Switch: - Similar layout to Switch Pro controller - Amiibo Support - Wakes Switch like a first party Switch controller, rather than having to give your controller shaken baby syndrome - Triggers have shorter travel and less resistance (benefits Switch since it doesn't use analog) What I think makes 8bitdo great for PC: - Similar layout to Xbox controller - 2.4GHz dongle plugged into the dock, dock plugged into the PC makes it basically plug and play - Triggers are more precise What I like better about Gulikit: - Ergonomics - Comes with a case which makes it easier to stuff in a bag - Tactile buttons - Replaceable thumbsticks (please give me a smooth convex option Gulikit...) What I like better about 8bitdo: - Multiple profiles for different games - Back buttons - Awesome charging dock - Physical switch to change between 2.4GHz and BT. I really wish Gulikit used a physical switch to change between input modes, much like the 8bitdo Pro 2. Overall both are great choices. If you made me pick one and only one, I'd probably pick the Gulikit since it really covers more bases and I can easily live without extra buttons. EDIT: 4/25/2023 Since it seems my comment seems to be helping a lot of people, I figured this is important to mention. While I was replaying Breath of the Wild on Switch yesterday, my Gulikit started crapping the bed. Pressing any button would just vibrate the controller and it seemed it didn't send the command until after the vibration, which lasted about a second. I ended up switching to the 8bitdo because it wasn't usable anymore. After I was done I tried updating firmware... didn't work. I kept messing with it and eventually it seemed to start functioning again, so I re-updated all the firmware and played some games for about 30 minutes and it seemed fine. I tried again today again with Breath of the Wild and it crapped out again with the same strange behavior. I got my Gulikit in late June, 2022, so it's about 10 months old at the time of this. April was my heaviest month of use for the controller because I've been doing a lot of streaming with my Breath of the Wild replay. I'm yet to contact their support since I thought I was able to fix it after yesterday's incident, but I'm going to see what they say and if they'll replace it. EDIT 2: 5/11/2023 So the controller corrected itself again after the 2nd incident. I contacted Gulikit support and they went completely silent with me after I said it corrected itself. Thus far it hasn't happened since 4/26, but I've only used the Gulikit controller once since then. It was about a 3 hour stream though, so it's a good sign that it didn't give me any trouble throughout that stream. Maybe there's just some weirdness with the controller and Zelda: BotW, but I had streamed it 12 times with the controller without issue before it started doing weird things. I'll update again if it happens again.
Awesome comment review btw I think ill stick with Gullikit since I already have a controller with backbuttons, but its gonna be hard to find one without all the out of box issues due to the awful quality control :c And how do the front plates on both controllers feel? The Gullikit is somewhat smooth plastic but idk what the ultimate feels like And how does the turbo function on the 8bitdo ultimate? Is it a press and then it works without holding it down, or do you have to constantly hold it down for it to work?
@@aynrandom3004 yeah, i own one gulikit ns09 pro and bought with replacement buttons... it's useless, if your pull it up properly it'll be easy to switch on
aye man thanks for your comment. really helped me out a lot and made me choose the 8bitdo ultimates. i’m more of a pc gamer and the dock as well as the plug and play feature really sums the deal up for me, although i still think of the ergonomics factor as maybe an issue but we shall see.
I have both but ultimately (pun intended) chose the 8BitDo. The sticks of the Gulikit grinded on the edges out of the box and, after a while, the A button started to get stuck too. Both huge deal breakers. I had to disassemble the bloody thing so many times and file down the plastic imperfections in order to fix it. It also really does have much better triggers (they use hall sensors too) and, if you have big hands, a better grip but the 8BitDo has half the input lag and a far superior dpad (a pretty close replica of the SNES') and that really did it for me.
I have 2 8bitdo pro plus and both had issues with the joystick. The rubber cap deteriorated quick and the joystick eventually sank because of how it sat on the stick. Is the rubbercap the same as the old models?
I wish we had a controller that had the best of both. Ergonomics/comfort of the Gulikit with the charging dock+2.4ghz dongle of the 8bitdo, and with better/less clicky LB/RB buttons
I never knew that about the Dreamcast controllers, but it makes sense now. The faulty point on the DC controller was the Dpad. Heavily used DPads felt like unresponsive mush cause the membrane wore out. Thank goodness for the pivot point though. Thanks for the tidbit Blunty.
I regretted not getting the 8bidDo Ultimate Bluetooth controller but I think made the right choice with the Guilikit KingKong 2 Pro controller especially for long-time usage. Flight Simulator flying times will be a joy until I invest on a Thurstmaster. The extra buttons at the back are not much needed for me. Plus, I have a Gamesir T4 Pro. The triggers are also magnetic/hall effect. o7
I'm glad that you have decided to review this controller. I've been raving about mine ever since I got it and had now replaced my official "pro" controller for primary Switch use.
Wow, never heard of this KingKong controller before. It's pretty impressive! Honestly, I've been eyeing the new 8Bitdo should something happen to my current Pro 2 controller, but now I'm considering the KingKong one instead.
I had to pull out my Gulikit KingKong 2 Pro to test the shoulder button sound, and it did not sound as crisp as what you showed here, but there was a click I never noticed until this video. I was watching this to compare the KingKong to the 8Bitdo Ultimate.
If any one is on the fence - I’d go ultimate, I personally like the gulikit style and feel more but when playing smash Bros there is noticeable latency. The ultimate is smooth as butter
I bought both of these, I thought I would like the Gulikit better, but I was mistaken. Ergonomics wise I kinda agree with you. But function wise the 8bitdo is far superior, I don't know If I got a defective unit on the Gulikit but the input lag felt horrible on that thing. The 8bitdo one is way faster, I'm inclined to say even faster than Nintendo's own pro controller. What I would really like is replacement hall effect joysticks for the switch pro controller, that would be amazing. Throw in a Nintendo Switch online SNES D-pad and you'll get the best controller ever made. I can only dream.
It's ridiculous that nintendo still hasn't updated their pro controller dpad x.x. Seems like such an easy fix. Hell even the wii u pro controller had a proper dpad. The funny thing is the wii u controller dpad actually fits in the switch shell and works fine lol. I guess they ran out of wii u dpads when the switch came out?
I own the 8bitdo controller since the release and I didn't notice most of the issues. But I guess it depends on how you hold the controller. What I noticed is,that I have a slightly higher grip, than blunty, so none of the compfortabilityisssues apply to me.
I have had my KingKong Pro2 for several months near the first group that hit amazon. I have warn down the the metallic coating on the triggers a bit, but the controller itself remains completely functional. I use my controller slightly more than I use my elite gen2 xbox controller. I have had 2 or 3 of my xbox one controllers drift. Some of them within a month of purchase with LIGHT use. I am tempted to buy their new controller from Target called the "zen pro" as a spare controller. The Zen Pro and KingKong pro2 are functionally/ seemingly identical besides a few extra color options including an odd yet cool blueish purple.
I feel like I need to point this out, I've heard gulikit doesn't have the best quality control. On mine, the dpad felt a little weird but it got better after using it for a while. One bumper is slightly clickier than the other. Also, the motion sensor has noticeable delay and is jankier compared to the switch pro controller. Even with all these considered, this is the best controller I've ever put my hands on, just be aware that the quality might be a lottery and you might have to return it and get another one. As a side note, look into the 8bitdo m30 if you play a lot of platformers or fighting games, it has easily the best dpad I've ever seen.
The Dpad on my kk pro2 registers fine in game but pressing the right direction gives me almost no tactile feedback whatsoever. Also it "clacks" loudly if I hold UP right or RIGHT up. Kinda annoying but not a deal breaker.
thanks for this comparison i decided im going for gulikit kingkong 2 pro I'll mainly use this controller on my gaming PC I'm glad there is a keycap replacement (xbox layout) for this controller I'm tired of stick drift on my controller my dualsense got stick drift for only 4months of use and both my xbox one controller and series controller last for 1year before it got stick drift too.
Great review! Gonna grab one for myself. I had used the 8bitdo SN30 Pro+ in the past which needs replacing now due to stick drift. I'm not quite liking the idea that 8bitdo now have 2 different wireless controllers for the different platforms, unlike their SN30 Pro+. In a way trying to force the user to purchase more of their controllers. Quite a cheap move I feel. Hence, the answer to that is this Gulikit King Kong2 Pro. Now I can once again have one controller to play on PC, Switch and Android.
This is encouraging and I've been looking at the Zen Pro (shockingly in Target stores here in the US) and I will probably pick one up. As an FPV Drone racer, hall gimbals are the bomb. I've also read they are doing hall effect joycons in the near future. THAT would be great, but honestly, I wouldn't mind the bigger ones in a Hori Split Pad Pro sized Switch JoyCon...the Hori's sticks are mushy, buttons are mushy and the only thing that's slightly good is that they don't make my hands cramp...but so does a cheap case for my Switch in handheld mode.
I own the Gulikit and what I like about is the additional accessories you can buy. You can change the face buttons to XBOX layout. You can get analog sticks kit. You get 3 pairs of different height of thumb sticks in the kit. Very handy if the rubber on the sticks gets damaged.
Thanks a lot for the detailed review, really impressive. Exchanging between my DS4 with 8bitdo adapter and my Joy Cons, I couldn't ignore the fact that I find the analog sticks shorter "course" on the Joy Cons better than the DS4, it's like going from a car manual transmission to a truck-like one. Can you tell me if the KingKong 2 is more DS4 or Joy Con on this regard?
I do own both controllers and perfect would be a mix between those two. The gulikit has the better ergonomics. Shoulder buttons and triggers feel much better. The texture is very nice as well. But the biggest problem with it is by far Bluetooth. I simply couldnt use it wirelessly. Not only has it more input lag than any other Bluetooth controller i own, but i also had some failed inputs from time to time even when very close to PC or Nvidia shield. Another problem for me are the sticks. They don't have any grip at all. The 8bitdo on the other hand, doesn't feel as comfortable and the triggers feel much cheaper. But it simply works more reliable wireless, so i end up using it for the majority of time. If you don't have a problem using it wired, gulikit is superior for sure though. By the way i did already update the firmware on the gulikit 2 times and it didn't fix connectivity.
You just happened to get a malfunctioned controller. It happens to all brands (8bitdo included) from time to time. My KingKong Pro 2 syncs perfectly via Bluetooth, and I've had not one issue (no input lag) in the 9 months I've owned it.
I ordered the Gulikit KK2 because its 40% cheaper than the Ultimate controller in my country, so its a no brainer for me. I wish for KK3 they add 2.4GHz + back paddle buttons.
Thank you I had a hard time choosing one but thanks to you i chose the kingkong pro 2. The only thing that bugs me is the absence of charging stand that i would love to have on it but the others things make it worth it you answered all my questions thank you. Ps: Bro’s voice is majestic
Thanks for the review! You mentioned that the shoulder pads on the gulikit are obnoxiously loud. How do the other button sounds compare between the 8bitdo and gulikit? Is one noticeably clickier than the other when it comes to the face buttons?
You sir just gained a new sub! I love that you, not only made a video about the Kingkong 2 Pro, but you also educated anyone watching about the benefits of Hall Effect joysticks. More people need to know about this "hidden" technology. I'm tried of people reviewing all these manufacturers of controllers I.E "Microsoft" that sell cheap ass "planned Obsolescence" sticks that are built only so they can get you to buy 4 controllers per year. To put this into perspective The Sega Dreamcast Had hall effect sensors. It's absolutely insane that they are not the industry standard in 2023.
There is a Gulikit 2.4Ghz USB Dongle that I use as I really hate bluetooth and it works out of the box on Linux. I'd also recommend updating the firmware. I personally swapped my face buttons to reflect the xbox layout.
@@wrightchance5891 The dongle is more for my Linux gaming Desktop, mostly using Steam, yes. I'd likely stick to bluetooth with the steam deck. I just don't use a controller with my steam deck.
I wish the Gulikit had a docking station. I’ve also been searching for a USB dongle that works while it’s in switch mode because my Bluetooth can only handle one it two things at a time. I want to be able to connect a lot of things.
Finally, someone who mentions the 8bitdo's triggers! I owned a pro 2 controller for not 24 hours cuz the triggers are awful, even with the "ultimate software" app. Immediately, and happily returned it.
Blunty thank you so much,this review helped me decide between them both just ordered my kong pro 2 white can't wait for it to turn up. Have you updated the firmware on it or would love for you to do a tutorial or walkthrough for it
ALL THIS and I was expecting WAY high of a price. It's only $70?!? O.O I am going to have to I think. Wish the d-pad was better, HATE the switch d-pad as it doesn't have a good enough spike cause button inputs to bleed but MAN what a good controller!
I feel like $70 is a fair price for them, 1st party are the ones that are a little bit overpriced. The KingKong has amazing analog sticks but everything else is just serviceable
sounds like it would be the perfect controller if it had the gated octagonal frame that old gamecube controllers had, it's very important for many games specially smash and there are switch pro controller faceplate replacements but nothing for the Gulikit KingKong2 Pro which is a shame
Im not you i have no issues with anything about works great feels great and a recharge dock for less than 50 us this is one of the best controllers i own and i have paid more than double for some But hey we like what we like
I had a similar issue with a PS4 controller that I had. Solved it by taking it apart and using some Krytox lube (same lube they use on custom Keyboard builds). Plastic molds can sometimes have slight imperfections so you could find that it's a little friction.
lucky i watch this review, the 8bitdo are rather expensive with many shortcome. however for the gulikit... i see alot of complaints. so, i will have to look for better alternatives. too bad my flydigi apex 2 cant be paired with a switch
I'm going to take a chance with this King Kong2 Pro controller. It would have been nice if the controller came with a headphone jack but it's not a deal breaker. I hope I'm not disappointed as I was when I got one of the 8-Bit Do controllers a couple of years ago. Total waste of money.
no contest the GKK2P is the best all around controller even beating those expensive so called 1st party PRO/Elite/Edge controllers. once you use GKK2P the others just pales in comparison ^_^ in the future GKK3P only needs some "dual sense" + "touchpad" capabilities added to be the ultimate...
Bro the 8bit doe has been sold out at best buy since december but the gulikit target version has been in stock constantly, I wonder if its a sign I wont have any of its QC issues😂
I just goy my gulikit and am really wishing it had grip paddles. A lot of PC games need a grip paddle for extra inputs. Basically I'm just opining for the day when valve releases a new steam controller. I've never loved any PC peripheral like I loved that thing and was so sad when it died
Why won’t 8bitdo make the wake button feature on their switch controllers? Every third party company making controllers NOT licensed by nintendo have the wake feature i just don’t understand why it’s so hard for them to do that every time i wanna use the 8bitdo i have to have a joycon just to wake it and resync the 8bitdo so it is the primary controller to use. I know it’s something little and don’t mean to nitpick but i guess it’s more of an annoyance
Only just subscribed to your channel but do want to thank you for the PS5 controller review and the informative opinions on a few other pro controllers like these two. Currently I use a PS4 controller on PC with the Sony Back button attachment... And it's fine... I end up pulling new units apart to take out the heavy rumble packs, add locking screws to the triggers for a shorter throw, and even clean out the stupid analogue modules. It ends up cheaper than the cheaply built pro controllers like scuff, and is a lot cheaper than the new PS5 controller (ain't gonna pay $300+ for a pro controller that'll have stick drift). All I want is just a PC controller with two back buttons and a 'little' quality... And I cannot understand why a billion dollar industry struggles with such a generic request. (Ordered an 8bitdo so I'm trying that first)
Based on your "All I want is just a PC controller with two back buttons and a 'little' quality..." statement you'll probably like the 8bitdo. If you prefer the PS style joystick/dpad layout, you can probably consider the 8bitdo Pro2 controller as well.
These billion-dollar companies aren't struggling with such a generic request. The truth of the matter is it's all about money. Hall effect sensors cost a matter of pennies more to include over potentiometers, not dollars. The real money-making is in selling the client the same product over and over again which is why controllers aren't built to last. A quick note regarding @rensuchan's mention of the 8bitdo Pro2, as far as I can tell the controller doesn't have the hall effect sensors. Best I can tell, the Ultimate Bluetooth is the only model they sell with them, even the wired Ultimate and the 2.4g-only model not having them either.
I've had mine for a couple of months now and in general it's my go-to switch controller but I've got two problems with it. One is that when I wake it up with the controller it will turn on the switch but then the buttons afterward don't register. I have to cycle the controller all the way through its input modes back to the switch in order for it to register button inputs properly. All this before the system goes back to sleep. I reset all my controller pairings for the switch and hoping that solves it. The other is that my a and y buttons tend to get stuck in the mashed position after a few minutes of play, but then weirdly they're back to normal , the next day or even a couple hours later. Has anyone experienced anything similar or know of any solutions?
@@linuxpirate Yes, I did. Or at least the controller vibrated like it was supposed to when I moved the file to the controller. I even checked a couple weeks ago to make sure I had the latest update and as far as I know I do . My connection problem seems to have been fixed by resetting my pairing as I just tested it maybe 10 minutes ago. As for the buttons, the only thing I can think is I fix it kit, but for reasons I am literally physically incapable of operating any kind of screwdriver so SOL there
@@armored_wheels I was going to say I had the same issue with buttons not registering after it turned on the switch, but then I brought the controller to an anime convention and paired it with another switch to play Mario Kart. The issue was gone when I re-paired it with my own switch after the convention. It looks like re-pairing it fixed it for you too. I also have sometimes sticky feeling buttons, though mine have never fully gotten stuck. I imagine I could probably fix it if I decide to take the controller apart one day but thus far I've been too lazy to do that lol
I just got the ultimate 8bitdo and I main mon hun. I didn’t have any of the issues you described, either with the + - or any other button to hit my thumb stick. It could be because of hand size. I have quite long and big hands (palm to finger as long as an iPad Air 4 screen) The only thing I feel is the triggers are a bit harder than I would expect. Overall a better feel for my hand size.
I love everything about this controller except it using an Xbox shell. I don't mind the Xbox controller as much as I used to since my hands used to slide up them, feeling like the angular shape was a bit too much for the handles, but now I just always grind my finger against the back when I hold one and I hate it. I always use the elite cause resting my fingers on the back paddles alleviates that issue for me. If this ever adds in back paddles, it may become my perfect controller
I didn't need confirmation for my KingKong Pro 2, and this came out like 3 days after I bought mine, but damn... After ~1 month yeah, no regrets. I also prefer the western standard, hitting Gear + '+' and Gear + the button to the left to disable dead zones and having Steam's own deadzone set to 5%... yup, it's gaming time.
Since you seems to be a gamer who cares about deadzone. Do you mind if I ask, how's the deadzone on the Kingkong Pro 2 feels? I used to have a Kingkong Pro Controller (first gen) about 2 years ago. And, right of the bat, the deadzone was noticeably bigger than my beloved Switch Pro Controller. Even after I set my deadzone to 0 in Steam setting (I used it mainly for PC game, loves the gyro aiming). That was a deal breaker, since stick sensitivity is the very important aspect for me. Hope you don't mind sharing some info about that.
Yes,With the Brook Wingman Adapter and using the X- input on the controller, it works great, been using my Gulikit controller with my Series X for a few months now.
Ah, the famous "8bitdough." A good controller, that can also become a bread. :D Having said that, I decided to buy a KingKong2 Pro instead, exactly because of the reasons stated in 2:08 (8BitDo Ultimate's form factor is familiar yet awful, and also the trigger buttons are weird; it's kind of difficult to put into words how wrong it feels in my hand).
I own and enjoy both controllers.
Ultimately for me, I find the Gulikit a better Switch controller while I find the 8bitdo a better PC controller. The 8bitdo button layout resembles Xbox controllers which I have used for PC gaming for years. It felt more natural on PC whereas the Gulikit is laid out like the Switch Pro controller so it feels more natural for Switch gaming.
I feel like the 8bitdo feels better construction wise, but I agree with you that the ergonomics are better on the Gulikit. I had some pretty bad fatigue the first time I had a lengthy gaming session on the 8bitdo after I had been using the Gulikit, but eventually my hands adjusted to the feel of both and playing on either is fine now. I do like the kind of soft feel the plastic on the Gulikit has, but overall it feels more cheaply made. I could be totally wrong though, it has shown no signs of failing to me though sometimes the ABXY buttons can feel a little sticky.
Both of controllers are a noticeable dpad improvement compared to Switch Pro controller, though I felt the Gulikit was a bit stiffer and more fatigue inducing after extended play. I also feel like I had fewer false inputs while trying to play Tetris as fast as possible on the Gulikit, probably because of the stiffness making it harder to accidentally trigger the dpad registering an up when not intended. Either controller is a massive improvement over the Switch Pro controller in this regard.
Ultimately I ended up ordering Xbox layout ABXY buttons for the Ultimate (available on 8bitdo's website, but annoyingly not on Amazon) and will probably use it as my primary PC gamepad, and will probably get two more Gulikit controllers for Switch in the other two colors offered at Target stores in the USA.
Edit:
What I think makes Gulikit great for Switch:
- Similar layout to Switch Pro controller
- Amiibo Support
- Wakes Switch like a first party Switch controller, rather than having to give your controller shaken baby syndrome
- Triggers have shorter travel and less resistance (benefits Switch since it doesn't use analog)
What I think makes 8bitdo great for PC:
- Similar layout to Xbox controller
- 2.4GHz dongle plugged into the dock, dock plugged into the PC makes it basically plug and play
- Triggers are more precise
What I like better about Gulikit:
- Ergonomics
- Comes with a case which makes it easier to stuff in a bag
- Tactile buttons
- Replaceable thumbsticks (please give me a smooth convex option Gulikit...)
What I like better about 8bitdo:
- Multiple profiles for different games
- Back buttons
- Awesome charging dock
- Physical switch to change between 2.4GHz and BT. I really wish Gulikit used a physical switch to change between input modes, much like the 8bitdo Pro 2.
Overall both are great choices. If you made me pick one and only one, I'd probably pick the Gulikit since it really covers more bases and I can easily live without extra buttons.
EDIT: 4/25/2023
Since it seems my comment seems to be helping a lot of people, I figured this is important to mention.
While I was replaying Breath of the Wild on Switch yesterday, my Gulikit started crapping the bed. Pressing any button would just vibrate the controller and it seemed it didn't send the command until after the vibration, which lasted about a second. I ended up switching to the 8bitdo because it wasn't usable anymore. After I was done I tried updating firmware... didn't work. I kept messing with it and eventually it seemed to start functioning again, so I re-updated all the firmware and played some games for about 30 minutes and it seemed fine.
I tried again today again with Breath of the Wild and it crapped out again with the same strange behavior.
I got my Gulikit in late June, 2022, so it's about 10 months old at the time of this. April was my heaviest month of use for the controller because I've been doing a lot of streaming with my Breath of the Wild replay. I'm yet to contact their support since I thought I was able to fix it after yesterday's incident, but I'm going to see what they say and if they'll replace it.
EDIT 2: 5/11/2023
So the controller corrected itself again after the 2nd incident. I contacted Gulikit support and they went completely silent with me after I said it corrected itself.
Thus far it hasn't happened since 4/26, but I've only used the Gulikit controller once since then. It was about a 3 hour stream though, so it's a good sign that it didn't give me any trouble throughout that stream. Maybe there's just some weirdness with the controller and Zelda: BotW, but I had streamed it 12 times with the controller without issue before it started doing weird things.
I'll update again if it happens again.
Awesome comment review btw
I think ill stick with Gullikit since I already have a controller with backbuttons, but its gonna be hard to find one without all the out of box issues due to the awful quality control :c
And how do the front plates on both controllers feel? The Gullikit is somewhat smooth plastic but idk what the ultimate feels like
And how does the turbo function on the 8bitdo ultimate? Is it a press and then it works without holding it down, or do you have to constantly hold it down for it to work?
you can buy replacement keycaps for the gulikit controller. you can yank the abxy buttons and rearrange it to resemble an xbox layout.
@@aynrandom3004 yeah, i own one gulikit ns09 pro and bought with replacement buttons... it's useless, if your pull it up properly it'll be easy to switch on
aye man thanks for your comment. really helped me out a lot and made me choose the 8bitdo ultimates. i’m more of a pc gamer and the dock as well as the plug and play feature really sums the deal up for me, although i still think of the ergonomics factor as maybe an issue but we shall see.
Wow, thanks for the info and effort.
I have both but ultimately (pun intended) chose the 8BitDo. The sticks of the Gulikit grinded on the edges out of the box and, after a while, the A button started to get stuck too. Both huge deal breakers. I had to disassemble the bloody thing so many times and file down the plastic imperfections in order to fix it. It also really does have much better triggers (they use hall sensors too) and, if you have big hands, a better grip but the 8BitDo has half the input lag and a far superior dpad (a pretty close replica of the SNES') and that really did it for me.
I have 2 8bitdo pro plus and both had issues with the joystick. The rubber cap deteriorated quick and the joystick eventually sank because of how it sat on the stick. Is the rubbercap the same as the old models?
I heard that the button A issue is known to Gulikit, and they have remedy it in new batches. So not sure if the one u purchase is from previous batch
@@an3582 Yes, my 8bitdo ultimate was grinding within the first week. Terrible QA.
Not only it uses hall effect sticks, but Gulikit also makes the hall effect sensors in the 8bitdo Ultimate.
yup that awkward as hell fact.
I wish we had a controller that had the best of both. Ergonomics/comfort of the Gulikit with the charging dock+2.4ghz dongle of the 8bitdo, and with better/less clicky LB/RB buttons
I never knew that about the Dreamcast controllers, but it makes sense now. The faulty point on the DC controller was the Dpad. Heavily used DPads felt like unresponsive mush cause the membrane wore out. Thank goodness for the pivot point though. Thanks for the tidbit Blunty.
The Hall effects were probably pretty expensive as well
I just need the body of a Pro Plus controller with the guts of the Ultimate.
I regretted not getting the 8bidDo Ultimate Bluetooth controller but I think made the right choice with the Guilikit KingKong 2 Pro controller especially for long-time usage. Flight Simulator flying times will be a joy until I invest on a Thurstmaster. The extra buttons at the back are not much needed for me. Plus, I have a Gamesir T4 Pro. The triggers are also magnetic/hall effect. o7
You mention Flight Simulator and then say back buttons are not needed. 😂
I'm glad that you have decided to review this controller. I've been raving about mine ever since I got it and had now replaced my official "pro" controller for primary Switch use.
Wow, never heard of this KingKong controller before. It's pretty impressive! Honestly, I've been eyeing the new 8Bitdo should something happen to my current Pro 2 controller, but now I'm considering the KingKong one instead.
8bitdo i warn you the sticks are not precise for aiming. I had mine which was squeeky as well
I like the angle of the grip of 8btid. It makes easier shoulder button access buttons also feel better.
thumbs up for a comparison video with an actual conclusion and not a milquetoast "it depends on your preference" cop out. thanks for the review!
I had to pull out my Gulikit KingKong 2 Pro to test the shoulder button sound, and it did not sound as crisp as what you showed here, but there was a click I never noticed until this video. I was watching this to compare the KingKong to the 8Bitdo Ultimate.
If any one is on the fence - I’d go ultimate, I personally like the gulikit style and feel more but when playing smash Bros there is noticeable latency. The ultimate is smooth as butter
I bought both of these, I thought I would like the Gulikit better, but I was mistaken. Ergonomics wise I kinda agree with you. But function wise the 8bitdo is far superior, I don't know If I got a defective unit on the Gulikit but the input lag felt horrible on that thing. The 8bitdo one is way faster, I'm inclined to say even faster than Nintendo's own pro controller. What I would really like is replacement hall effect joysticks for the switch pro controller, that would be amazing. Throw in a Nintendo Switch online SNES D-pad and you'll get the best controller ever made. I can only dream.
It's ridiculous that nintendo still hasn't updated their pro controller dpad x.x. Seems like such an easy fix. Hell even the wii u pro controller had a proper dpad. The funny thing is the wii u controller dpad actually fits in the switch shell and works fine lol. I guess they ran out of wii u dpads when the switch came out?
I own the 8bitdo controller since the release and I didn't notice most of the issues. But I guess it depends on how you hold the controller. What I noticed is,that I have a slightly higher grip, than blunty, so none of the compfortabilityisssues apply to me.
I have had my KingKong Pro2 for several months near the first group that hit amazon. I have warn down the the metallic coating on the triggers a bit, but the controller itself remains completely functional. I use my controller slightly more than I use my elite gen2 xbox controller. I have had 2 or 3 of my xbox one controllers drift. Some of them within a month of purchase with LIGHT use. I am tempted to buy their new controller from Target called the "zen pro" as a spare controller. The Zen Pro and KingKong pro2 are functionally/ seemingly identical besides a few extra color options including an odd yet cool blueish purple.
As a note, I primarily play Destiny 2 on PC and as a shooter the whole controller (besides maybe the D-pad) gets fairly heavy use and yet no issues.
Exact same controller, just new colours and new branding.
I feel like I need to point this out, I've heard gulikit doesn't have the best quality control.
On mine, the dpad felt a little weird but it got better after using it for a while. One bumper is slightly clickier than the other.
Also, the motion sensor has noticeable delay and is jankier compared to the switch pro controller.
Even with all these considered, this is the best controller I've ever put my hands on, just be aware that the quality might be a lottery and you might have to return it and get another one.
As a side note, look into the 8bitdo m30 if you play a lot of platformers or fighting games, it has easily the best dpad I've ever seen.
The Dpad on my kk pro2 registers fine in game but pressing the right direction gives me almost no tactile feedback whatsoever. Also it "clacks" loudly if I hold UP right or RIGHT up. Kinda annoying but not a deal breaker.
thanks for this comparison i decided im going for gulikit kingkong 2 pro I'll mainly use this controller on my gaming PC I'm glad there is a keycap replacement (xbox layout) for this controller I'm tired of stick drift on my controller my dualsense got stick drift for only 4months of use and both my xbox one controller and series controller last for 1year before it got stick drift too.
Great review! Gonna grab one for myself. I had used the 8bitdo SN30 Pro+ in the past which needs replacing now due to stick drift. I'm not quite liking the idea that 8bitdo now have 2 different wireless controllers for the different platforms, unlike their SN30 Pro+. In a way trying to force the user to purchase more of their controllers. Quite a cheap move I feel. Hence, the answer to that is this Gulikit King Kong2 Pro. Now I can once again have one controller to play on PC, Switch and Android.
I love my KingKong2 Pro. I have had it for about 6 months.
This is encouraging and I've been looking at the Zen Pro (shockingly in Target stores here in the US) and I will probably pick one up. As an FPV Drone racer, hall gimbals are the bomb. I've also read they are doing hall effect joycons in the near future. THAT would be great, but honestly, I wouldn't mind the bigger ones in a Hori Split Pad Pro sized Switch JoyCon...the Hori's sticks are mushy, buttons are mushy and the only thing that's slightly good is that they don't make my hands cramp...but so does a cheap case for my Switch in handheld mode.
Gulikit actually have a set of HE replacement sticks for joycons right now as a DIY part
For ergonomics, 8bitdo slender body can be easily fixed with simple 3 print
Great video, thanks for the great detailed comparison!
I actually like the clicky shoulder buttons, would love it if every button sounded like that!
i went with the ultimate wired and so far so good.
I own the Gulikit and what I like about is the additional accessories you can buy. You can change the face buttons to XBOX layout. You can get analog sticks kit. You get 3 pairs of different height of thumb sticks in the kit. Very handy if the rubber on the sticks gets damaged.
Thanks for this review. I was trying to decide between these two controllers, and this helped me settle on the Gulikit.
Thanks a lot for the detailed review, really impressive. Exchanging between my DS4 with 8bitdo adapter and my Joy Cons, I couldn't ignore the fact that I find the analog sticks shorter "course" on the Joy Cons better than the DS4, it's like going from a car manual transmission to a truck-like one. Can you tell me if the KingKong 2 is more DS4 or Joy Con on this regard?
Very cool review.
Clear, concise and to the point.
Thanks for the insights.
This is how you do a controller review
I do own both controllers and perfect would be a mix between those two.
The gulikit has the better ergonomics. Shoulder buttons and triggers feel much better. The texture is very nice as well. But the biggest problem with it is by far Bluetooth. I simply couldnt use it wirelessly. Not only has it more input lag than any other Bluetooth controller i own, but i also had some failed inputs from time to time even when very close to PC or Nvidia shield. Another problem for me are the sticks. They don't have any grip at all.
The 8bitdo on the other hand, doesn't feel as comfortable and the triggers feel much cheaper.
But it simply works more reliable wireless, so i end up using it for the majority of time.
If you don't have a problem using it wired, gulikit is superior for sure though.
By the way i did already update the firmware on the gulikit 2 times and it didn't fix connectivity.
There is a wireless dongle for the KingKong2.
I heard that they updated the firmware not so long ago, and some said it greatly improves the bluetooth connectivity. Maybe you should try it.
You just happened to get a malfunctioned controller. It happens to all brands (8bitdo included) from time to time. My KingKong Pro 2 syncs perfectly via Bluetooth, and I've had not one issue (no input lag) in the 9 months I've owned it.
Have you ever stop to convince me buying stuff that I don’t need 😂 i have been buying stuff because of your video since olympus om-d era
You could be a game narrator man ur voice ✅
If ONLY it had back buttons it would have been my first pick for a dedicated steam deck controller...
Next version from GulKit would probably be called the GODZILLA Pro Controller . GOJIRA !
I ordered the Gulikit KK2 because its 40% cheaper than the Ultimate controller in my country, so its a no brainer for me. I wish for KK3 they add 2.4GHz + back paddle buttons.
its already 2.4ghz freq. they just dont advertise it default to all model even the old one NS08
Thank you I had a hard time choosing one but thanks to you i chose the kingkong pro 2. The only thing that bugs me is the absence of charging stand that i would love to have on it but the others things make it worth it you answered all my questions thank you.
Ps: Bro’s voice is majestic
How is your controller holding up? any issues or perfectly fine?
@@AliasWasTaken I have the white one, for about 4 months works like day one still. Love it.
Thanks for the review! You mentioned that the shoulder pads on the gulikit are obnoxiously loud. How do the other button sounds compare between the 8bitdo and gulikit? Is one noticeably clickier than the other when it comes to the face buttons?
You sir just gained a new sub! I love that you, not only made a video about the Kingkong 2 Pro, but you also educated anyone watching about the benefits of Hall Effect joysticks. More people need to know about this "hidden" technology. I'm tried of people reviewing all these manufacturers of controllers I.E "Microsoft" that sell cheap ass "planned Obsolescence" sticks that are built only so they can get you to buy 4 controllers per year. To put this into perspective The Sega Dreamcast Had hall effect sensors. It's absolutely insane that they are not the industry standard in 2023.
I'm thinking of buying the 8Bit do. It has 2 macro buttons and the dock going for it. Also the KingKong2 is not available in Europe.
I love the asthetics
There is a Gulikit 2.4Ghz USB Dongle that I use as I really hate bluetooth and it works out of the box on Linux. I'd also recommend updating the firmware. I personally swapped my face buttons to reflect the xbox layout.
For steam deck or steam online or just for Linux?
@@wrightchance5891 The dongle is more for my Linux gaming Desktop, mostly using Steam, yes. I'd likely stick to bluetooth with the steam deck. I just don't use a controller with my steam deck.
Awesome review! Thank you
I wish the Gulikit had a docking station. I’ve also been searching for a USB dongle that works while it’s in switch mode because my Bluetooth can only handle one it two things at a time. I want to be able to connect a lot of things.
The fact Hall effect sensors aren’t standard is extremely annoying
Finally, someone who mentions the 8bitdo's triggers! I owned a pro 2 controller for not 24 hours cuz the triggers are awful, even with the "ultimate software" app. Immediately, and happily returned it.
Blunty thank you so much,this review helped me decide between them both just ordered my kong pro 2 white can't wait for it to turn up.
Have you updated the firmware on it or would love for you to do a tutorial or walkthrough for it
Thank you so much for the video! I found this very helpful in deciding between the two controllers.
I prefer the charging style for king kong pro 2 because you can use it while charging
You can use the Ultimate that way too
Great review, thanks ! Ill buy 8bitdo for PC gaming, because of the Hall sticks and back buttons.
Nice video dude. Personally, i like em both!
ALL THIS and I was expecting WAY high of a price. It's only $70?!? O.O I am going to have to I think. Wish the d-pad was better, HATE the switch d-pad as it doesn't have a good enough spike cause button inputs to bleed but MAN what a good controller!
I have tried the d-pad on Kingkong pro2 it is better than switch pro controller in my opinion.
I feel like $70 is a fair price for them, 1st party are the ones that are a little bit overpriced. The KingKong has amazing analog sticks but everything else is just serviceable
Our local store are selling both around 189MYR (around 43USD)
sounds like it would be the perfect controller if it had the gated octagonal frame that old gamecube controllers had, it's very important for many games specially smash and there are switch pro controller faceplate replacements but nothing for the Gulikit KingKong2 Pro which is a shame
I’ve used both the 8BitDo is far more comfortable
lucky that they also has a white version without silver trigger buttons.
Anyone know what the difference between king kongkong 2 and the new Zen Pro they have on their site???
i heard they're basically the same except the zen has more color options
Good review, you earned my bell
Im not you i have no issues with anything about works great feels great and a recharge dock for less than 50 us this is one of the best controllers i own and i have paid more than double for some
But hey we like what we like
I wish I had watched this video first. Now I have a pro switch controller.
Big issue with gullikit is that for me, my A Button gets stuck often depending in the angle pressed. It's very cheap
I had a similar issue with a PS4 controller that I had. Solved it by taking it apart and using some Krytox lube (same lube they use on custom Keyboard builds). Plastic molds can sometimes have slight imperfections so you could find that it's a little friction.
Same issue here.
lucky i watch this review, the 8bitdo are rather expensive with many shortcome. however for the gulikit... i see alot of complaints. so, i will have to look for better alternatives. too bad my flydigi apex 2 cant be paired with a switch
I'm going to take a chance with this King Kong2 Pro controller. It would have been nice if the controller came with a headphone jack but it's not a deal breaker. I hope I'm not disappointed as I was when I got one of the 8-Bit Do controllers a couple of years ago. Total waste of money.
no contest the GKK2P is the best all around controller even beating those expensive so called 1st party PRO/Elite/Edge controllers. once you use GKK2P the others just pales in comparison ^_^ in the future GKK3P only needs some "dual sense" + "touchpad" capabilities added to be the ultimate...
Great, now I gotta play The Stanley Parable again.
Bro the 8bit doe has been sold out at best buy since december but the gulikit target version has been in stock constantly, I wonder if its a sign I wont have any of its QC issues😂
I just goy my gulikit and am really wishing it had grip paddles. A lot of PC games need a grip paddle for extra inputs.
Basically I'm just opining for the day when valve releases a new steam controller. I've never loved any PC peripheral like I loved that thing and was so sad when it died
Why won’t 8bitdo make the wake button feature on their switch controllers? Every third party company making controllers NOT licensed by nintendo have the wake feature i just don’t understand why it’s so hard for them to do that every time i wanna use the 8bitdo i have to have a joycon just to wake it and resync the 8bitdo so it is the primary controller to use. I know it’s something little and don’t mean to nitpick but i guess it’s more of an annoyance
The 8BitDo can wake the switch, just shake the control. Explained in the instructions.
Only just subscribed to your channel but do want to thank you for the PS5 controller review and the informative opinions on a few other pro controllers like these two.
Currently I use a PS4 controller on PC with the Sony Back button attachment... And it's fine... I end up pulling new units apart to take out the heavy rumble packs, add locking screws to the triggers for a shorter throw, and even clean out the stupid analogue modules. It ends up cheaper than the cheaply built pro controllers like scuff, and is a lot cheaper than the new PS5 controller (ain't gonna pay $300+ for a pro controller that'll have stick drift).
All I want is just a PC controller with two back buttons and a 'little' quality... And I cannot understand why a billion dollar industry struggles with such a generic request.
(Ordered an 8bitdo so I'm trying that first)
Based on your "All I want is just a PC controller with two back buttons and a 'little' quality..." statement you'll probably like the 8bitdo. If you prefer the PS style joystick/dpad layout, you can probably consider the 8bitdo Pro2 controller as well.
These billion-dollar companies aren't struggling with such a generic request. The truth of the matter is it's all about money. Hall effect sensors cost a matter of pennies more to include over potentiometers, not dollars. The real money-making is in selling the client the same product over and over again which is why controllers aren't built to last.
A quick note regarding @rensuchan's mention of the 8bitdo Pro2, as far as I can tell the controller doesn't have the hall effect sensors. Best I can tell, the Ultimate Bluetooth is the only model they sell with them, even the wired Ultimate and the 2.4g-only model not having them either.
8bitdo has back buttons, enough said. It wins
14:08 hipcheck lulz
FlyDigi Vader2 Pro is great, but missing the hal sticks.
Having back buttons is the make or break for me. 8bitdo it is.
Body of Xbox with delay of ultimate
I've had mine for a couple of months now and in general it's my go-to switch controller but I've got two problems with it. One is that when I wake it up with the controller it will turn on the switch but then the buttons afterward don't register. I have to cycle the controller all the way through its input modes back to the switch in order for it to register button inputs properly. All this before the system goes back to sleep. I reset all my controller pairings for the switch and hoping that solves it. The other is that my a and y buttons tend to get stuck in the mashed position after a few minutes of play, but then weirdly they're back to normal , the next day or even a couple hours later. Has anyone experienced anything similar or know of any solutions?
Have you updated the controller's firmware by chance? Not that that'll fix all issues described.
@@linuxpirate Yes, I did. Or at least the controller vibrated like it was supposed to when I moved the file to the controller. I even checked a couple weeks ago to make sure I had the latest update and as far as I know I do . My connection problem seems to have been fixed by resetting my pairing as I just tested it maybe 10 minutes ago. As for the buttons, the only thing I can think is I fix it kit, but for reasons I am literally physically incapable of operating any kind of screwdriver so SOL there
@@armored_wheels I was going to say I had the same issue with buttons not registering after it turned on the switch, but then I brought the controller to an anime convention and paired it with another switch to play Mario Kart. The issue was gone when I re-paired it with my own switch after the convention. It looks like re-pairing it fixed it for you too.
I also have sometimes sticky feeling buttons, though mine have never fully gotten stuck. I imagine I could probably fix it if I decide to take the controller apart one day but thus far I've been too lazy to do that lol
I just got the ultimate 8bitdo and I main mon hun. I didn’t have any of the issues you described, either with the + - or any other button to hit my thumb stick. It could be because of hand size. I have quite long and big hands (palm to finger as long as an iPad Air 4 screen)
The only thing I feel is the triggers are a bit harder than I would expect. Overall a better feel for my hand size.
Switch pro is the best
But God dammit an xbox shape. I hate that damn shape can those of us who prefer the dual shock, shape get a hall effect sensor shape.
I love everything about this controller except it using an Xbox shell. I don't mind the Xbox controller as much as I used to since my hands used to slide up them, feeling like the angular shape was a bit too much for the handles, but now I just always grind my finger against the back when I hold one and I hate it. I always use the elite cause resting my fingers on the back paddles alleviates that issue for me. If this ever adds in back paddles, it may become my perfect controller
I didn't need confirmation for my KingKong Pro 2, and this came out like 3 days after I bought mine, but damn... After ~1 month yeah, no regrets. I also prefer the western standard, hitting Gear + '+' and Gear + the button to the left to disable dead zones and having Steam's own deadzone set to 5%... yup, it's gaming time.
Since you seems to be a gamer who cares about deadzone. Do you mind if I ask, how's the deadzone on the Kingkong Pro 2 feels? I used to have a Kingkong Pro Controller (first gen) about 2 years ago. And, right of the bat, the deadzone was noticeably bigger than my beloved Switch Pro Controller. Even after I set my deadzone to 0 in Steam setting (I used it mainly for PC game, loves the gyro aiming). That was a deal breaker, since stick sensitivity is the very important aspect for me. Hope you don't mind sharing some info about that.
Can either of these be used on an Xbox?
Yes,With the Brook Wingman Adapter and using the X- input on the controller, it works great, been using my Gulikit controller with my Series X for a few months now.
Ah, the famous "8bitdough." A good controller, that can also become a bread. :D
Having said that, I decided to buy a KingKong2 Pro instead, exactly because of the reasons stated in 2:08 (8BitDo Ultimate's form factor is familiar yet awful, and also the trigger buttons are weird; it's kind of difficult to put into words how wrong it feels in my hand).