Among manufacturers of third-party controllers, those that have successfully mastered the ability to wirelessly awaken the forthcoming Switch 2 console from its standby or sleep mode tend to showcase that achievement with considerable enthusiasm. The reason for their pride is simple yet significant: very few non-official controllers have managed to replicate one of the defining conveniences of Nintendo’s $89.99 Switch 2 Pro controller—namely, the effortless capacity to power on the console remotely, allowing users to begin a gaming session from the comfort of their couch without needing to reach for the console itself. It remains a notably rare functionality, and having it elevates a controller’s desirability, often serving as a marketing highlight and a symbol of technical refinement. Nevertheless, despite the prestige associated with such a feature, the well-known accessory manufacturer 8BitDo has curiously refrained from trumpeting the fact that it has quietly rolled out new firmware updates for its popular Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 controllers, both of which now include this very capability.\n\nThe latest Version 2.0 firmware—already accessible through the company’s Ultimate Software V2 on Windows and macOS—introduces what 8BitDo calls ‘shake-to-wake’ support for the Switch 2. This addition enables a seamless reawakening of the console by combining motion sensors and intelligent pairing recognition. Once a user pairs their controller with the Switch 2 through what the instructions describe as a somewhat quirky but singular setup process, activating the feature becomes second nature. From that point forward, it takes only a simple action: power on the controller, give it a gentle shake, and watch as the console’s display comes to life, ready for play. I personally verified the reliability of this function using both the Pro 3 and the Ultimate 2, confirming that the update indeed works flawlessly in practice and performs exactly as advertised—a commendable technical feat for a third-party accessory.\n\nPreviously, the lack of wireless wake-up support had been one of the principal factors influencing my reluctance to recommend 8BitDo’s newer models to Verge readers. After all, at approximately $69.99 apiece, they represent a considerable investment compared with some competing options. In contrast, certain models from other manufacturers—most notably the GuliKit ES Pro, which retails for around $29.99, along with several other capable and budget-friendly controllers—had already offered wireless wake functionality months earlier, and at significantly lower price points. In that context, 8BitDo’s recent firmware advancement not only addresses a prominent shortcoming but also finally positions its controllers as serious contenders within the increasingly competitive landscape of Switch 2 peripherals. The company may not be promoting the feature loudly, yet its quiet inclusion speaks volumes about 8BitDo’s dedication to refinement, iterative improvement, and delivering an experience that genuinely rivals Nintendo’s own hardware.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/814551/8bitdos-latest-wireless-controllers-can-now-shake-to-wake-the-switch-2
