Whether it’s traditional controllers or the Switch’s split Joy-Cons, the layout is fairly similar. You have face buttons, shoulder buttons and triggers; as well as the increasingly popular back buttons. However, this common layout isn’t optimal for every gamer, with some finding it hard or even impossible to reach triggers and shoulder buttons. So when Microsoft announced its Xbox Adaptive Controller some years ago, it was a promising step forward to increase access to games and could invite other companies to follow suit. Indeed some did follow Microsoft’s lead and 8BitDo features among them with its Lite SE Bluetooth controller aimed at Android and Switch gaming.

Retailing at $34.99, the 8BitDo Lite SE package comes with the following:

• 8BitDo Lite SE Bluetooth gamepad
• USB cable
• Instruction manual

Specs of the Lite SE can be found below:

While the Lite SE does pack familiar features of a traditional controller, it bears differences as it is somewhat akin to a mix of a PC/console controller and an arcade controller. It is mainly aimed at being used while being placed on a tabletop; hence the large rubber grip at the back to keep it from sliding around. Save for the pairing button at the top (next to the USB-C charging port), there are no shoulder buttons/triggers. Everything is positioned on the face of the controller. This makes everything more reachable and accessible while the device lies on the table. 

 

That said, I also found it easy to use while holding the Lite SE like a traditional controller. However, your fingers might get cramped during extended gaming sessions if you use it this way and the buttons can feel a bit cluttered on the device by nature of its compact size. If you wish to get this but are also fine with using traditional controllers, you can think of the Lite SE as a compact, wireless controller for short bouts of gaming whether it’s on the Switch or an Android device.

But this controller was designed specifically for gamers with limited mobility and included input and feedback from gamers with such needs. I can see how the Lite SE can be a literal game changer when one’s motion is limited and it’s encouraging that 8BitDo offers such a controller as an option in its growing catalogue.

It is well designed and priced for such uses and the 20h-ish of playtime it offers after a full charge delivers ample gaming time. Should your battery run out, there’s an option to use the Lite SE in wired mode through a dedicated toggle. There’s also a handy Turbo function for Android gaming to automate some repetitive key presses.

However, it would still be welcome to be able to remap the buttons based on one’s needs and preference. This is a feature that’s available on 8BitDo’s other controllers and would be right at home for a controller designed for players with limited mobility.

While the buttons and joysticks have been designed to offer less resistance and greater sensitivity, it takes some getting used to as well as with the feedback they deliver. Maybe in the future they could offer options for how sensitive buyers wish their keys to be. But this could have been addressed via a software like 8BitDo offers with its other controllers. 

 

As a controller designed for gamers with limited mobility, the 8BitDo Lite SE is an important addition to the gaming controller market. It’s a promising first outing for the company and I hope to see them release more products in this line with compatibility on more systems.