Microsoft’s upcoming xCloud service has a new controller, courtesy of 8BitDo, called the SN30 Pro for Xbox.
The xCloud service will launch later this year as part of the Xbox Game Pass. It’s a streaming service for Xbox games, allowing some fan favourite console titles to be played on Android smartphones and tablets.
The service is already slated to work with standard Xbox controllers, and a compatible smartphone mounting clip has been available through the Microsoft store for some time. The ‘Xbox x 8BitDo’ collaboration will provide gamers with a small and lightweight controller alternative, increasing portability.
8BitDo is the company behind many of the best retro-styled Nintendo Switch controllers around. The upcoming xCloud Xbox design is very similar to 8BitDo’s SF30 Pro controller, which itself is modelled on the Super Nintendo’s controller from 1992. The mounting clip that will be offered with the SN30 Pro for Xbox also closely resembles the 8BitDo Smartphone Clip.
The controller will allow custom button mapping, and tuning of trigger and stick sensitivity. The battery life seems respectable too, being advertised as holding 16-hours of charge. Despite the logo and Xbox aesthetic, as a Bluetooth controller, it will be able to work with other Android gaming platforms.
The controller is available for pre-order on Amazon.com for $44.99 (approx. £35.50), and will be shipping on September 21. This listing does not allow shipping to the UK. As of yet, there is no UK listing available on Amazon or the 8BitDo website.