8BitDo just quietly rolled out firmware that finally brings shake-to-wake functionality to its Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 controllers, letting gamers fire up their Switch 2 from across the room. The update addresses a glaring omission that had tech reviewers pointing players toward cheaper alternatives for months.
8BitDo just delivered what many gamers have been waiting for, though the company seems almost sheepish about it. The accessory maker quietly pushed out Version 2.0 firmware for its Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 controllers that finally enables shake-to-wake functionality on Nintendo's Switch 2 console. This isn't just any feature - it's the kind of convenience that separates premium controllers from basic gamepads, letting you fire up your console from across the room with a simple shake of the controller. What makes this update particularly noteworthy is how long it took to arrive. Third-party controller makers have been racing to match the wireless wake capability of Nintendo's own $89.99 Switch 2 Pro controller, and most have been pretty vocal about achieving this milestone. 8BitDo, however, seemed to slip this feature in without much fanfare through their Ultimate Software V2 update system. The implementation works exactly as you'd expect from a premium gaming accessory. Once you complete what 8BitDo describes as a "goofy one-time procedure" to pair the controller, the process becomes seamless. Turn on your gamepad, give it a gentle shake, and your Switch 2 springs to life. The Verge's Cameron Faulkner confirmed the feature works reliably on both controller models. But here's where things get interesting from a market perspective. At around $69.99 each, these aren't budget controllers, yet they've been playing catch-up to significantly cheaper alternatives. Companies like GuliKit have been shipping their $29.99 ES Pro controllers with Switch 2 wake functionality for months, creating an awkward situation where premium-priced accessories lacked basic convenience features found in budget options. This pricing dynamic highlights the broader competitive pressure in the third-party controller market. When you're asking gamers to pay nearly as much as Nintendo's official Pro controller, every missing feature becomes a deal-breaker. The shake-to-wake capability isn't just about convenience - it's about justifying that premium price point in a crowded accessory market. The update arrives through 's desktop software for Windows and Mac, continuing the company's pattern of adding features post-launch rather than shipping them out of the box. While this approach allows for continuous improvement, it also means early adopters had to wait months for functionality that competitors were offering from day one. For existing Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 owners, this firmware update transforms their controllers from expensive also-rans into legitimate alternatives to 's first-party option. The shake-to-wake feature joins other premium touches like customizable button mapping and adjustable stick sensitivity to create a complete high-end gaming experience. Looking ahead, this update signals 's commitment to keeping pace with the evolving Switch 2 ecosystem. As continues refining the console's wireless communication protocols, third-party manufacturers need to stay current or risk their products becoming obsolete. The fact that delivered this functionality through a free firmware update, rather than requiring new hardware purchases, shows the company values its existing customer base.
