Taking advantage of the upcoming launch of Project xCloud, Microsoft and 8BitDo announced a new SNES-inspired controller for Android games.
Microsoft releases SNES-inspired controller for Project xCloud
Microsoft announced a new controller for its Project xCloud gaming service. The special feature is not that it can be connected to your mobile phone to play Halo Infinite or Gears 5, but that its design is inspired by Super Nintendo, one of the most iconic systems.
The device is a collaboration between Microsoft and 8BitDo, the renowned peripheral company specializing in retro controller designs for all types of systems. The new Xbox model is based on the SN30 Pro, one of its most popular controllers, which is compatible with smartphones, computers, and Nintendo Switch.
The difference lies in the design and its purpose. The SN30 Pro Xbox Edition is designed to play Project xCloud titles on your mobile phone. The controller comes with a smartphone holder and has everything you need to take advantage of Microsoft’s cloud gaming service.
Inspired by the form factor of the original Super Nintendo controller, the SN30 Pro is an evolution of the first model released some time ago for the [SNES/SFC Classic Edition](SNES/SFC Classic Edition). The main difference is the integration of two analogue levers and a pair of triggers, which are attached to the buttons on the top edge.
Its dimensions are 144 mm x 63.4 mm x 33 mm, and it weighs only 111 g, which makes it quite handy for mobile gaming. The design of the clip doesn’t interfere with the triggers and bumpers that are on top, a common mistake of some smartphone peripherals.
As a special edition, we find here the button layout of a conventional controller, including the home with the Xbox logo. In terms of specifications, it comes with a 480 mAh battery that guarantees 18 hours of playtime with a charging time of 1 to 2 hours via a USB-C connection.
Unlike the conventional SN30 Pro, this version is only compatible with Android smartphones and tablets. 8BitDo includes the Ultimate software, which allows you to reassign the buttons and adjust the sensitivity of the triggers. The product page does not indicate whether it includes other features of its twin brother, such as vibration or turbo.
The SN30Pro for Project xCloud will be available from September 21 at a suggested retail price of $45. It is not known whether it will include a special promotion or coincide with the launch of the Microsoft service.