8BitDo Launches New Orion Controller with Hall Effect Triggers and Haptic Feedback

8BitDo has launched a new wireless controller in China called the Orion. This controller may be an upgraded version of the popular 8BitDo Ultimate, which could be released globally in the future.

The Orion features improved hardware, including Hall effect triggers that offer haptic feedback when used with Windows devices.

This is a feature not found in the Ultimate. The Orion also has Hall effect joysticks with a 1,024 resolution, similar to the Ultimate’s joysticks. The controller’s design is nearly identical to the Ultimate, with the same control layout.

However, the Orion is slightly smaller and lighter, measuring 146.7 x 103.6 x 61.3 mm and weighing 236 grams, compared to the Ultimate’s 147.0 x 104.0 x 61.5 mm and 245 grams. The Orion also adds support for macOS, which the Ultimate lacks.

The 8BitDo Orion is priced at CNY 219 (~$30) in China. While there is no word on global availability yet, it’s possible that 8BitDo will release the Orion as a new version of the Ultimate outside China.