8BitDo is known for producing excellent third-party gaming controllers, and now the company is expanding into smartphones with a new mobile controller. The just announced Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is 8BitDo's first controller that can be attached to smartphones and small tablets.

The controller features a clamping mechanism that can be extended to fit Android smartphones and tablets ranging from 3.9 to 6.6 inches in length; unlike the Backbone One and Asus ROG Tessen, which connect to devices via USB-C, the Ultimate Mobile Gaming controller uses Bluetooth. However, it is currently only compatible with Android devices.

Because it uses Bluetooth, the controller is powered by a 350mAh rechargeable battery, which according to 8BitDo can be used for 15 hours on a 90-minute charge. The battery adds to the weight of the controller. For comparison, the Backbone One weighs 138 grams (about 5 ounces) and the 8BitDo mobile controller weighs 236 grams (about 9 ounces).

One of the features of the Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is a drift-resistant magnetic Hall Effect sensor located on the joystick and trigger. The controller itself has two asymmetric joysticks, a four-way D-pad, Xbox-style letter buttons, turbo buttons, macro buttons, and profile buttons. Also on the back are two shoulder buttons and two programmable buttons.

The controller is fully customizable using 8BitDo's Ultimate software, available for both mobile and desktop. Controls can be remapped, macros can be created, and multiple profiles can be set. Trigger sensitivity can also be adjusted through the application.

If a comparable mobile gaming controller utilizes the USB-C connection, having a separate device for charging seems cumbersome, but it consumes power from the connected device.

The Ultimate Controller is available for pre-order now for $49.99 and will be available on November 29.