This is a really great, tiny controller! I got this specifically for Mariokart on my Switch Lite. It’s so nice to be able to play another way. I still need to figure out how to pair multiple controllers at the same time, but I do believe that it’s possible. The controller is so small that it fits inside my case for my Switch Lite, so it takes up almost no space at all. It’s just as easy to bring it with me on the go as it is to just bring the Switch. It’s very easy to pair, and it typically stays paired after you set it up. Despite its small size, I don’t think that it’s any more difficult to use than the controls on the Switch itself. It’s also a cute color, I have the teal one as well. It doesn’t have all of the controls that the Switch has, so it won’t work well with certain games, but it definitely works well for Mariokart. I would recommend this to anyone who loves gaming and wants a super portable alternative controller. Read more
At first glance, this thing looks like a novelty. It’s tiny. Literally keychain-sized. The first time you hold it, your brain immediately assumes it’s more of a collectible than a serious controller. But I didn’t buy it for gaming. I bought it to hack my brain into studying more. ⸻ The Idea: Turn Flashcards Into a Game I use Anki for studying, and if you know Anki, you know the grind. Hundreds of flashcards every day. Same motions over and over. It works, but it can feel mentally exhausting. So I had a weird idea: What if reviewing flashcards felt like playing a video game instead of doing schoolwork? That’s where the 8BitDo Zero 2 comes in. I connect it to my MacBook or iPad via Bluetooth, map the buttons to Anki shortcuts, and suddenly reviewing cards feels less like clicking through a study app and more like progressing through a game. You sit back, hold a tiny controller, and knock out 200–300 cards without feeling like you’re trapped at a keyboard. Psychologically, it works. ⸻ Size: Ridiculously Small This thing is genuinely tiny. Not “compact controller” tiny — keychain tiny. It fits in your palm and weighs almost nothing. You can throw it in a backpack, pocket, or pencil case and forget it’s even there. Despite the size, the buttons are surprisingly usable. For something designed mainly for quick inputs (like Anki shortcuts), it’s perfect. ⸻ Connectivity: Works Everywhere Pairing is straightforward. It connects easily to: • macOS • iPadOS • Windows • Android • Switch • Raspberry Pi Once paired, you can map buttons however you want. For Anki, I mapped buttons to: • show answer • again • good • easy • next card After that, you’re basically just sitting back pressing buttons and flying through cards. ⸻ Why It Works So Well for Studying The real value isn’t the hardware — it’s the psychology. Studying normally feels like work. Keyboard + mouse reinforces that. But a controller triggers a different mindset. It feels like interaction instead of labor. Your brain associates it with gaming rather than productivity. It sounds ridiculous until you try it. And then suddenly 300 flashcards disappear faster than expected. ⸻ Battery Life Battery life is solid for something this small. You can go through many study sessions before needing to charge it, and charging is quick. For something that spends most of its life pressing a few buttons repeatedly, it’s more than enough. ⸻ Pros • Extremely small and portable • Reliable Bluetooth connection • Works across multiple devices • Perfect for Anki or other shortcut-based apps • Turns repetitive studying into something more engaging Cons • Too small for serious gaming sessions • Buttons require slight adjustment if you have large hands • Not many buttons (but that’s expected for its size) ⸻ Final Thoughts: A Weird Study Hack That Actually Works If you’re grinding through hundreds of Anki cards every day, anything that reduces friction helps. Using this tiny controller makes the process feel more like clearing levels in a game instead of clicking through endless flashcards. It’s a small, slightly ridiculous tool — but for me, it’s been one of the most effective study hacks I’ve found. Sometimes the trick isn’t studying harder. It’s making your brain think you’re playing instead. Read more
I bought the 8BitDo Zero 2 fully expecting it to be a novelty — something cute, unnecessary, and destined to live in a drawer. Instead, it has become one of the most used study tools I own. If you do Anki (especially if you’re a med student), this thing is dangerous in the best way. Here’s why: clicking spacebar 800 times a day is a fast track to wrist pain and existential dread. This tiny controller lets me lean back, dissociate slightly, and still absolutely demolish my reviews. No desk posture. No laptop hunch. Just buttons, vibes, and spaced repetition. It connects easily via Bluetooth, maps cleanly to Anki, and somehow feels shockingly responsive for something that could disappear into a coat pocket. Once it’s set up, it’s seamless — I forget I’m using it until I realize I’ve done hundreds of cards without wanting to scream. The size is deceptive. Yes, it’s small. Yes, your hands will question it for about five minutes. And then your brain adapts and suddenly this feels correct. I can review while standing, pacing, lying on the floor, or staring into the void after missing yet another “easy” question. If you’re thinking: “I can just use my keyboard” “This seems unnecessary” “I don’t need another gadget” That’s what I said too. And I was wrong. This doesn’t replace studying — it removes friction, which is half the battle. Anything that makes Anki easier to start, easier to finish, and less physically annoying is worth it. Tiny. Mighty. Joy-inducing. 5/5 — would absolutely buy again, and would recommend to anyone who lives in Anki. Read more
It’s hard to not like this. It’s tiny and functional. Great for playing older games on emulators, but not for all games. Like, great for Civilization or a turn-based rpg. Not great for Street Fighter II or Super Mario World or games that required speed and precision. I love this brand. I have one of their Xbox controllers and it’s amazing. I also got rid of this one and bought a more expensive one that’s shaped like a snes controller but with analog sticks. That thing is great. Great for RPG’s, not so great for platformers or fighting games. Read more
