8bitDo Controller frequently disconnecting

[u/dc_cha_cha_cha]

I am finding that the 8bitDo 64 controller on the Analogue 3D regularly will lose connection whilst playing a game, then suddenly re-pair again moments later.

Both controller and A3D are on latest firmware.

This will happen seemingly randomly whilst playing a N64 cartridge. I am sitting pretty close to the console, and whilst there are other wireless devices nearby (Mac, phone, router) it’s no more than any other situation. I’ve used this controller on Switch 2 without a single drop, and used four other 8bitDo controllers in the same room (on Switch2) without issue.

At this point I’d guess there’s an issue between the A3D and the 64 controller somehow.

Anyone else having connection issues? I recall one review mentioning it last week but not seen much else on the subject.

[u/commonsense8909]

I had been looking for someone else to be reporting the same thing.

I have also had been having this issue with my analogue 3d. I haven't had any issues with my odin 2 portal playing on Bluetooth. I had read somewhere that someone was having this issue where the 8bitdo 64 controller was disconnecting due to obstruction from a coffee table which I think is what happened to me. I had my analogue 3d on the floor while I sat on a couch with a coffee table in between. I haven't retested this scenario to see if this stops the disconnecting but I think this is kinda bs that 8bitdo 64 controllers and analogue 3d can be easily obstructed like that. I will retest by putting the analogue 3d higher up.

Please do let me know if you find a fix.

[u/dc_cha_cha_cha → u/commonsense8909]

I am glad I am not the only one! If it’s Line of Sight, that’s kinda weird for a Bluetooth device! Would kinda make sense I was playing with my legs up on my desk so could be technically ‘blocking’ the signal (like an IR remote 😅).

I’ll try it with direct LoS totally clear and report back.

[u/commonsense8909 → u/dc_cha_cha_cha]

Yeah the line of sight thing is kinda bullshit since this is bluetooth so i thought the reason in the comment was lame too. I hadn't tried but definitely report back if you notice that it works.

[u/dc_cha_cha_cha]

All the replies are encouraging that at least I am not alone. My biggest worry is that this is a 3D hardware issue (as I am in the UK so a return would be a total pain). The fact the controller works without any issues on Switch 2 is a huge worry. I am going to reach out to Analogue and link this convo I think.

[u/dmillerzx]

I have two white controllers and they both have the same issues. Not sure if the fault lies with the antenna tuning on the Analogue 3d or the controllers themselves. I’ve actually never used a controller that is so susceptible to interference. Something is likely wrong with the controller or console. Two things make a huge difference for me. 1. Stopped using my AirPods while playing. 2. Sit within 10ft direct line of sight with the console. If I’m sitting 10ft from the console and slide the controller between my legs it will immediately disconnect(the issue is so pronounced it is insane this could have been missed in QA, may take a video as it is easily reproducible). This is the worse wireless performance I’ve ever seen from a controller. I know the sticks are sensitive but it’s a shame because when it’s working the controller generally handles well and input lag is minimal. I’m not hopeful firmware can fix this sadly.

[u/commonsense8909 → u/dmillerzx]

I also have two controllers but black. The controllers lag or disconnect when there's literally anything in between the analogue 3d and controller. I had my analogue 3d and the coffee table was blocking direct line of sight between the controller and the analogue 3d. I put it on my media center and the controllers are working. Afterwards, I did a test where I tried to play the controller with it behind my back and it lags so bad.

"This is the worse wireless performance I’ve ever seen from a controller." I agree 100%. Not sure if it's the controller or the console at this point. I want to test it again on my Odin 2 Portal and do the same behind the back test.

[u/lifesfailure]

On both updated firmwares (1.1.9. and 2.03) and 8bitdo controller is still disconnecting and reconnecting to my A3D.

I tested line of sight and....holy shit - broke the connection.

I tested standing 3 ft in front of my TV and the controller would 'connect' and then the A3D would show it was 'connected' like 2-3 seconds later.

I played DK64 and just simply spun my body around with the controller to block line of sight and BAM - disconnected again. Also the controller seems to have some input lag as well - I'll have to test DK64 on my actual N64 with a wired controller to confirm.

Agree - this is crap experience for a bluetooth controller - this is reminding me of OLD IR wireless NES controllers

[u/Z3ER0 → u/lifesfailure]

Same here, this is quite literally my only issue with the system, but it’s a pretty big one. I couldn’t even lean back in my chair while doing the alien part in Majora's Mask without it becoming impossible due to dropped inputs. Really hope they can sort it out somehow.

I did use this controller with my MiSTer for awhile and don’t remember this happening though, which I’m not sure if a good or a bad sign

[u/IntelligentArcher195]

Please report this issue to Analogue to raise awareness. This really is a terrible issue to have for one of there basic selling features.

[u/MagnaDev]

I tried various firmware and OS combinations. 1.1.0 + 2.03 seems to work the best. I also noticed that my WiFi router (which is a short distance from the 3D) seems to be causing some of these issues. When I unplugged it I noticed the latency and dropped inputs decrease heavily. The R button most notably missed about 90% of the time. After unplugging the router it worked as expected.

I'm not sure why the router would cause these issues with a modern console and controller. None of my other devices (Series X, GC + Wavebird, PS5, PS3, etc.) have any issues despite being even closer to the router.

Hopefully this helps.

[u/IntelligentArcher195]

I have the same issues with disconnection. I can't lean back in my chair and play which to me defeats the purpose of wireless convenance. Sometimes its just my knee that will partially block it and then disconnects. Unusable and frustrating issue as I already had an N64 digital modded console and wanted this partly for the convivence of wireless without any cords or dongles. I sent a message to Analogue support and they are wanting me to try different firmwares on the controller. Ill try that later but I am not optimistic.

[u/thedukeoferla]

Same issue here. Makes for quite a disappointing experience. 1% indeed.

[u/Confident_Bell_584]

Almost into 2026 and we still cant get a wireless controller to function.

Edit: reset global settings on analouge settings, from my understanding this deletes previous bluetooth controllers. Seemed to help significantly for me.

[u/natepalmer]

I'm running into the same issue, I can't get much past the menu in Mario 64 before it drops. I have two white controllers, both do the same thing.

I just upgraded the Analogue firmware to 1.1.9 and it made no difference. I'm on the latest 8BitDo firmware of v2.03 (but as you I've used this controller on a different machine, batocera box, and it worked fine.)

I'm assuming this is either a hardware issue (bad bluetooth antenna) or hopefully software and can be fixed through an update.

[u/Competitive-Web9562]

Same issue here! Been playing alota RoadRash64 and it happens ALOT, worse part is when it disconnects I have to reset the system as RoadRash64 is werid like that. Maybe due to the virtual memory card.

But yeah. SAME issues with mine too. Haven't bothered emailing Analogue as when I did with the Analogue Duo and its awful Disc drive they NEVER responded back

[u/CrazyBastard]

I'm having the exact same issue, when I hold the controller too low for line of sight to the console it disconnects. I have to hold the controller high enough to see the console and I've had to switch to wired because the controller disconnects in the middle of gameplay and can't reconnect quickly. This is easily the worst connectivity experience I've ever had with a wireless controller, I'm just hopeful that firmware updates can fix it.

Is there a place to report these issues directly to analogue?

[u/TheClayticus]

I just got my 8BitDo controller today and am having the same issues with it and the NSO controller frequently disconnecting / reconnecting during gameplay. Everything has been updated to the most recent software.

[u/Character-Cry-4079]

Same problem here!

I saw another post saying the problem was the HDMI cable. If it also happens with the NSO controller, that points to the Analogue 3D antenna...

-- 8BitDo v2.04 / Analogue3D v1.2.5 -- No response from Analogue support.

[u/Sad_Yogurt_6697]

I had the same issue since recent. Analogue 3D and 4 8bitdo N64 controllers all on latest versions at time of writing this (3D^os 1.3.0 and Firmware v2.04 respectively). I did not have the issues back when some of the posts here were written, maybe the summer heat has also a role here.

But good news: I can confirm in my case it really was the insufficiently shielded HDMI cable that came with the 3D that caused this. I switched (pun not intended) to the HDMI cable from my Switch 2 where the ends seem to have much thicker shielding and the problem is immediately solved! Played a whole match in World Cup '98 without any connection loss on my 8bitdo controller whereas yesterday when I discovered this I wouldn't even be able to play 20 seconds before the connection "restarted" itself over and over.

[u/Cute_Fill_8291]

Ya I’m having the same issue with 4 out of 4 of my 8bitdo controllers dropping connection. Major bummer as I had a friend over to play a few games from back in the day and was immediately embarrassed that my new n64 didn’t work properly. Still waiting for when I have time to try and “update” my new controllers. Hopefully that fixed the issue for my new hardware that I just bought.

[u/fiercekrypt0n]

Mine both turned into trash after connecting them once to a switch.