# 8BitDo Ultimate Software vs XIM MATRIX Manager

The clearest difference is rating: XIM MATRIX Manager at 3.2 against 8BitDo Ultimate Software's 2.4. 8BitDo Ultimate Software's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 7 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

XIM MATRIX Manager holds the better App Store score, 3.2 against 2.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 197 and 123 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 26% of 8BitDo Ultimate Software's written reviews are positive against 30% of XIM MATRIX Manager's.

8BitDo Ultimate Software ships an update every 2 months, XIM MATRIX Manager every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 8BitDo Ultimate Software | XIM MATRIX Manager |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.4 (197 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8bitdo-ultimate-software/id1532713768/reviews) | **[3.2 (123 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xim-matrix-manager/id6443632431/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **197** | 123 |
| Positive reviews | 26.4% of reviews | **30.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 167 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 17 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [8BitDo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1532713770) | [XIM Technologies, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/994004582) |

## What reviewers say

### 8BitDo Ultimate Software

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8bitdo-ultimate-software/id1532713768)

Gain complete control over your compatible gamepad. Customize button layouts, fine-tune analog stick and trigger responses, and manage vibration intensity. Create custom macro commands for advanced gameplay.

**Highlights:** Button mapping customization, Stick and trigger sensitivity adjustment, Vibration power control, Macro creation, Controller compatibility management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Functional app
- 💡 Helpful for left-hand device use
- 🚀 Seamless controller connection
- 🚀 Intuitive key mapping

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance
- 🐛 Lack of support for certain controllers
- 🐛 Buggy firmware updates
- 🐛 Profiles not saving properly

**Reported bugs**

- App unable to detect connected controllers
- Key mapping not working as expected
- Profiles resetting after app restart
- Firmware update issues bricking controllers

**Requested features**

- Support for more controllers (e.g. 8bitdo Zero 2, SN30 Pro+)
- Add ability to remap command/option keys for macOS/iOS
- Improve macro functionality (e.g. adjustable delay, ability to hold keys)
- Add media control key mapping options
- Implement Bluetooth firmware update capability


### XIM MATRIX Manager

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xim-matrix-manager/id6443632431)

Configure advanced gaming input adapters for consoles and PC. Enhance your gameplay with precision aiming and custom macros using mice, keyboards, and controllers. Elevate your gaming experience with unparalleled flexibility and ease of use.

**Highlights:** Configure XIM MATRIX adapter, Support for mice, keyboards, gyro controllers, Cross-console controller use, Precision aim system, Advanced macro engine, Customizable input combinations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 8BitDo Ultimate Software free?

8BitDo Ultimate Software is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is XIM MATRIX Manager free?

XIM MATRIX Manager is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, 8BitDo Ultimate Software or XIM MATRIX Manager?

XIM MATRIX Manager is rated higher. 8BitDo Ultimate Software averages 2.4 out of 5 from 197 ratings, while XIM MATRIX Manager averages 3.2 from 123 ratings.

### Do 8BitDo Ultimate Software or XIM MATRIX Manager have ads?

Neither 8BitDo Ultimate Software nor XIM MATRIX Manager shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 8BitDo Ultimate Software or XIM MATRIX Manager?

8BitDo Ultimate Software ships an update every 2 months, and XIM MATRIX Manager every 7 months. Most recently, 8BitDo Ultimate Software was updated on September 23, 2026 and XIM MATRIX Manager on September 21, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*