# 8BitDo Ultimate Software vs Retro Achievements

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: 8BitDo Ultimate Software at none against Retro Achievements's 3. 8BitDo Ultimate Software also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). Retro Achievements's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Retro Achievements sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. 8BitDo Ultimate Software asks for nothing beyond the download.

8BitDo Ultimate Software ships an update every 2 months, Retro Achievements every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 8BitDo Ultimate Software | Retro Achievements |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.2 (254 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8bitdo-ultimate-software/id1532713768/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **254** | — |
| Positive reviews | 26.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 167 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [8BitDo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1532713770) | [Johan Steven Oliveros Rodriguez](https://appshunter.io/developer/1833398819) |

## 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


### Retro Achievements

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-achievements/id6751086905)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ad-Free Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Ad-Free 6 Months | $5.49 | per 6 months |
| Ad-Free Annual | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 8BitDo Ultimate Software free?

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

### Is Retro Achievements free?

Retro Achievements is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do 8BitDo Ultimate Software or Retro Achievements have ads?

Neither 8BitDo Ultimate Software nor Retro Achievements shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 8BitDo Ultimate Software or Retro Achievements?

8BitDo Ultimate Software ships an update every 2 months, and Retro Achievements every 2 weeks. Most recently, 8BitDo Ultimate Software was updated on November 3, 2026 and Retro Achievements on October 25, 2026.

---

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