8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 vs ROCCAT Swarm II
8BitDo Ultimate Software V2
app.8bitdo.comROCCAT Swarm II
turtlebeach.comSide by side
| Figure | 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 | ROCCAT Swarm II |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Gaming Peripheral Software | 8.2 (#10) | 8.1 (#11) |
| Spec score · Keyboard and Mouse Customization Software | 7.6 (#72) | 8.6 (#13) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Macro support | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile support | An 8BitDo FAQ for the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller says the software supports Windows and macOS versions only, with no mobile version. | The maker lists Swarm II as available for Android, iOS, and Windows. |
| Purpose | The software configures 8BitDo devices and keeps their firmware up to date. | Swarm II is device software for configuring compatible Turtle Beach and selected ROCCAT products. |
| Support | The company’s shop contact page lists [email protected] for customer support. | Turtle Beach says its ROCCAT and Turtle Beach technical support teams remain available through its unified support site. |
Plans
In their own words
8BitDo Ultimate Software V2
8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 configures supported 8BitDo devices and provides firmware updates when available. Users can remap or disable supported keys, create profiles, record macros that trigger multiple instructions with one keystroke, and adjust lighting effects and colors on supported devices. Audio configuration is listed among V2’s enhanced features. The page lists selected 8BitDo controllers for Windows and macOS and indicates which customization features each supports; listed device types also include mechanical keyboards, numpads, mice, speakers, adapters, arcade controllers and mod kits. The software is free for supported 8BitDo devices. Its requirements are Windows 10 (1903) or above and macOS 13.0 or above, and an 8BitDo FAQ says there is no mobile version. For certain devices that are not recognized, the product FAQ gives button combinations and USB connection steps. 8BitDo’s privacy policy says it may collect software-use and device details, including operating system, applications, IP address and location.
ROCCAT Swarm II
ROCCAT Swarm II is free software for configuring compatible Turtle Beach devices and selected ROCCAT products. It can update firmware; supported headsets also get a dynamic 10-band equalizer, audio and microphone presets, and controls for microphone sensitivity, noise gate, and monitoring. The app can assign functions to a remappable wheel and mode button on supported headsets. Profiles store audio, microphone, and other adjustable settings. Some devices retain settings in onboard memory when Swarm II is closed or absent, but the maker notes that not every configured function is retained. The Atlas 200 USB profile guide describes five onboard profile slots and automatic switching for profiles assigned to games or programs. The app is listed for Windows, Android, and iOS. Basic device functions do not require Swarm, and some devices support driverless setup; Turtle Beach says installing Swarm II is necessary for troubleshooting. Some advanced audio features available in 2.4GHz wireless mode may not work over Bluetooth. For Atlas 200 USB, desktop software requires a USB audio adapter on Windows and the mobile version is unavailable.