How to Pair and Use the 8BitDo Lite 2 with Switch, Android, and Raspberry Pi

Quick Answer

To pair the 8BitDo Lite 2, put the controller into pairing mode by holding the pairing button (the small button near the USB-C port) until the LED blinks rapidly. Then, on your Switch, Android device, or Raspberry Pi, open the Bluetooth settings and select '8BitDo Lite 2' from the list. For Switch, use the 'Change Grip/Order' screen. For Android and Raspberry Pi, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and the controller is discoverable. Once connected, the LED will stop blinking and stay solid.

The 8BitDo Lite 2 is a compact, versatile gamepad that works across multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, Android devices, and Raspberry Pi. Its lightweight design and low-profile buttons make it a favorite for retro gaming and portable setups. However, pairing it with different devices can sometimes be confusing, especially if you're new to Bluetooth controllers.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the exact steps to pair the 8BitDo Lite 2 with Switch, Android, and Raspberry Pi. We'll also highlight common mistakes to avoid, ensuring a smooth connection every time. Whether you're playing on the go or setting up a retro emulation station, these instructions will get you gaming in no time.

Understanding Pairing Modes

The 8BitDo Lite 2 uses different pairing modes depending on the device you're connecting to. For Switch, Android, and Raspberry Pi, you'll typically use the 'X-Input' or 'D-Input' mode, but the controller automatically selects the correct mode when you enter pairing mode. To enter pairing mode, press and hold the pairing button (the small button on the top edge near the USB-C port) for about 3 seconds until the LED starts blinking rapidly.

It's important to note that the Lite 2 remembers the last connected device, so if you've previously paired it with another device, you may need to 'forget' the controller on that device or put the Lite 2 into pairing mode again to connect to a new one. Also, make sure the controller is charged before attempting to pair, as a low battery can cause connection issues.

• Always charge the controller before pairing to avoid interruptions.
• If the controller doesn't appear in the Bluetooth list, press the pairing button again to re-enter pairing mode.

Pairing with Nintendo Switch

To pair the 8BitDo Lite 2 with your Switch, start by making sure the Switch is on and unlocked. Go to 'Controllers' from the home menu, then select 'Change Grip/Order.' This puts the Switch into controller discovery mode.

Now, put the Lite 2 into pairing mode by holding the pairing button until the LED blinks rapidly. The controller should appear on the Switch screen as '8BitDo Lite 2.' Select it, and the LED will stop blinking, indicating a successful connection. If the controller doesn't appear, try moving closer to the Switch and ensure no other Bluetooth devices are interfering.

A common mistake is trying to pair the Lite 2 from the regular Bluetooth settings, which is not available on the Switch. Always use the 'Change Grip/Order' screen. Also, if you've previously paired the controller with another device, you may need to reset the controller by holding the pairing button for 10 seconds to clear its memory.

• Use 'Change Grip/Order' on Switch, not the system Bluetooth settings.
• If the controller is not detected, reset it by holding the pairing button for 10 seconds.

Pairing with Android

Pairing the 8BitDo Lite 2 with an Android device is straightforward. First, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your Android device. Then, put the Lite 2 into pairing mode by holding the pairing button until the LED blinks rapidly.

Open the Bluetooth settings on your Android device and scan for available devices. You should see '8BitDo Lite 2' in the list. Tap it to pair. The LED will stop blinking, and the controller will be connected. If you're prompted for a PIN, enter '0000' or '1234' (common defaults).

One common mistake is not putting the controller into pairing mode before scanning. Also, some Android devices may require you to tap 'Pair' twice or wait a few seconds for the connection to establish. If the controller doesn't appear, check that the controller is not already connected to another device.

• Ensure the controller is in pairing mode before scanning.
• If prompted for a PIN, try '0000' or '1234'.

Pairing with Raspberry Pi

To use the 8BitDo Lite 2 with a Raspberry Pi, you'll need to have Bluetooth enabled and the necessary drivers installed. Most modern Raspberry Pi OS versions include Bluetooth support. Start by opening a terminal and running 'bluetoothctl' to enter the Bluetooth control interface.

Put the Lite 2 into pairing mode by holding the pairing button until the LED blinks. Then, in bluetoothctl, type 'scan on' to search for devices. When you see '8BitDo Lite 2' in the list, type 'pair ' (you can find the MAC address from the scan results). After pairing, type 'connect ' to establish the connection.

A common mistake is not installing the necessary drivers or not having the correct Bluetooth stack. Ensure your Raspberry Pi OS is up to date. Also, some users find it easier to use the graphical Bluetooth settings in the desktop environment. If you're using RetroPie or similar, you may need to configure the controller in the emulation station settings.

• Use 'bluetoothctl' for command-line pairing, or the GUI if preferred.
• Ensure your Raspberry Pi OS is updated to avoid Bluetooth issues.

Step-by-Step Pairing Checklist

1. Charge the controller: Ensure the 8BitDo Lite 2 has sufficient battery by connecting it to a power source for at least 30 minutes before first use. A low battery can cause pairing failures.
2. Enter pairing mode: Press and hold the pairing button (small button near USB-C) for 3 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly. If the LED doesn't blink, the controller may be off or already connected to another device.
3. Open Bluetooth settings on your device: On Switch: go to Controllers > Change Grip/Order. On Android: go to Settings > Bluetooth and scan. On Raspberry Pi: use bluetoothctl or the GUI. Each platform has a different method; using the wrong one is a common mistake.
4. Select '8BitDo Lite 2' from the list: Wait for the controller to appear in the list and select it. If prompted for a PIN, try 0000 or 1234. If it doesn't appear, re-enter pairing mode or move closer to the device.
5. Confirm connection: Once connected, the LED will stop blinking and stay solid. Test the buttons to ensure everything works. If buttons don't respond, check the controller's mode (X-Input vs D-Input) and adjust as needed.

Related Products

• 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard Mecha Break Edition: Official collaboration with Mecha BREAK: PANTHER 87 keys. RGB Backlight. Function shortcut keys and Fn lock. Integrated Game Bar Button. Kailh Glaze Jellyfish Pro linear switches. Hot-swappable PCB. Support n-key rollover. Double-layered ABS keycaps with matte UV coating. MDA-like height. Top mount style. Fast-mapping on Super Buttons (no software needed). Support 8BitDo... If you're building a retro gaming setup, this keyboard pairs well with the Lite 2 for a complete 8BitDo experience, offering hot-swappable switches and fast-mapping for personalized controls.
• 8BitDo Wireless Retro Receiver for SNES: The Retro Receiver for SNES is a wireless Bluetooth receiver that allows you to use all of 8BitDo's bluetooth controllers on your original SNES system. Compatible with all Bluetooth 8BitDo controllers and arcade sticks. Compatible with next-gen controllers: PS3, PS4, Wiimote, Wii U Pro. Lag-free. System Compatibility: Original Super Nintendo (all models), Original Super... If you also own an original SNES, this receiver lets you use the Lite 2 wirelessly on that console, expanding your retro gaming options beyond modern devices.

Pairing the 8BitDo Lite 2 with Switch, Android, or Raspberry Pi is a straightforward process once you know the correct steps. By following this guide and avoiding common mistakes, you'll be ready to enjoy your favorite games across multiple platforms. If you encounter issues, refer to the troubleshooting tips or consider updating your device's firmware.