Bluetooth has been around for a while now, and while it’s always had the same concept — wireless devices that connect to your other devices — it’s improved quite a bit. We’re now on Bluetooth 6.0, but it’ll be a while for it to become fully mainstream, and it’s not uncommon to see 5.4 or even 5.3 be the standard on many devices still. It’s not all bad, though, and I look at it a bit like HDMI 2.2, where it’s better than its predecessor, but it’s still plenty good enough. I wouldn’t be shocked to see people still using HDMI 2.0 without many problems.
Basically, if it connects, then go for it. I have an 8Bitdo mobile controller I use with my phone, and it connects via Bluetooth. Many variants like this connect through USB-C, and that’s the way to go if you’re deeply concerned about latency. I thought I was one of those people until I tried this controller. I’ve used it for quite a while now, and I don’t notice any problems whatsoever. In fact, it’s inspired me to use more of my devices without being plugged in. I haven’t noticed much of a difference.
Free yourself from the cable
You don’t need it
I used to have a lot of problems with wireless connections in general, but either I’ve been lucky, or I’m just not noticing the differences anymore. My controller still feels highly responsive, and I finished the entirety of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black earlier this year, streaming from my Xbox Series X to my phone. Audio-wise, I know I’m missing out by doing this, especially since I have a Dolby Atmos setup in my living room. I know the importance of a wired connection, but when I’m playing games on my phone, I’m already accepting the drop in quality.
USB-C has clear advantages, and quality and latency are among the top of the list. I’m disputing that, but I’m saying it’s close enough to the point where I don’t really care anymore. It’s the same as using Wi-Fi over Ethernet. I know Ethernet offers more stability, but I don’t have connection problems with my Wi-Fi at all. The only thing I have plugged into Ethernet is my PC, and that’s more due to the fact that it’s directly next to my router and doesn’t have Wi-Fi abilities.
I love that I’m able to easily connect my game controller to my phone via Bluetooth without a cable, and I can use the same device across many devices without a cable. Being fully wireless is very freeing since I’m not bogged down by cables anymore. I know people lament the loss of things like audio jacks in their phones, but Bluetooth has gotten so good that I really don’t notice the difference anymore.
Over the years, perhaps because I was forced to, I’ve used fewer and fewer cables. Going back to this 8Bitdo controller as an example, it actually doesn’t have any way to connect via USB-C. Bluetooth is the only option available, and that might be a deal breaker to some people. It wasn’t to me, and if you told me it was still getting a wired connection, I’d believe you. If you’re still concerned about latency, I implore you to take the leap and try it out for yourself.
USB-C is still very relevant
Can’t have Bluetooth without it
It’s a symbiotic relationship between Bluetooth and USB-C in a way, because my controller can’t be charged without plugging it into a USB-C cable. I also can’t power many of my devices without the cable, so it’s not like it’s just going to disappear overnight. I’m just suggesting going more wireless instead of having to be plugged into something all the time.
I have an Xbox controller I keep near my computer that I use with a USB-C controller. Maybe I’ll pop a pair of batteries into it and use it with Bluetooth in the future. I didn’t realize how seamless things really felt nowadays, and I feel like I’ve been missing out.
For data transfer, it’s no competition that USB-C is faster, and I’m not sure when Bluetooth can match those speeds. It seems like Bluetooth can’t fully replace USB-C, but USB-C isn’t going to replace Bluetooth either. In an ideal world, I’d like to see the two continue to coexist, and there’s really no reason that can’t be the case. I’m not converting to a wireless household any time soon, but it’s nice to know that Bluetooth is plenty good enough for the ways I’ll be using it in the future. If I ever run into connection troubles, I also know that a USB-C cable isn’t far away, considering I have several of them lying around. Roll the dice and take a risk, you might find that Bluetooth is good for you as well.
