8BitDo Firmware Updater
A macOS app for updating firmware on 8BitDo controllers, with automatic recognition and a manual advanced mode.
8BitDo Firmware Updater is a Drivers & Hardware app for Mac.
About
8BitDo Firmware Updater is a macOS application for updating firmware on 8BitDo controllers. When a controller is connected and the Mac is online, the tool can recognize the controller and download a firmware update. It also provides an advanced mode for manually updating firmware.
The updater can automatically enter controller upgrade mode. This does not apply to older or discontinued models, so the automatic mode transition is not available for every controller.
To install the macOS app with Homebrew, run:
brew install --cask 8bitdo-firmware-updater
The official updater page lists macOS 10.13 or later as the platform requirement. Connect a controller and use the updater to check for and apply firmware updates; manual firmware updating is available through advanced mode.
Sources: 8BitDo Upgrade Tool · Homebrew cask
New What’s new in 2.5.2 From Homebrew commits
This release has no separate notes.
Install and uninstall
Homebrew installs the app in your Applications folder.
Install without Homebrew
Download the same file Homebrew uses: support.8bitdo.com/upfiles/Firmware-Updater/8BitDo_Firmware_Updater_macOS_v2.5.2.zip
SHA-256 only checks that the download is complete; it is not a security certification. See the SHA-256 and download address
$ brew uninstall --cask \8bitdo-firmware-updaterA regular uninstall removes the app and keeps its settings and caches.
$ brew uninstall --zap --cask \8bitdo-firmware-updater--zap also deletes the settings, caches and other files listed in the Homebrew definition. They can include data shared with other apps and cannot be restored, and it does not guarantee that nothing is left.See which files are removed
Facts and sources
- Version 2.5.2
- Recorded by Homebrew on Jun 21
Questions
Is 8BitDo Firmware Updater safe?
8BitDo Firmware Updater is in Homebrew’s official catalog and has not been disabled. Since September 2026, Homebrew disables apps that fail macOS Gatekeeper checks. When installing, Homebrew checks the download from support.8bitdo.com against its SHA-256 checksum. It was installed 77 times through Homebrew in the last 30 days.
How do I completely uninstall 8BitDo Firmware Updater on a Mac?
Run brew uninstall --cask 8bitdo-firmware-updater. To delete its settings and caches as well, run brew uninstall --zap --cask 8bitdo-firmware-updater. That also deletes 3 files and folders, including ~/.
Does 8BitDo Firmware Updater run on Apple silicon (M1 and later) Macs?
Homebrew installs it on both Apple silicon and Intel Macs, from the same download.
Where does 8BitDo Firmware Updater store its settings and data?
Its settings are in ~/. These locations come from Homebrew’s clean-up list.
What is the latest version of 8BitDo Firmware Updater?
The latest version is 2.5.2, added to Homebrew on Jun 21. 8BitDo Firmware Updater updates itself; to update it with Homebrew, run brew upgrade --cask --greedy 8bitdo-firmware-updater.