Moread HDMI to VGA vs 8Bitdo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller Hall Effect… — Head-to-Head (2026)

Our verdict

These two solve completely different problems on the same Raspberry Pi bench, so the right answer is scenario-driven: the Moread 5-pack is the cheapest way to get five headless boards onto legacy 1080p/1600x1200 VGA panels, while the 8Bitdo Pro 2 is an input device with Hall effect sticks and two remappable back buttons that does nothing for display output. In 2026, a retro-Pi builder starting from zero needs one of each — but if you only buy one, buy the one that unblocks your build: video out first, controller second.

Buy the Moread HDMI to VGA 5-Pack if you are deploying multiple Raspberry Pi, Intel NUC, or Chromebook units against old VGA-only monitors or projectors — a classroom, conference room, or a multi-board test bench — and want five identical, warranty-backed dongles at a low per-unit cost instead of five mismatched ones. Buy the 8Bitdo Pro 2 Hall Effect if your display chain already works and you want one controller that pairs over Bluetooth with Switch, Windows, macOS, Android, Steam Deck, and Raspberry Pi, with drift-resistant Hall sticks and macro-capable back buttons for RetroPie, Batocera, or Steam Deck duty.

SpecPicks editorial verdict, written June 4, 2026. Prices move, so check the current price on each listing before you buy.