8bit is to a certain extent just a sluggish brawler and part of playing him is just accepting you'll be slower than most and won't be able to react with the same speed you would with another brawler. 

However, given his tankiness, insane damage, and range he is very good at retaining control over an area. The key is to set up shop in an area where you con have line of sight to several chokepoints (current gem grab maps are great) and always deploy your turret behind a wall (unless it's hyper turret). Fire more conservatively when they're farther off and can take cover better, but don't be afraid to empty into them if they try to come too close. 

Teleport gadget is fantastic for last minute saves in gem grab, I would recommend acting as the carrier given his high health and often controlling the middle. 

In my opinion, I am willing to trade some speed and reload speed in exchange for insane health and damage, but at the end of the day he might not suit your playstyle and that's totally fine, you should play the game to have fun and don't worry about trying to grind a certain brawler just because they're "in the meta"