8BitDo has introduced the Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, the successor to its well-received Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller. While maintaining the familiar design of the Pro 2, the new controller incorporates advanced functionalities from the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, like TMR joysticks and trigger locks. It also brings unique additions not seen in other 8BitDo models, such as interchangeable magnetic face buttons and a bonus set of arcade-style ball-top stick caps.
Priced at $70, the 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad is currently available for pre-order on major online retailers, with an official release date of August 12. Consumers can choose from three retro-inspired color schemes: G Classic, Gray, and a purple variant reminiscent of the Nintendo GameCube. Each version includes a color-matched charging dock and a set of interchangeable ball-top arcade stick caps to replace the standard rubberized ones. The Pro 3 offers broad compatibility, supporting Switch 2, Switch, PC, Android, Apple devices, and Steam Deck right out of the box.
8BitDo Pro 3 Specs & Features:
- Available in: Purple, G Classic, Gray
- Includes matching charging dock
- Connections & Supported Platforms:
- 2.4GHz Wireless: Switch 1/2, PC
- Bluetooth: Switch 1/2, SteamOS, Apple, Android
- Wired: Switch 1/2, PC, Android
- 4 extra remappable buttons:
- 2 back triggers
- 2 microswitch shoulder buttons
- Swappable TMR Joysticks (Tunnel Magnetoresistance)
- Wear-resistant metal stick rings
- Extra pair of ball-top arcade stick caps
- Change trigger type by flipping switches:
- Hall Effect Triggers
- Non-linear Microswitch Triggers
- Tactile D-pad
- Textured grips
- Magnetic ABXY face buttons:
- Swap A/B & X/Y for Nintendo or Xbox layout
- Turbo Button
- Profile Button stores 3 custom control layouts
- Input mode switch: D/S/X
- Dual-motor rumble
- 6-axis Motion Controls
- Battery: 1,000mAh
- Battery life: TBA, but likely 20+ hours using Bluetooth
- Weight: 242.4 grams
- Dimensions: 153.6 x 100.5 x 64.55mm
Customize controls with 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2:
- Remap inputs
- Create custom profiles
- Calibrate dead zones
- Adjust stick/trigger sensitivity
- Adjust rumble intensity
- Adjust motion control sensitivity
For those who prefer PlayStation-style aligned thumbsticks or frequently play games that benefit from D-pad movement, the Pro 3 presents a compelling choice. We plan to update this review once we have had hands-on experience with the controller. Currently, the Pro 2 remains our preferred option for Switch users who favor this control scheme. This mirrors our past assessment of the original Ultimate Controller before the Ultimate 2 series delivered significant improvements. In essence, the Pro 3 is certainly worth considering.
The 8BitDo Pro 3, priced at $70, is $20 more expensive than its predecessor, the Pro 2. This pricing positions it alongside the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, 8BitDo`s premium controller offering both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity. Unlike the Pro 2, which only featured Bluetooth and lacked a charging dock, the Pro 3 is the first non-Ultimate series controller to include a charging dock, which conveniently stores a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle. The Pro series has consistently appealed to users who prefer PlayStation`s asymmetrical stick layout over Xbox`s, and the Pro 3`s specifications reinforce this appeal.
Similar to the Ultimate 2, the Pro 3 serves as a viable alternative to Nintendo`s official Switch 2 Pro Controller. While Nintendo`s controller offers a good feel and includes back buttons, 8BitDo`s high-end gamepads stand out for their superior versatility, attributed to their extensive physical customization options and programmable settings.
The impressive TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) joysticks from the Ultimate 2 are now integrated into the Pro series, a welcome enhancement. 8BitDo`s TMR sticks offer smoother, more precise control, are more power-efficient, and are reported to be more robust than the Hall Effect sticks found in older models like the Pro 2 and original Ultimate. Similar to Hall Effect technology, TMR sticks utilize magnetic sensors for input detection, which inherently minimizes wear and significantly reduces the likelihood of stick drift over extended use.
In addition to TMR joysticks, the Pro 3 shares the Ultimate 2`s remappable buttons and adjustable triggers. It features two customizable back buttons and two additional microswitch-activated shoulder buttons. By toggling switches on the rear, the Hall Effect triggers can be transformed into non-linear microswitch triggers, which reduces travel distance and effectively converts them into quick-action buttons.
A few distinctions exist between the Pro 3 and the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth. The Ultimate 2 series features joysticks encircled by adjustable RGB lighting, while the Pro 3 boasts an enhanced D-pad offering improved tactile response. Notably, the G Classic edition`s D-pad has raised ridges in each direction, contrasting with the standard directional arrows found on the purple and gray versions.
Another significant customization feature of the Pro 3 is its interchangeable face buttons. The package includes a small tool to detach the magnetic ABXY buttons, allowing users to swap A/B and X/Y to match either Nintendo`s or Microsoft`s button configurations. While the Pro 3 lacks direct Xbox console support, it is compatible with Xbox Cloud Gaming and titles on platforms such as Steam Deck, Windows, and mobile devices. The Xbox button layout, with Y at the top and A at the bottom, is often considered the standard for non-Nintendo and non-PlayStation platforms.
For the Ultimate 2 series, users had to choose between a 2.4GHz-only model for the Xbox button layout and a Bluetooth model for Nintendo compatibility. Historically, the Ultimate series offered a dedicated 2.4GHz version for PC gamers and a slightly pricier model that included both Bluetooth and Switch support. While this approach is perfectly valid, especially for users not interested in Nintendo consoles, 8BitDo`s integrated solution for adapting to Nintendo`s control layout on other platforms is a clever addition. Users can even physically swap and then remap buttons to utilize an Xbox-style layout on the Switch.
8BitDo states that the inclusion of ball-top stick caps is primarily for aesthetic enjoyment, but we are eager to test their practicality. Regardless of their functional utility, these caps add a distinctive visual flair to the Pro 3 and are color-coordinated with the controller`s design. For example, the retro gray NES/SNES-themed model features red ball-top caps, while the GameCube-inspired purple edition comes with yellow ones.
Using the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 application, users can fine-tune stick, trigger, and motion control sensitivities, define dead zones, adjust rumble intensity, and remap inputs. The controller supports saving up to three distinct control profiles, allowing users to switch between them instantly by pressing the dedicated profile button.
8BitDo`s Banner Year
The Pro 3 marks the newest significant addition to 8BitDo`s remarkable accessory portfolio for 2025. Earlier this year, the Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth were released. Prior to that, 8BitDo commenced the year by unveiling an Xbox-licensed transparent green mechanical keyboard and mouse. The Retro R8 Mouse was 8BitDo`s inaugural 2.4GHz gaming mouse, with an NES-themed variant launched subsequently.
This month saw 8BitDo release its first mobile controller designed specifically for iPhone compatibility. The $50 Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller, an Xbox-licensed product, accommodates all iPhone models and most Android smartphones. Additionally, this week, 8BitDo introduced a duo of all-button fight pads compatible with Switch/PC and Xbox/PC.
Both the 8BitDo Pro 3 and the All-Button Arcade Controller are ready for use with the Nintendo Switch 2 immediately. However, owners of other 8BitDo controllers with Switch 2 support, such as the Ultimate 2, may need to update their device`s firmware for proper console synchronization.
For comparison with 8BitDo`s offerings, Nintendo`s official Switch 2 Pro Controller is now available at major retailers for $84, slightly below its MSRP.