8BitDo’s newest customizable controller for Nintendo Switch 1/2 and PC is out there now. The Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, the successor to the favored Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller, is a wonderful alternative for anybody who prefers PlayStation-style, aligned thumbsticks in addition to for retro video games that gel higher with D-pad motion controls. It has a number of of the important thing upgrades present in 8BitDo’s Final 2 Bluetooth Controller, together with TMR joysticks, two set off modes, and 4 remappable buttons. The Pro 3 additionally provides new options not discovered on different 8BitDo controllers, together with swappable magnetic face buttons and an additional pair of arcade-inspired ball-top stick caps.
The 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad bought out on launch day (August 12), however Amazon remains to be letting prospects place orders; all three retro-themed colours are marked “briefly out of inventory” in the meanwhile: G Classic, Gray, and Nintendo GameCube-inspired purple. The purple version additionally matches the GameCube controller’s face buttons: grey X and Y, inexperienced A, and pink B.
Every controller features a matching charging dock, 4 further face buttons, a small software to take away the buttons, an additional set of ball-top arcade stick toppers, a 2.4GHz adapter, and a USB-C charging cable. Out of the field, the Pro 3 is suitable with Switch 2, Switch, PC, Android, Apple units, and Steam Deck. In a nod to the unique inspiration for the Pro sequence aesthetic, the 4 further face buttons match the Tremendous Famicom (SNES) controller: unlabeled pink, yellow, inexperienced, and blue buttons.
(*3*)
(*2*), G Classic, Gray
- 2.4GHz Wi-fi: Switch 1/2, PC
- Bluetooth: Switch 1/2, SteamOS, Apple, Android
- Wired: Switch 1/2, PC, Android
- 2 again triggers
- 2 microswitch shoulder buttons
- Corridor Impact Triggers
- Non-linear Microswitch Triggers
- Swap A/B & X/Y for Nintendo or Xbox format
- Tremendous Famicom-inspired pink, yellow, inexperienced, blue
Customise controls with 8BitDo Final Software program V2:
- Remap inputs
- Create customized profiles
- Calibrate useless zones
- Modify stick/set off sensitivity
- Modify rumble depth
- Modify movement management sensitivity
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I’ve discovered the Pro 3 to be as huge of an improve because the Final 2 was in comparison with its predecessor. The D-pad is noticeably higher than the one on the Pro 2, and it is superior to have the additional pair of remappable claw buttons on the shoulders and the 2 set off modes. Partaking the set off locks turns R2 and L2 into microswitch buttons which might be nice for fast hearth or for whenever you need to map face button actions to the triggers. With six buttons on the shoulders, you possibly can actually mix-and-match management schemes to suit your private preferences. The microswitches used for the again buttons additionally really feel nicer and sooner than those on the Pro 2.
8BitDo’s TMR sticks are smoother and extra exact than the already-good Corridor Impact sticks discovered on the Pro 2 and different older fashions. TMR electromagnetic sticks devour much less energy, and the tech is meant to carry up higher over time in comparison with Corridor Impact. TMR is usually introduced as Corridor Impact 2.0, as each function through magnetic sensors, which eliminates the chance of stick drift. For an added layer of sturdiness, 8BitDo’s sticks even have wear-resistant steel rings.
The 8BitDo Pro 3 prices $20 greater than the Pro 2, however the $70 value level aligns with the Final 2 Bluetooth, the producer’s flagship controller that helps each 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections. The Pro 2, in the meantime, solely supported Bluetooth wi-fi and did not include a charging dock. The new model is the primary non-Final controller with a charging dock. A 2.4GHz USB-C dongle is saved within the backside of the dock. The addition of 2.4GHz Wi-fi is definitely welcome, because it provides a sooner and extra secure reference to increased polling charges.
Just like the Final 2, the Pro 3 will be considered as a substitute for the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Nintendo’s official controller feels nice and even has a pair of again buttons, however there is no denying that 8BitDo’s pair of premium gamepads are extra versatile due to its suite of bodily modifications and programmable customization choices.
There are a few variations between the Pro 3 and Final 2 Bluetooth. The Final 2 sequence has rings across the sticks with adjustable RGB lighting results. The Pro 3 has an upgraded D-pad with improved tactile suggestions. Apparently, the G Traditional version has a sequence of raised ridges–three in every direction–whereas the purple and grey fashions have the acquainted directional arrows as a substitute. I did not take a look at the G Traditional, so I am unable to touch upon any tangible variations, however the D-pad on the purple Pro 3 feels higher to me than the Final 2’s D-pad.
The Pro 3’s coolest new customization choice is the power to swap face buttons. On the underside of the charging dock there is a storage compartment for the 2.4GHz adapter. On the within of the duvet, you may additionally discover the 4 further face buttons and a small plunger-like software used to take away the buttons. It solely takes a second to swap out the total set of buttons.
Past altering up the look of your controller, you may make a sensible change: Swapping A/B and X/Y to align with the Xbox button format. Contemplating the Xbox button format is usually considered as the usual on PC, this can be a nice customization function for many who play on PC/Mac, Steam Deck, and cell. The Pro 3 does not help Xbox consoles, however you should utilize it for Xbox Cloud Gaming. And since you possibly can absolutely remap the controls utilizing 8BitDo’s Final Software program V2, you would even the swap the buttons and alter the controls in order that when a Nintendo sport prompts you to press Y, you might be nonetheless urgent Y even when it is up high as a substitute.
With the Final 2 sequence, the Bluetooth mannequin will work on all the similar platforms because the Pro 3, however it has the Nintendo button format. To get the Xbox format, you’d must buy the Final 2 with out Bluetooth. This protects you 10 bucks, however the 2.4GHz model of the Ultimate 2 is not suitable with Nintendo consoles. The Final sequence has at all times had a separate 2.4GHz mannequin for PC gamers and a barely costlier mannequin that provides Bluetooth and Switch help. There’s nothing incorrect with that launch mannequin, particularly for many who aren’t enthusiastic about Nintendo consoles. However it’s cool that 8BitDo created a built-in answer for many who have points with Nintendo’s management format on different platforms.
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The ball-top stick caps really feel extra like a throw-in bonus versus a function 8BitDo expects to change into a well-liked different to standard sticks. The producer stated they designed the caps “purely for enjoyable.” After attempting them out, I really assume they’re fairly cool for brief spurts, however the spherical form naturally is not the perfect from an ergonomics perspective. Your thumbs would in all probability begin to damage in case you used them repeatedly like conventional joysticks. I additionally experimented by putting the controller on my desk and holding the stick like a (tiny) arcade stick whereas enjoying Galaga. Once more, not as unhealthy as I anticipated, however the ball-top sticks actually are extra of a novelty than a sensible different for the excellent conventional stick caps.
With 8BitDo’s Final Software program V2 app, you possibly can modify stick, set off, and movement management sensitivities, create useless zones, modify rumble depth, and remap inputs. As much as three distinctive management configurations will be saved on to the controller, and you may cycle by means of them on the fly by urgent the profile button. I have never skilled any points mapping
8BitDo is having a giant 12 months
The Pro 3 is simply the newest main addition to 8BitDo’s spectacular accent lineup in 2025. As talked about, the Final 2 and Final 2 Bluetooth each launched earlier this 12 months. Earlier than that, 8BitDo kicked off the 12 months by introducing a transparent green mechanical keyboard and mouse which might be formally licensed by Xbox. The Retro R8 Mouse was 8BitDo’s first 2.4GHz gaming mouse, and another NES-inspired model adopted just a few months later.
Simply final week, 8BitDo launched its first conventional Xbox controller with wi-fi help. Formally licensed by Microsoft, the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition of 8BitDo’s Ultimate 3-Mode Controller has a trendy blue-and-gold coloration scheme, a steel D-pad, two again buttons, Corridor Impact sticks, and an identical charging dock. Try our restock information for extra details–the controller has bought out a number of instances since launch.
The Uncommon fortieth Anniversary Version arrived just some weeks after 8BitDo’s final collaboration with Microsoft: a brand new model of the Final Cell Bluetooth Controller that helps iPhone and Android. The $50 Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller is licensed by Xbox and may maintain all iPhone editions in addition to most Android telephones. In mid-July, 8BitDo launched a pair of all-button struggle pads for Switch/PC and Xbox/PC.
8BitDo’s Pro 3 and the All-Button Arcade Controller work with Nintendo Switch 2 out of the field, however in case you purchase the Final 2 or one of many different 8BitDo controllers with Switch 2 help, you should still must replace the controller’s firmware to get it to sync with the console. You possibly can check out the Amazon hub we created for 8BitDo’s Switch 2 controllers. We included a number of of the identical mannequin as a result of 8BitDo controllers usually have a number of retailer pages hosted by totally different respected sellers with Amazon success, and the costs can differ from day after day.
The newest addition to the hub is 8BitDo’s reimagined N64 wi-fi controller, which was designed in partnership with retro {hardware} producer Analogue. The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller can also be suitable with Switch, PC, and Switch 2 (with a firmware replace).
If you wish to evaluate the Pro 3 and Final 2 Bluetooth to Nintendo’s official controller, Amazon finally has the Switch 2 Pro Controller in stock for $89–one buck under the controller’s new $90 MSRP.