8Bitdo's new Pro 3 GamePad is one of the best Switch 2 controllers

The 8bitdo Nintendo Switch 1/2 and the latest customizable controller for PC are now in use. this Pro 3 Bluetooth gaming boardpopular successor Pro 2 Bluetooth controllerfor those who like PlayStation style, thumb alignment, and retro games that are better for D-Pad Movement controls, this is a great choice. It features several key upgrades found in the 8bitdo's Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controller, including the TMR joystick, two trigger modes, and four repeatable buttons. The Pro 3 also offers new features not found on other 8BITDO controllers, including swappable magnetic face buttons and additional arcade-style ball stick covers.

The 8bitdo Pro 3 Bluetooth gaming board sold out on launch date (August 12), but Amazon is still asking customers to place orders. Currently, all three retro theme colors are marked as “temporarily uninvented”: G Classic,,,,, Grayand Nintendo GameCube-inspired purple. The purple version also matches the face buttons of the GameCube controller: gray X and Y, green A and red B.

Each controller includes a matching charging dock, four additional facial buttons, a button-removing gadget, an additional set of ball-top arcade stick tops, a 2.4GHz adapter, and a USB-C charging cable. Out of the box, Pro 3 is compatible with Switch 2, Switch, PC, Android, Apple devices and Steam Deck. To click on the original inspiration for the Pro series aesthetic, four additional facial buttons match the Super Famicom (SNES) controller: unmarked red, yellow, green and blue buttons.

$70 | For Switch 2, Switch, PC/Mac, Mobile, Steamos

Here is a summary of the specifications, components and custom features of the 8bitdo Pro 3.

8Bitdo Pro 3 Specifications and Features:

• Can be used for: Purple,,,,, G Classic,,,,, Gray
• Includes matching charging terminal
• Connected and supported platforms:
  • 2.4GHz wireless: switch 1/2, PC
  • Bluetooth: Switch 1/2, Steamos, Apple, Android
  • Wired: switch 1/2, PC, Android
• 4 additional re-fixable buttons:
  • 2 back triggers
  • 2 micro switch shoulder buttons
• Tradable TMR joystick (tunnel magnetic fixation)
• Wear-resistant metal rod ring
• Extra pair of ball arcade stick covers
• Change the trigger type by flip switch:
  • Hall effect triggers
  • Nonlinear micro switch trigger
• Tactile D-Pad
• Texture grip
• Magnetic abxy face button:
  • Swap A/B&X/Y for Nintendo or Xbox layouts
• Extra unmarked facial buttons
  • Super famous red, yellow, green, blue
• Turbo Button
• Profile button
• Input mode switch: D/S/X
• Double sports rumble
• 6-axis motion control
• Battery: 1,000mAh
• Battery life: up to 20 hours
• Weight: 242.4 g
• Dimensions: 153.6 x 100.5 x 64.55mm

Use 8bitdo Ultimate software V2 to customize the controls:

• Remap input
• Create a custom configuration file
• Calibration dead zone
• Adjust stick/trigger sensitivity
• Adjust the rumble intensity
• Adjust motion control sensitivity

I found Pro 3 like Comparing Ultimate 2 with its ex. The D-Pad is significantly better than the D-PAD on the Pro 2, and it's awesome to have extra repeatable claw buttons on the shoulder and both trigger modes. Turn the trigger lock with R2 and L2 into micro switch buttons, which are great for quick shots, or when you want to map facial button operations to the trigger. There are six buttons on your shoulders, and you can really mix control schemes to suit your personal preferences. The microswitch for the rear button also feels better and faster than the microswitch on the Pro 2.

The 8bitdo's TMR stick is smoother and more precise than the already good lobby effect stick found on the Pro 2 and other older models. The TMR electromagnetic rod consumes less power, and the technology will be better over time compared to Hall effect. TMR is usually presented in the form of Hall Effect 2.0, as both operate through magnetic sensors, eliminating the risk of stick drift. For added durability, the 8bitdo stick also has a metal ring that is resistant to wear.

The 8bitdo Pro 3 costs $20 more than the Pro 2, but the $70 price matches the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth (the manufacturer's flagship controller), which supports 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity. Meanwhile, Pro 2 only supports Bluetooth Wireless and does not come with a charging dock. The new version is the first non-controller with a charging dock. A 2.4GHz USB-C dongle is stored at the bottom of the dock. A wireless addition of 2.4GHz wireless will definitely be welcomed as it provides faster, more stable connections and has a higher polling rate.

Like Ultimate 2, Pro 3 can be seen as Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Nintendo's official controller feels great, even has two pairs of back buttons, but thanks to its physical modifications and programmable customization options, there's no denying that 8Bitdo's Premium GamePads are more useful.

There are two differences between Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth. The Ultimate 2 series rings with adjustable RGB lighting effects around the stick. The Pro 3 features an upgraded D-Pad with improved haptic feedback. Interestingly, the G Classic version features a series of raised ridges with three in each direction – the purple and gray models with familiar directional arrows. I haven't tested the G Classic, so I can't comment on any tangible differences, but the D-Pad on the Purple Pro 3 feels better for me than the D-Pad on the Ultimate 2.

The coolest new customization option for the Pro 3 is the ability to swap face buttons. At the bottom of the charging dock, there is a storage room for a 2.4GHz adapter. Inside the cover, you will also find four additional facial buttons and a small plunger tool for removing the buttons. It takes only one second to swap the full button.

In addition to changing the look of the controller, you can also make actual changes: swap A/B and X/Y aligned with the Xbox button layout. Given that Xbox button layouts are often considered standard on PC, this is a great customization feature for those who play on PC/Mac, Steam Deck and Mobile. The Pro 3 doesn't support Xbox consoles, but you can use it for Xbox Cloud Gaming. And, since you can completely restart the controls with 8bitdo's Ultimate Software V2, you can even swap buttons and Change the controls so that when Nintendo game prompts you to press y, you are still pressing y even if it is the top.

With the Ultimate 2 series, the Bluetooth model will be available on all platforms as the Pro 3, but it has a Nintendo button layout. To get an Xbox layout, you need to buy the Ultimate 2 without Bluetooth. This saves you $10, but Final 2's 2.4GHz model Incompatible with Nintendo consoles. The Ultimate Series always offers a separate 2.4GHz model for PC players and adds more expensive models, which adds Bluetooth and switch support. There is nothing wrong with this release model, especially for those who are not interested in Nintendo consoles. However, 8bitdo has created a built-in solution for those who have issues with Nintendo control layout on other platforms, which is cool.

The top hat is more like throwing a bonus than 8Bitdo expects to be a popular alternative to traditional sticks. The manufacturer said they designed the blocks “purely for entertainment.” After trying them I actually think they are pretty cool for short mutations, but from an ergonomic point of view, the shape of the spherical shape is naturally not the best. If you use them continuously like a traditional joystick, your thumb may start to hurt. I also conducted an experiment by putting the controller on the table and holding the stick like a (small) arcade stick. Again, it's not as bad as I expected, but the ball-top stick is indeed more of a novelty than a practical alternative to a very good traditional stick hat.

With the 8bitdo Ultimate Software V2 app, you can adjust rod, trigger and motion control sensitivity, create dead zones, modify rumble intensity, and remap inputs. Up to three unique control configurations can be saved directly to the controller, and you can loop randomly by pressing the profile button. I'm not having any mapping issues

8bitdo spent a year

The Pro 3 is just the latest major member of the impressive 8Bitdo's 2025 lineup of accessories. As mentioned, both Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth were launched earlier this year. Before this, 8bitdo introduced a Transparent green mechanical keyboard and a mouse officially licensed by Xbox. this Retro R8 mouse It's the first 2.4GHz gaming mouse from 8bitdo, and there's another option NES-inspired model Following in a few months.

Just last week, 8bitdo launched its first legacy Xbox controller with wireless support. Officially licensed by Microsoft, Rare 40th Anniversary Edition of the Ultimate 3 Mode Controller for 8bitdo Features stylish blue and gold color schemes, a metal D-pad, two rear buttons, a Hall effect bar and a matching charging dock. Check out our restocking guide for more details– The controller has been sold out several times since its launch.

The rare 40th Anniversary Edition arrives a few weeks after 8bitdo's last collaboration with Microsoft: New version of Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller This supports iPhone and Android. $50 Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller Licensed by Xbox, it can accommodate all iPhone versions as well as most Android phones. In mid-July, 8bitdo launches a pair of full-key combat pads For switch/PC and Xbox/PC.

8bitdo Pro 3 and Full-key arcade controller Works with Nintendo Switch 2, but if you buy one of the other 8BitDo controllers with Switch 2 support, you may still need it Update the controller's firmware Synchronize it with the console. you can Check out our Amazon Hub for our 8bitdo Switch 2 controller. We included multiple models of the same model, as the 8BITDO controller usually has several store pages owned by different reputable sellers and prices may vary every day.

The latest addition to the hub is 8Bitdo's reimagined N64 wireless controllerIt was designed in collaboration with retro hardware manufacturers analogues. this 8bitdo 64 Bluetooth controller Also compatible with Switch, PC and Switch 2 (with firmware updates).

If you want to compare Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth with Nintendo's official controller, Amazon finally has a Switch 2 Pro controller in stock For $89 – the new $90 MSRP for the controller.