8BitDo has revealed the successor to its well-liked Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller. Officially known as the Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, the upcoming controller retains the shape issue of the Pro 2 whereas implementing a few of the enhanced options discovered within the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, akin to TMR joysticks and set off locks. It additionally has just a few fully 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 is offered to preorder now at Amazon for $70 forward of its August 12 launch. It is available in three retro-themed colours: G Classic, Gray, and a shade of purple that pays homage to the Nintendo GameCube. All three fashions include matching charging docks and a set ball-top arcade stick toppers that may be swapped in for the standard rubberized caps. Out of the field, the Pro 3 is suitable with Switch 2, Switch, PC, Android, Apple gadgets, and Steam Deck. $70 | Releases August 12 Here’s a rundown of the 8BitDo Pro 3’s specs, parts, and customization options.8BitDo Pro 3 Specs & Features:Available in: Purple, G Classic, GrayIncludes matching charging dockConnections & Supported Platforms: 2.4GHz Wireless: Switch 1/2, PCBluetooth: Switch 1/2, SteamOS, Apple, AndroidWired: Switch 1/2, PC, Android4 additional remappable buttons: 2 again triggers2 microswitch shoulder buttonsSwappable TMR Joysticks (Tunnel Magnetoresistance)Wear-resistant metallic stick ringsExtra pair of ball-top arcade stick capsChange set off sort by flipping switches: Hall Effect TriggersNon-linear Microswitch TriggersTactile D-padTextured gripsMagnetic ABXY face buttons: Swap A/B & X/Y for Nintendo or Xbox layoutTurbo ButtonProfile Button shops 3 customized management layoutsInput mode swap: D/S/XDual-motor rumble6-axis Motion ControlsBattery: 1,000mAhBattery life: TBA, however probably 20+ hours utilizing BluetoothWeight: 242.4 gramsDimensions: 153.6 x 100.5 x 64.55mmCustomize controls with 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2:Remap inputsCreate customized profilesCalibrate useless zonesAdjust stick/set off sensitivityAdjust rumble intensityAdjust movement management sensitivity 8BitDo Pro 3: G Classic / Gray / PurpleGallery If you favor PlayStation-style aligned thumbsticks and/or repeatedly play lots of video games which might be higher suited to D-pad motion controls, the Pro 3 seems to be like a powerful choice. Once we get our palms on the Pro 3, we’ll replace this text with our expertise. At the second, the Pro 2 is our high choose for Switch gamers preferring this management structure. Similarly, that is how we felt in regards to the authentic Ultimate Controller earlier than testing the Ultimate 2 sequence, which provides a markedly improved expertise. In brief, the Pro 3 ought to most likely be in your radar.The 8BitDo Pro 3 prices $20 greater than the Pro 2, however the $70 value level aligns with the Ultimate 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-Ultimate controller with a charging dock. A 2.4GHz USB-C dongle is saved within the backside of the dock. The Pro sequence has at all times felt like the choice flagship choice for individuals who favor PlayStation over Xbox management layouts, and the Pro 3’s specs solidify that.Like the Ultimate 2, the Pro 3 may be seen 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 because of its suite of bodily modifications and programmable customization choices.The TMR sticks on the Ultimate 2 are superior, so it is thrilling to see the tech added to the Pro sequence. 8BitDo’s TMR sticks are noticeably smoother, extra correct, eat much less energy, and are mentioned to be much more sturdy than the Hall Effect sticks discovered on the Pro 2, Ultimate, and different older controllers within the assortment. Like Hall Effect, TMR sticks use magnetic sensors to register actions; this naturally reduces put on and prevents stick-drift points from arising over time.8BitDo Pro 3 has magnetic ABXY buttonsAlong with the TMR sticks, the Pro 3 mirrors the Ultimate 2’s remappable buttons and set off changes. It has two remappable again buttons and two additional shoulder buttons which might be activated by microswitches. If you flip the switches on the again, the Hall Effect triggers develop into non-linear microswitch triggers. The latter shortens the pull distance, successfully turning the triggers into speedy buttons.There are a few variations between the Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth. The Ultimate 2 sequence has rings across the sticks with adjustable RGB lighting results. The Pro 3 has an upgraded D-pad with improved tactile suggestions. Interestingly, the G Classic 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.The Pro 3 additionally has a customization choice that will likely be a giant deal for some gamers: swappable face buttons. Inside the field, you will discover a small device to take away the magnetic ABXY buttons. You can then reverse A/B and X/Y to suit your desire for Nintendo’s and Microsoft’s button structure. Though the Pro 3 would not supply Xbox console help, you need to use it for Xbox Cloud Gaming in addition to for video games you will have put in on Steam Deck, Windows, cellular gadgets, and many others. Xbox’s management structure, with Y on high and A on the underside, is mostly thought of the default for any platform not made by Nintendo or PlayStation.With the Ultimate 2 sequence, it’s essential to purchase the two.4GHz-only mannequin to get the Xbox structure and the Bluetooth mannequin for Nintendo compatibility. The Ultimate 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 individuals who aren’t all for Nintendo consoles. But it is cool that 8BitDo created a built-in answer for individuals who have points with Nintendo’s management structure on different platforms. You may even remap the buttons after switching their places to make use of Xbox’s structure on Switch.The ball-top stick caps match every controller’s theme. Gallery According to 8BitDo, the ball-top stick caps had been “made purely for fun,” however we’re trying ahead to checking them out. Regardless of whether or not they really feel sensible to make use of, they appear fairly cool on the Pro 3 and are themed across the controller’s shade. For occasion, the retro grey NES/SNES-inspired mannequin comes with a pair of purple ball-top caps. If you go for the GameCube-themed purple version, you will get yellow ball-tops.With 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2 app, you’ll be able to modify stick, set off, and movement management sensitivities, create useless zones, modify rumble depth, and remap inputs. Up to a few distinctive management configurations may be saved on to the controller, and you’ll cycle by them on the fly by urgent the profile button.8BitDo is having a giant year8BitDo Pro 3 | 8BitDo Ultimate 2The Pro 3 is simply the most recent main addition to 8BitDo’s spectacular accent lineup in 2025. As talked about, the Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth each launched earlier this yr. Before that, 8BitDo kicked off the yr by introducing a clear inexperienced 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 mannequin adopted just a few months later.Earlier this month, 8BitDo launched its first devoted cellular controller with iPhone compatibility. The $50 Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller is licensed by Xbox and may maintain all iPhone editions in addition to most Android telephones. And this week, 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 will work with Nintendo Switch 2 out of the field, however for those who purchase the Ultimate 2 or one of many different 8BitDo controllers with Switch 2 help, you’ll probably must replace the controller’s firmware to get it to sync with the console. You can take a look at 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 typically have a number of retailer pages hosted by totally different respected sellers with Amazon success, and the costs can range from day after day.If you wish to evaluate the Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth to Nintendo’s official controller, Amazon lastly has the Switch 2 Pro Controller in inventory for $84 ($1 under MSRP).
More