8BitDo has revealed the successor to its popular Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller. Officially called the Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, the upcoming controller retains the form factor of the Pro 2 while implementing some of the enhanced features found in the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, such as TMR joysticks and trigger locks. It also has a few entirely new features not found on other 8BitDo controllers, including swappable magnetic face buttons and an extra pair of arcade-inspired ball-top stick caps.
The 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad is available to preorder now at Amazon for $70 ahead of its August 12 release. It comes in three retro-themed colors: G Classic, Gray, and a shade of purple that pays homage to the Nintendo GameCube. All three models come with matching charging docks and a set ball-top arcade stick toppers that can be swapped in for the traditional rubberized caps. Out of the box, the Pro 3 is compatible with Switch 2, Switch, PC, Android, Apple devices, and Steam Deck.
8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad (Switch 1/2, PC/Mac, Mobile, SteamOS)
$70 | Releases August 12
Here’s a rundown of the 8BitDo Pro 3’s specs, components, and customization features.
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
If you prefer PlayStation-style aligned thumbsticks and/or regularly play a lot of games that are better suited for D-pad movement controls, the Pro 3 looks like a strong option. Once we get our hands on the Pro 3, we’ll update this article with our experience. At the moment, the Pro 2 is our top pick for Switch players who prefer this control layout. Similarly, this is how we felt about the original Ultimate Controller before testing the Ultimate 2 series, which offers a markedly improved experience. In short, the Pro 3 should probably be on your radar.
