The new 8BitDo Pro 3 Ultimate Bluetooth Gamepad, compatible with Switch 2, Switch, and PC, is currently available at a reduced price of $63, down from $70. This inaugural discount is part of a Labor Day weekend promotion and will last until September 1. Shoppers need to apply a coupon at checkout to receive the $7 off. Given that the controller, which launched on August 12, proved popular enough to sell out at its original price, this limited-time offer might see it vanish from shelves quickly.
However, this special offer applies only to the Gray and G Classic versions of the 8BitDo Pro 3. The highly sought-after purple GameCube-themed variant retains its full $70 price tag. Additionally, other 8BitDo models are featuring sales, including the Ultimate 2 Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition for PC at $50 (previously $65) and the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth at $60 (reduced from $70).
Editor`s Note: This article was updated on August 29. The original review and buying guide for the 8BitDo Pro 3 can be found below:
8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad: Specifications & Features
- Available in: Purple, G Classic, Gray
- Includes matching charging dock
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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
- Extra set of unlabeled face buttons (Super Famicom-inspired red, yellow, green, blue)
- Turbo Button
- Profile Button (Stores 3 custom profiles)
- Input mode switch: D/S/X
- Dual-motor rumble
- 6-axis Motion Controls
- Battery: 1,000mAh
- Battery life: Up to 20 hours
- 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
The Pro 3 marks a significant improvement, comparable to the leap from the original Ultimate to the Ultimate 2. Its D-pad is a distinct upgrade over the Pro 2`s, and the inclusion of remappable “claw” buttons on the shoulders, along with two distinct trigger modes, is a major advantage. Activating the trigger locks transforms R2 and L2 into microswitch buttons, ideal for rapid-fire actions or reassigning face button functions. With a total of six shoulder buttons, users gain extensive flexibility in customizing their control layouts. The microswitches on the back buttons also offer a more satisfying and responsive feel compared to the Pro 2.
The 8BitDo Pro 3 features advanced TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) joysticks, offering superior smoothness and precision compared to the already capable Hall Effect sticks found in the Pro 2 and earlier models. These electromagnetic TMR sticks are not only more energy-efficient but are also designed for enhanced long-term durability over Hall Effect technology. Often described as “Hall Effect 2.0,” both technologies utilize magnetic sensors to eliminate joystick drift. Furthermore, 8BitDo has incorporated wear-resistant metal rings for an extra layer of robustness.
While the 8BitDo Pro 3 is priced $20 higher than its predecessor, the Pro 2, its $70 cost aligns with the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, 8BitDo`s premium controller offering both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity. In contrast, the Pro 2 was limited to Bluetooth wireless and lacked a charging dock. The Pro 3 is notable as the first non-Ultimate series controller to include a charging dock, which conveniently houses a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle. This integration of 2.4GHz wireless is a significant upgrade, providing a faster and more reliable connection with improved polling rates.
Similar to the Ultimate 2, the Pro 3 serves as a strong alternative to the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Although Nintendo`s controller offers excellent ergonomics and includes back buttons, 8BitDo`s high-end gamepads boast superior versatility due to their extensive physical customization features and programmable options.
Key distinctions exist between the Pro 3 and the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth. The Ultimate 2 series features joysticks with adjustable RGB lighting rings, a design element absent in the Pro 3. However, the Pro 3 introduces an enhanced D-pad with superior tactile feedback. Notably, the G Classic version of the Pro 3 sports distinctive raised ridges in each cardinal direction, differing from the conventional directional arrows found on the purple and gray models. While the G Classic`s D-pad was not personally evaluated, the D-pad of the purple Pro 3 reportedly offers a more refined feel than that of the Ultimate 2.
A standout new customization feature of the Pro 3 is its interchangeable face buttons. The charging dock incorporates a hidden compartment at its base for the 2.4GHz adapter. Within the cover of this compartment, users will discover four additional face buttons and a compact tool for easy removal and replacement, allowing for a complete button swap in mere seconds.
Beyond aesthetic changes, this feature offers practical benefits, such as reconfiguring the A/B and X/Y buttons to match the Xbox layout. This is particularly useful for players on PC/Mac, Steam Deck, and mobile platforms, where the Xbox button arrangement is often the default. Although the Pro 3 is not compatible with Xbox consoles, it supports Xbox Cloud Gaming. Furthermore, with 8BitDo`s Ultimate Software V2, users can extensively remap controls, allowing them to both physically swap buttons and adjust in-game inputs to maintain consistency—for example, pressing the physically “Y” button even if a Nintendo game prompt expects a different button in that position.
In the Ultimate 2 series, the Bluetooth model supports the same platforms as the Pro 3, but it features the standard Nintendo button layout. To achieve an Xbox-style layout, users would typically need to opt for the Ultimate 2 model without Bluetooth, which also comes with a $10 saving but lacks Nintendo console compatibility. Traditionally, the Ultimate series has offered distinct 2.4GHz models for PC-focused users and a slightly pricier variant with added Bluetooth and Switch support. While this strategy is valid, especially for those not interested in Nintendo consoles, it`s commendable that 8BitDo has provided an integrated solution in the Pro 3 for users who prefer a non-Nintendo button scheme across various platforms.
The included ball-top stick caps appear to be more of a recreational addition than a serious alternative to standard joysticks. 8BitDo stated they were designed “purely for fun.” While they offer a unique experience for brief gaming sessions, their spherical design is not ideal ergonomically for prolonged use, potentially causing thumb discomfort. The author also tested them in a “tiny arcade stick” fashion for games like Galaga, finding them surprisingly usable but ultimately a novelty rather than a practical replacement for the excellent traditional stick caps.
Utilizing 8BitDo`s Ultimate Software V2 application, users can finely tune various controller settings, including stick, trigger, and motion control sensitivities, customize dead zones, adjust rumble intensity, and reassign button inputs. The controller allows for saving up to three distinct custom profiles, which can be easily switched between using the dedicated profile button. The author noted no issues with mapping controls.
8BitDo`s Product Innovations This Year
The Pro 3 is the newest significant offering in 8BitDo`s remarkable accessory portfolio for 2025. Earlier this year, the company also released the Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controllers. Prior to these, 8BitDo began the year by unveiling an Xbox-officially licensed transparent green mechanical keyboard and mouse. The Retro R8 Mouse marked 8BitDo`s debut in 2.4GHz gaming mice, followed by an NES-themed variant a few months later.
Just recently, 8BitDo introduced its inaugural traditional Xbox controller featuring wireless capabilities. This Microsoft-licensed “Rare 40th Anniversary Edition” of the 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller boasts a striking blue-and-gold aesthetic, a metal D-pad, two back buttons, Hall Effect joysticks, and a complementary charging dock.
The release of the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition followed closely on the heels of another 8BitDo-Microsoft collaboration: an updated Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller, compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. This $50 Xbox-licensed controller is designed to securely hold all iPhone models and most Android smartphones. Additionally, in mid-July, 8BitDo launched two new all-button fight pads, one for Switch/PC and another for Xbox/PC.
While 8BitDo`s Pro 3 and All-Button Arcade Controller offer immediate compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2, other 8BitDo controllers supporting Switch 2 might require a firmware update for proper synchronization.
A recent addition to their lineup is 8BitDo`s modern take on the N64 wireless controller, developed in collaboration with retro hardware specialist Analogue. The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is also compatible with Switch, PC, and Switch 2 (contingent on a firmware update).
For those interested in comparing the Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth with Nintendo`s official offering, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is now available for $89, slightly below its new standard retail price of $90.