8BitDo Pro 3, the sequel to Pro 2 controller which was a big bestseller is getting a release on August 12, 2025 per Amazon listing and per their Chinese website. It’s available for pre order now.
Update: Our review on 8BitDo Pro 3 is already out. Go check it out!
- Multi-Platform Compatibility – Compatible with Switch 1 & Switch 2, Windows PC, Apple, SteamOS, and Android devices.
- Swappable Magnetic ABXY Buttons – Easily switch between Switch and Xbox layouts with included button puller.
- Integrated Charging Dock – A seamlessly integrated charging dock keeps your controller always charged and ready to play. Automatically reconnects when removed from the dock.
🎮 8BitDo Pro 3 Key Features Summary
✅ Multi-Platform Compatibility
Works with Switch 1/2, Windows 10+, SteamOS, Android 13+, and Apple devices (iOS/iPadOS/tvOS/macOS/visionOS 26+).
- More durable than membrane joysticks
- More responsive than Hall effect sticks
- Built-in chip + proprietary algorithm for low latency and power efficiency
🔄 Magnetic ABXY Buttons
- Swappable magnetic ABXY layout
- Switch between Nintendo and Xbox-style layouts
- Includes button removal tool
⚡ Auto Charging Dock
- Snap-on magnetic dock
- Starts charging automatically when docked
- Built-in receiver for reduced latency and signal extension
🎯 Dual Trigger Modes
- Switch between linear Hall triggers and tactile microswitch triggers
- Ideal for FPS, racing, and action games
🎮 Additional Controls
- 2 back buttons
- 2 extra top buttons (L4/R4) for quick actions and customization
🔘 D-Pad & Vibration
- Soft tactile D-Pad with dome + silicone design for fighting games
- Dual rumble motors with 5 intensity levels
🧠 8BitDo Elite Software V2
- Button remapping
- Trigger and stick range adjustment
- Macro recording
- Firmware updates
- Save 3 custom profiles
🛠️ Build & Accessories
- Durable metal joystick shafts
- Two swappable ball-style stick caps
- Comes with: controller, charging dock, USB-C receiver, USB-C cable, ABXY remover, manual
🔋 Connectivity
- Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, or wired (USB-C) depending on platform
- Includes upgraded 2.4G USB-C receiver for plug-and-play low-latency gaming
🌀 Motion Control (6-axis)
- Supported on Switch and Steam
🎨 Design
- Classic symmetrical stick layout
- GameCube-inspired colorway
Why Choose 8Bitdo Pro 3 Over Pro 2?
- Stronger Build: Metal stick shafts and wear-resistant rings for longer life.
- Better Joysticks: TMR sticks are more durable and responsive than Pro 2’s standard ones.
- Dual Triggers: Switch between Hall Effect (smooth) and tactile (clicky) triggers.
- Extra Buttons: Adds L4/R4 for faster access and custom actions.
- Charging Dock: Comes with magnetic auto-charging dock — Pro 2 doesn’t.
- Magnetic ABXY: Swap between Xbox/Switch layouts easily.
- Improved Software: Pro 3 uses Ultimate Software V2 with more features.
8BitDo Pro 3 vs Pro 2 vs SN30 Pro vs Ultimate 2
| Feature | Pro 3 Bluetooth | Pro 2 Bluetooth | SN30 Pro Bluetooth | Ultimate 2 Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 💲69.99 | 💲49.99 | 💲44.99 | 💲69.99 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.4G, Wired | Bluetooth, Wired | Bluetooth, Wired | Bluetooth, 2.4G, Wired |
| Joysticks | ✅ TMR Joysticks | Hall Effect | Hall Effect | ✅ TMR Joysticks |
| Triggers | ✅ Hall Effect / Tactile (dual mode) | Linear only | Linear only | ✅ Hall Effect / Tactile |
| Bumpers | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone | ✅ Tactile |
| Extra Buttons (L4/R4) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Charging Dock | ✅ Included | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Included |
| Software | ✅ Ultimate Software V2 | Ultimate Software | Ultimate Software | ✅ Ultimate Software V2 |
| Wear-Resistant Joystick Rings | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
I love testing and writing about new tech. I focus on keyboards and controllers. I'm also a gamer and an engineer. Check out my Twitter for keyboard and controller news and reviews.
I have the pro 2 and can recommend