The 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth controller is now available for $69.99 from Amazon and the official 8BitDo website.
The 8BitDo story is one of consistent success and triumph, despite the fledgling competition always remaining vigilant in adding new features, adopting innovations from their peers, and trying to one-up each other with every release. 8BitDo keeps its focus on controllers designed for classic, retro gaming for the most part, and the new Pro 3 is, in the company’s eyes, the culmination of years spent improving their base design.
8BitDoes What They Don’t
Most third-party controllers these days offer a few nice features, but they have also become run-of-the-mill when compared to the competition. Hall effect joysticks, analog triggers, customizable back paddles, and USB-C charging are all features found in previous 8BitDo controllers. The Pro 3 delivers those same features, but adds more on top, making the controller not only stand out but hopefully stand above the rest.
8BitDo Pro 3 vs Pro 2: What Changed
Here’s quick rundown of things that have changed or been improved since the previous Pro 2. Some of them, monumental, others, not so much.
New to Pro 3
- Swappable magnetic ABXY buttons: swap layouts quickly (e.g., Switch ↔ Xbox).
- TMR joysticks: more durable and drift-resistant than Pro 2’s Hall-effect sticks.
- Adjustable triggers: toggle switches for different trigger travel/feel (racing vs FPS).
- Swappable joystick caps: includes alternate caps such as arcade-style ball tops.
- Integrated charging dock: dock has storage for the 2.4 GHz dongle and auto-reconnect behavior.
- Extra L4/R4 macro buttons: additional back/shoulder inputs for customization.
- Rechargeable 1000 mAh battery: ~20 hours playtime and charges while playing.
- Ultimate Software v2 support: full remapping, sensitivity tuning, and macro creation.
- Built-in 2.4 GHz dongle support: in addition to Bluetooth and USB
Carried Over or Similar from Pro 2
- Same ergonomic form factor:Â similar symmetrical layout and overall feel.
- Back paddles:Â programmable paddles remain available.
- Multiple custom profiles:Â profile support via 8BitDo software (three profiles typical).
- Multi-platform connectivity: Bluetooth and wired USB remain supported.
These newly added features offer a glimpse into potentially the most feature packed controller 8BitDo has yet to release. Extra macro buttons, TMR upgrade over hall effect joysticks, adjustable triggers, swappable buttons; the list goes on. But even beyond that, it shows that there is no slowing down for 8BitDo, at least not on this front.
Innovation Meets Controllers
8BitDo continues to innovate in the controller space and has become one of the standout names for those seeking reliable, well-built units. The company has gone through minor changes over the years, from slightly altering its logo to releasing more modern-styled controllers. Since the Analogue CEO is also the CMO of 8BitDo, they have often been able to release controllers alongside major Analogue console launches.
The 8BitDo Pro 3 proves once again that the company is nowhere near slowing down and is always looking for ways to improve upon what they have delivered. With an added dock, a new set of buttons, and swappable joysticks that can be configured to look like arcade sticks, the company is clearly willing to do whatever it takes to stand out from the pack.
For anyone looking to buy the 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth controller, it is available now for $69.99.
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