The 8BitDo Pro 3 Ultimate Bluetooth Gamepad, a newly released controller compatible with Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC, is currently available at a discounted price for a limited time. Launched on August 12th, this premium gamepad is now offered at $63, down from its original price of $70, as part of a Labor Day weekend promotion. To secure the $7 discount, customers must apply the coupon at checkout. Given that the Pro 3 quickly sold out at its full price during its initial launch week, this special offer is expected to be short-lived.
This discount is applicable only to the Gray and G Classic versions of the 8BitDo Pro 3. The popular GameCube-inspired purple variant, however, remains at its standard $70 price. Additionally, Amazon features other 8BitDo controller deals, including the Ultimate 2 Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition for PC players at $50 (originally $65), and the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controller at $60 (from $70).
8BitDo Pro 3: Key Features and Specifications
The Pro 3 boasts a comprehensive set of features designed for enhanced gaming:
- Available Colors: Purple, G Classic, Gray.
- Included Accessories: A matching charging dock.
-
Connectivity & Platforms:
- 2.4GHz Wireless: Compatible with Switch (1/2) and PC.
- Bluetooth: Supports Switch (1/2), SteamOS, Apple, and Android devices.
- Wired: Works with Switch (1/2), PC, and Android.
-
Customizable Controls:
- Four additional remappable buttons: two back triggers and two microswitch shoulder buttons.
- Swappable TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) joysticks for precision, featuring wear-resistant metal stick rings.
- Option to change trigger type between Hall Effect and Non-linear Microswitch via physical switches.
- A tactile D-pad and textured grips for comfort.
- Magnetic ABXY face buttons allowing users to swap A/B and X/Y layouts to match either Nintendo or Xbox configurations.
- An extra set of unlabeled, Super Famicom-inspired face buttons (red, yellow, green, blue).
- Dedicated Turbo and Profile buttons, with the Profile button storing up to three custom control schemes.
- Input Modes: D/S/X switch for different modes.
- Haptic Feedback: Dual-motor rumble for immersive gameplay.
- Motion Controls: 6-axis motion sensing capabilities.
- Battery: 1,000mAh capacity, offering up to 20 hours of playtime.
- Dimensions: 153.6 x 100.5 x 64.55mm.
- Weight: 242.4 grams.
Advanced Customization with 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2:
This software enables extensive personalization:
- Input remapping.
- Creation of custom profiles.
- Dead zone calibration.
- Adjustments for stick, trigger, and motion control sensitivity.
- Rumble intensity modification.
I found the Pro 3 to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Pro 2. Its D-pad offers a noticeably superior feel, and the inclusion of remappable shoulder buttons and versatile trigger modes is a game-changer. The trigger locks transform R2 and L2 into responsive microswitch buttons, ideal for rapid-fire actions or assigning face button functions. This six-button shoulder configuration provides immense flexibility for customizing control schemes. Furthermore, the microswitches for the back buttons are faster and more satisfying than those on the Pro 2.
The TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) sticks on the 8BitDo Pro 3 deliver enhanced smoothness and precision compared to the Hall Effect sticks found in the Pro 2 and earlier models. TMR technology, often referred to as Hall Effect 2.0, utilizes magnetic sensors, effectively eliminating the risk of stick drift while consuming less power. Coupled with wear-resistant metal rings, these sticks offer superior durability.
Although the 8BitDo Pro 3 is priced $20 higher than the Pro 2, its $70 tag is comparable to the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, 8BitDo`s premium controller supporting both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. Unlike the Pro 2, which only offered Bluetooth and lacked a charging dock, the Pro 3 is the first non-Ultimate series controller to feature a charging dock, neatly housing a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle for a faster, more stable connection and higher polling rates.
The Pro 3, much like the Ultimate 2, serves as a compelling alternative to Nintendo`s official Switch 2 Pro Controller. While Nintendo`s controller is well-regarded and includes back buttons, 8BitDo`s premium gamepads offer unparalleled versatility through their extensive physical modifications and programmable customization options.
Key distinctions exist between the Pro 3 and the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth. The Ultimate 2 series features RGB lighting around its sticks, whereas the Pro 3 sports an upgraded D-pad with improved tactile feedback. The G Classic Pro 3 has distinctive raised ridges, contrasting with the standard directional arrows on the purple and gray models. Although I didn`t test the G Classic, I found the D-pad on the purple Pro 3 to be superior to that of the Ultimate 2.
A standout new customization feature on the Pro 3 is the ability to easily swap face buttons. A dedicated storage compartment in the charging dock, alongside the 2.4GHz adapter, holds four extra face buttons and a small tool for quick removal and replacement. This allows for a practical adjustment: configuring the A/B and X/Y buttons to match the Xbox layout, which is often preferred by PC, Mac, Steam Deck, and mobile gamers. While the Pro 3 doesn`t support Xbox consoles directly, it is compatible with Xbox Cloud Gaming. The Ultimate Software V2 further enables remapping controls, so even if you swap button layouts, you can adjust inputs to match game prompts.
In contrast, the Ultimate 2 series requires purchasing a separate model for Xbox layout: the Bluetooth version for Nintendo layout and a non-Bluetooth 2.4GHz model for Xbox layout (which is not Switch compatible). The Pro 3 simplifies this by offering a built-in solution for those who prefer the Xbox button layout across various platforms.
The included ball-top stick caps are presented as a “fun” bonus rather than a primary functional alternative. While they offer a unique feel for short play sessions, their spherical shape is less ergonomic for continuous use compared to traditional joysticks. My experiments, including using the controller like a mini arcade stick for games like Galaga, confirmed they are more of a novelty.
Through the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 app, users can precisely fine-tune stick, trigger, and motion control sensitivities, define dead zones, adjust rumble intensity, and remap any input. The controller can save up to three custom profiles, accessible instantly via the profile button.
8BitDo`s Product Innovations in 2025
The Pro 3 is a testament to 8BitDo`s commitment to innovation in 2025. This year also saw the launch of the Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controllers. Earlier, 8BitDo introduced an Xbox-licensed transparent green mechanical keyboard and mouse, marking their entry into 2.4GHz gaming mice with the Retro R8 Mouse, followed by an NES-inspired variant.
Recently, 8BitDo unveiled its first traditional Xbox controller with wireless capabilities. The Microsoft-licensed Rare 40th Anniversary Edition of the Ultimate 3-Mode Controller features a distinctive blue-and-gold design, a metal D-pad, two back buttons, Hall Effect sticks, and a matching charging dock. This controller has seen multiple sell-outs since its release.
Just weeks prior, 8BitDo collaborated with Microsoft again on a new Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller, compatible with iPhone and Android, designed to securely hold most smartphones. Mid-July brought the launch of all-button fight pads for Switch/PC and Xbox/PC.
The 8BitDo Pro 3 and All-Button Arcade Controller are ready for Nintendo Switch 2 right out of the box. However, other 8BitDo controllers with Switch 2 support, such as the Ultimate 2, may require a firmware update to ensure seamless synchronization. 8BitDo also partnered with Analogue to reimagine the N64 wireless controller, the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller, which is compatible with Switch, PC, and Switch 2 (with a firmware update).
For comparison, Nintendo`s official Switch 2 Pro Controller is currently available on Amazon for $89, slightly below its new MSRP of $90.