The 8BitDo Pro 3 is the first controller with swappable face buttons

Back in 2021, 8BitDo surprised us with the Pro 2: a compact, PlayStation‑inspired wireless controller that undercut first‑party designs on price without skimping on features. Four years (and countless Joy‑Cons) later, the Pro 3 arrives as a careful evolution rather than a reinvention. 8BitDo has kept the familiar symmetrical DualSense‑style layout, but virtually every component has been upgraded under the hood—most notably the sticks, triggers, and now, the face buttons themselves.

Where many modern third‑party pads lean into Nintendo’s offset-stick layout, 8BitDo doubled down on PlayStation aesthetics—but with a twist. The Pro 3’s analogue sticks now use drift‑resistant TMR (tunneling magnetoresistance) sensors, promising tighter dead zones and longer lifespans than the hall‑effect sticks on its predecessor. Likewise, the L2/R2 triggers swap tactile switches for hall‑effect sensors, and even let you choose between two travel distances—longer for racing sims, shorter for lightning‑fast shooters.

The headline feature is right there on the box: magnetic ABXY buttons you can pull off and snap back on in your preferred configuration. Whether you’re weaned on Nintendo’s A‑B‑X‑Y pattern or Xbox’s inverted arrangement, the Pro 3 lets you swap in seconds—no software remap required. If neither standard layout floats your boat, you can still rearrange them arbitrarily via 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2, storing up to three custom profiles onboard.

Uniting convenience with nostalgia, the Pro 3 ships alongside a compact charging dock that also tucks away its 2.4GHz wireless dongle—think of it as a modern take on classic base stations. Inside, a non‑removable 1,000mAh battery promises around 20 hours of play per charge. And when you inevitably run dry, simply plug in the USB‑C cable: you can keep gaming while it powers back up.

8BitDo didn’t stop at the faceplate. On top of the Pro 2’s two programmable back paddles, the Pro 3 tacks on an extra pair of smaller “Pro” shoulder buttons (L4/R4), doubling your macro potential. You also get rumble and motion controls (for Switch and Steam platforms), plus a tactile, eight‑directional D‑pad for precision inputs—features often missing on budget pads.

Whether you’re team Switch, PC, Android, or even Apple Arcade, the Pro 3 has you covered. It wakes both Switch consoles via Bluetooth, and can rouse an OLED Steam Deck over 2.4GHz just by giving it a shake. Plug‑and‑play USB‑C mode ensures compatibility stretches to Windows and SteamOS handhelds alike. All told, you’re looking at four connectivity modes—Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB‑C, and wired USB—which 8BitDo argues makes it one of the most versatile pads on the market.

Now the catch: the Pro 3’s MSRP sits at $69.99—a noticeable jump from the Pro 2’s launch price of $49.99. Preorders begin today, with general availability slated for August 12, 2025. If you’re a retro aesthetic junkie, choose from three throwback colorways: “gray” (PlayStation vibes), “G classic” (Game Boy homage), and “purple” (GameCube nostalgia).