The Pro 3 is 8BitDo’s first controller with swappable buttons

8BitDo has released a new version of its wireless Pro controller that was last updated in 2021. Many of 8BitDo’s recent controller releases, including the Ultimate 2, feature an asymmetrical joystick layout like Nintendo and Microsoft use. But the new Pro 3 mirrors the design of the PlayStation DualSense controller, with side-by-side sticks that are now upgraded with drift-resistant TMR technology. The Pro 3 is also 8BitDo’s first controller that lets you easily swap the arrangement of its ABXY buttons.

The 8BitDo Pro 2 launched at $49.99 four years ago, but the new Pro 3 is debuting with a slightly steeper $69.99 price. 8BitDo has also switched to using a 1,000mAh rechargeable battery for the Pro 3, and while the company says it offers up to 20 hours of gameplay on a full charge, it’s not removable. The Pro 3 includes a convenient charging dock that doubles as storage for its 2.4GHz dongle. When the controller dies, it can still be used while connected to a console via USB, and it will charge while you play.

The Pro 3 is available for preorder starting today and officially will be on sale on August 12th. There are three color options, each of which matches different retro consoles: gray (PlayStation), G classic (Game Boy), and purple (GameCube).

The Pro 3’s design is nearly identical to the Pro 2, but it’s gained a few extra buttons. It carries forward the Pro 2’s back buttons while introducing an additional set of smaller shoulder buttons. Its triggers also use Hall effect sensors for improved accuracy and durability, while newly added switches let you choose a longer trigger for racing games or a shorter one for faster reaction times in FPS titles.

Compatibility includes support for Windows, Android, both Switch consoles, SteamOS, and Apple’s hardware, with Bluetooth, USB, or wireless 2.4GHz connectivity. The Pro 3 can be used to wake the original Nintendo Switch by simply shaking the controller, but it’s not able to wake the Switch 2. To wake the Steam Deck OLED you’ll need to press the Pro 3’s Start button.

Out of the box, the Pro 3 uses the Xbox’s button layout, but you can swap the A and B buttons to match Nintendo Switch controllers or rearrange them all to whatever layout you prefer. The Pro 3 works with 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2 so that you can remap the layout, and the controller can store and switch between three different custom profiles.

Although the ergonomics are questionable, 8BitDo is also including a pair of arcade-style ball-top caps that can be attached to the Pro 3’s joysticks.

Correction, July 17th: An earlier version of this article misstated that you can wake the OLED Steam Deck by shaking the 8BitDo Pro 3. You need to press the controller’s Start button to wake the console.