Switch Pro 3 Deal: Grab It Before It’s Gone!

For the first time ever, seize the chance to grab 8BitDo’s latest controller, compatible with both Nintendo systems and PCs, at a discounted price during this Labor Day celebration! The 8BitDo Pro 3 Ultimate Bluetooth Gamepad, designed for Switch 2, Switch, and PC platforms, is now available for just $63 (originally $70) until September 1st. Remember to activate the coupon displayed next to the price to ensure the $7 discount is applied when you finalize your purchase. Despite being a recent release on August 12, the Pro 3 is already an incredible value even at its regular price. Given its popularity, there’s a possibility the controller may sell out before the coupon’s expiration date. Notably, the Pro 3 was completely sold out at full price during its initial launch week.

A crucial detail to note regarding this offer is that the 10% coupon is only applicable to the Gray and G Classic versions of the 8BitDo Pro 3. The purple edition, styled after the classic GameCube—the most sought-after color—remains at its original $70 price. Additionally, Amazon features excellent deals on the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controllers. For PC gamers, the Ultimate 2 Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition is available for $50 (down from $65), and the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth is priced at $60 (originally $70).

Editor’s Note: The article was updated on August 29. Find our original review and buying guide for the 8BitDo Pro 3 below:

I consider the Pro 3 to be a significant leap forward, comparable to the improvements seen in the Ultimate 2 over its predecessor. The D-pad’s enhanced responsiveness is a notable upgrade from the Pro 2, and the addition of remappable claw buttons on the shoulders, along with the dual trigger modes, is fantastic. By engaging the trigger locks, the R2 and L2 buttons convert into microswitch buttons, perfect for rapid-fire actions or mapping face button commands to the triggers. The availability of six shoulder buttons provides immense flexibility in customizing control schemes to match your individual gaming style. The microswitches on the back buttons also offer a superior, more responsive feel compared to those on the Pro 2.

8BitDo’s TMR sticks ensure smoother and more precise control than the Hall Effect sticks found on the Pro 2 and previous models. TMR electromagnetic sticks consume less energy and are designed to offer superior durability compared to Hall Effect technology. Often considered “Hall Effect 2.0,” TMR operates through magnetic sensors, eliminating the risk of stick drift. 8BitDo also adds wear-resistant metal rings for increased longevity.

The 8BitDo Pro 3 is priced $20 higher than the Pro 2; however, the $70 price aligns with the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, 8BitDo’s flagship controller supporting both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. The Pro 2, in contrast, only supported Bluetooth wireless and lacked a charging dock. The Pro 3 is the first non-Ultimate controller to include a charging dock. The inclusion of 2.4GHz Wireless is a significant advantage, offering a quicker and more stable connection with enhanced polling rates.

Like the Ultimate 2, the Pro 3 is a strong alternative to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Nintendo’s official controller delivers a great feel and features back buttons; however, the 8BitDo gamepads are more versatile, with numerous physical modifications and customizable programming options.

There are a couple of differences between the Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth. The Ultimate 2 series feature rings with adjustable RGB lighting effects around the sticks. The Pro 3 includes an improved D-pad, with more tactile feedback. Notably, the G Classic edition features raised ridges in each direction, while the purple and gray versions use directional arrows instead. I haven’t tested the G Classic, so I can’t comment on any tangible differences, but the D-pad on the purple Pro 3 is better to me than the Ultimate 2’s D-pad.

The Pro 3’s most impressive customization feature is the ability to swap face buttons. The storage compartment for the 2.4GHz adapter is found on the bottom of the charging dock. Inside the compartment cover are four extra face buttons and a small plunger tool to remove the buttons. Replacing the full set of buttons only takes a few seconds.

In addition to aesthetic changes, users can also make practical modifications by swapping the A/B and X/Y buttons to match the Xbox layout. The Xbox layout is typically regarded as the standard on PCs, so this is a great feature for users who play on PC/Mac, Steam Deck, and mobile devices. The Pro 3 does not support Xbox consoles; however, it can be used for Xbox Cloud Gaming. And since you can remap the controls using 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2, you could swap the buttons *and* alter the controls, so when a Nintendo game prompts you to press Y, you are still pressing Y even if it’s up top instead.

With the Ultimate 2 series, the Bluetooth model works on all of the same platforms as the Pro 3 but maintains the Nintendo button layout. To get the Xbox layout, you need to purchase the Ultimate 2 without Bluetooth. The 2.4GHz model saves you 10 bucks, but the 2.4GHz model of the Ultimate 2 isn’t compatible with Nintendo consoles. The Ultimate series has always offered a separate 2.4GHz model for PC players and a slightly pricier model with Bluetooth and Switch support. There’s nothing wrong with that release model, especially for those who aren’t interested in Nintendo consoles. But it’s cool that 8BitDo created a built-in solution for those who have issues with Nintendo’s control layout on other platforms.

The ball-top stick caps feel more like a throw-in bonus as opposed to a feature 8BitDo expects to become a popular alternative to conventional sticks. The manufacturer said they designed the caps “purely for fun.” After trying them out, I actually think they are pretty cool for short spurts, but the spherical shape naturally isn’t the best from an ergonomics perspective. Your thumbs would probably start to hurt if you used them continuously like traditional joysticks. I also experimented by placing the controller on my desk and holding the stick like a (tiny) arcade stick while playing Galaga. Again, not as bad as I expected, but the ball-top sticks really are more of a novelty than a practical alternative for the very good traditional stick caps.

Using 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2 app, you can change stick, trigger, and motion control sensitivity, create dead zones, adjust rumble intensity, and remap inputs. You can store up to three configurations directly on the controller, and you can switch between them by pushing the profile button. I haven’t had any problems with mapping inputs.

8BitDo is having a big year

The Pro 3 is the latest in a long line of major additions to 8BitDo’s impressive accessory line-up in 2025. The Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2 Bluetooth were both released earlier this year. 8BitDo started the year by launching a transparent green mechanical keyboard and mouse licensed by Xbox. The Retro R8 Mouse was 8BitDo’s first 2.4GHz gaming mouse, and an alternative NES-inspired model came out later.

8BitDo also launched its first traditional Xbox controller with wireless support. The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition of 8BitDo’s Ultimate 3-Mode Controller is licensed by Microsoft, and has a stylish blue-and-gold color scheme, a metal D-pad, two back buttons, Hall Effect sticks, and a matching charging dock. Check out our restock guide for more details–the controller has sold out multiple times since launch.

The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition arrived a few weeks after 8BitDo’s last collaboration with Microsoft: a new version of the Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller that supports iPhone and Android. The $50 Ultimate Mobile Bluetooth Controller is licensed by Xbox and can hold all iPhone editions as well as most Android phones. In mid-July, Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email