8BitDo Pro 3 Review

A hands on look at the 8BitDo Pro 3, a Switch 2 compatible gamepad with magnetic triggers and interchangeable faces.

8BitDo Pro 3 Elevates Switch 2 Gaming With Magnetic Triggers

8BitDo has expanded its lineup with the Pro 3, a Switch 2 compatible gamepad that also works with PC, Apple, Steam and Android. The standout features are TMR sticks and triggers that can switch between Hall Effect and micro switch modes. The controller also includes four back paddles, two extra shoulder buttons, magnetic face buttons, and ball top joystick caps for a retro look. It can connect via USB-C dongle, Bluetooth, or wired mode, and ships with a premium charging stand and a magnetic button tool to swap the face buttons. Battery life is claimed at around 20 hours, and the build feels heavy and premium, though the battery is not removable.

Two notable downsides remain. The Pro 3 cannot wake a Switch 2 from sleep, a limitation common among third party controllers for this console. The battery is welded in, so it cannot be replaced if it ages. Despite these limits, the device delivers high quality sticks, a responsive trigger system, and a flexible button layout that can tailor to different games. At 69.99 dollars or 59.99 pounds, it sits in a premium but competitive price range and offers features that rival more expensive pads.

The Pro 3 reflects a broader shift in gamepads toward premium construction and modular tech. 8BitDo piles features like TMR sticks and dual trigger modes into a single package at a middle price point, appealing to players who want performance without paying top-tier brand premiums. The wake issue for Switch 2 is a practical friction point that dampens its otherwise smooth value proposition. The welded battery signals a trend toward longer life at the cost of repairability, a choice many players will accept for convenience yet others will see as a downside for long-term ownership. In the end, this pad is a strong choice for Switch 2 owners who value feel, durability, and customization over absolute repairability.

Highlights

Tech keeps moving forward, and this pad shows that quality and flexibility can coexist with practical drawbacks.