When it comes to gaming accessories, first-party gear is usually the safest bet—reliable, durable, and perfectly matched to its console. The catch, of course, is that it often comes with a steep price tag. Third-party manufacturers offer some creative alternatives that can be both affordable and impressive in their own right. Among them, 8Bitdo has become one of the standout names over the last few console generations. The company built its reputation on nostalgia-inspired designs, echoing classic controllers from gaming’s past. The 8Bitdo Pro 3 Bluetooth controller leans right into the retro novelty while also delivering a genuinely great, modern and feature-packed gamepad. Designed as a strong competitor to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, it’s currently available for only $56 (a 20% discount), making it an appealing budget-friendly option.
The 8BitDo Pro 3’s design nods to the iconic Super Nintendo controller as well as the Nintendo GameCube’s. The familiar D-pad placement and overall shape echoes that of the SNES while the color scheme of this model is a direct reference to the GameCube controller. Fans of platformers will immediately appreciate the D-pad’s precision and comfort. Beyond that, the controller incorporates contemporary features like dual analog sticks positioned at the bottom—similar to the layout used by PlayStation controllers—as well as ergonomic grip handles. The controller even includes two ball-top joystick caps whose tall form factor allows for more precise control when moving or aiming. They’re yellow too look like the GameCube’s C-stick.
Feature-wise, the 8BitDo Pro 3 includes everything you’d expect from a modern controller. It supports rumble vibration, motion controls, and multiple connectivity options. While it’s fully compatible with the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, it also works seamlessly with the Steam Deck through Bluetooth, a 2.4g wireless adapter, or a wired USB connection. Windows PC users can also take advantage of the same adapter or a USB cable to connect effortlessly.
No More Stick Drift
For all the players out there frustrated with Nintendo’s Joy-Con drift issues, note that the 8BitDo Pro 3 utilizes Hall Effect analog sticks. Traditional sticks rely on physical contact between components, which leads to wear and tear over time. This degradation often results in the dreaded stick drift, where characters move on their own or the camera swings wildly even when the joystick isn’t being touched. Hall Effect technology, on the other hand, uses magnetic sensors, making the sticks far more durable and resistant to drift. For anyone switching from Joy-Cons, this improvement alone is game-changing.
And if you were hoping Nintendo would have learned its lesson when designing the Switch 2 Joy-Con controller and Pro controller, I have unfortunate new. The new console controllers employ the same old, flawed tech as the previous generation. So if you’re worried about stick drift happening to you again this console generation, you can avoid it entirely by just opting to use the 8BitDo Pro 3.
No More Button Confusion
A common complaint from new gamers or really anyone who didn’t grow up playing every system is the confusion when it comes to button layouts. Nintendo and Xbox both use A, B, X, and Y for their face buttons, but their configurations are different. Newer players may frequently find themselves looking down to remember which on A is. Well, the 8BitDo Pro 3 actually has magnetic buttons which can be swapped around. So if you’re playing on Switch or on PC with an Xbox button layout, you can adjust what’s labeled what with the included button puller, matching the in-game prompts.
Rounding out the controller’s feature set are two programmable back paddle buttons and programmable R4/L4 bumpers. These can be mapped to any input, giving players extra flexibility and control. The 8BitDo Pro 3 also allows users to create multiple custom profiles, which is perfect for households where several players share the same controller or for individuals who want different configurations for different games. Switching between profiles is quick and intuitive, making the controller adaptable to virtually any play style.
Also included with 8BitDo Pro 3 is a charging dock so you can ensure you always have a fully charged controller every time you sit down to play. Right now, you can get the controller and charging dock for just $56 ahead of Black Friday.
