Skip to main content Tom's Guide Tom's Guide Search Tom's Guide View Profile Newsletters Best Picks Entertainment Prime Day Deals LIVE Prime Day TV Deals Prime Day Laptop Deals Switch 2 Restock Best laptops Wordle Today Best Mattress Recommended reading Gaming Peripherals Backbone unveils new Backbone Pro controller that's not just for your phone — play wirelessly on your PC, tablet and more Gaming Peripherals The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is awesome — and I can’t play on Switch 2 without it Gaming Peripherals I tried the Backbone Pro and it's an excellent mobile controller — but it's even better on PC Handheld Gaming I just played Street Fighter 6 on Switch 2 — and I can’t believe how good it is Gaming Peripherals I tried PowerA’s Fusion Pro Wireless controller — and its RGB lighting reveals an awesome secret Gaming Peripherals I’m a lifelong fighting game player — and this is the fightpad I’ve wanted for years I just spent a week with the Nintendo Switch 2 — here's the 3 essential accessories to upgrade your console Gaming Peripherals 8BitDo debuts swappable buttons on the updated Pro 3 controller Scott Younker 15 July 2025 Swap between Xbox and Switch layouts When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: 8BitDo) After dropping the Ultimate 2 update earlier this year, 8BitDo just released a new version of its Pro controller in the Pro 3 that could be a contender for our list of best controllers. Unlike the the Ultimate 2, the Pro models feature symmetrical joystick layouts like the PlayStation DualSense. What differentiates the Pro 3 from its predecessors is the upgraded drift-resistant TMR (Tunnel Magneto Resistance) technology, which involves quantum tunneling and ferromagnets to produce precise levels of accuracy and reduce stick drift. The big noticeable difference will be the swappable ABXY buttons, the first time such an option has been available on an 8BitDo controller. Now you can move the buttons around to reflect more of a Switch or Xbox layout. You may like Backbone unveils new Backbone Pro controller that's not just for your phone — play wirelessly on your PC, tablet and more The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is awesome — and I can’t play on Switch 2 without it I tried the Backbone Pro and it's an excellent mobile controller — but it's even better on PC 8BitDo Pro 3: $69.99 at Amazon Available for pre-order: 8BitDo's updated Pro 3 controller is the first from the peripheral maker to feature swappable ABXY buttons plus arcade-style ball-top cappers for the joysticks. It can connect to your PC, Xbox, Switch, Apple or Android device and features a 1,000 mAh battery that promises 20 hours of gameplay. Additionally, there's a 1,000 mAh rechargeable battery which 8BitDo says will get up to 20 hours of gameplay on a full charge, but this battery is not removable. The controller can still be used via USB if the battery dies. The Pro 3 looks much like the Pro 2 but it has gained a couple of new buttons including a pair of smaller shoulder buttons. Alongside the buttons there will be a pair of arcade-style ball-top caps for the joysticks. The updates do come with a price increase. When the Pro 2 launched in 2021 it cost $49.99, but the new Pro 3s will set you back $69.99. The controllers come with a charging dock that also has a storage niche for its 2.4GHz dongle. Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. The 8BitDo Pro 3 will launch on August 12, 2025, but you can pre-order it now. It comes in three color options meant to match some now "retro" consoles: gray (PlayStation), classic (Game Boy), and purple (GameCube). The Pro 3 is compatible with Android, SteamOS, the Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2, as well as Apple devices. It supports Bluetooth, USB and wireless 2.4GHz connectivity. If you're not ready to buy a new controller for your Switch or Switch 2, you could also try the $20 8BitDo USB wireless adapter 2 that can connect a massive of list of controllers to your PC or console. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide I test gaming controllers for a living — here are the 6 best for each platform Forget Joy-Cons — this $20 accessory brings PS5/Xbox controller support to the Switch 2 I just tried Nacon’s new Xbox controller — and I never want to play with a regular controller again 1 deals available $48.44View We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices See more Gaming News Scott Younker Social Links Navigation West Coast Reporter Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Backbone unveils new Backbone Pro controller that's not just for your phone — play wirelessly on your PC, tablet and more The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is awesome — and I can’t play on Switch 2 without it I tried the Backbone Pro and it's an excellent mobile controller — but it's even better on PC I just played Street Fighter 6 on Switch 2 — and I can’t believe how good it is I tried PowerA’s Fusion Pro Wireless controller — and its RGB lighting reveals an awesome secret I’m a lifelong fighting game player — and this is the fightpad I’ve wanted for years Latest in Gaming Peripherals One of my favorite gaming monitors is now $450 off at Amazon — here’s why you need it Final hours! 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Get a Galaxy Z Flip 7 for free at T-Mobile Qi2 power banks capable of 25W charging are coming — Ugreen claims 'world's first' 'M3GAN 2.0' arrives on streaming and don't listen to the haters — it's exactly what a summer blockbuster's supposed to be I review gaming monitors, and this 4K 144Hz beast for nearly 50% off is the best deal I've seen all week Anker's new Nano desktop charger will declutter your space and fast-charge your MacBook in 30 minutes Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. Terms and conditions Contact Future's experts Privacy policy Cookies policy Accessibility Statement Advertise with us Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Please login or signup to comment Please wait...