8BitDo Pro 3 Controller Is Loaded With New Features, Preorders Live Now
www.gamespot.com
The Pro 3 takes cues from the flagship Ultimate 2, but it also has unique features like swappable ABXY buttons and arcade-style stick caps.

From the linked GameSpot article:

"8BitDo has revealed the successor to its popular Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller. Officially called the Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, the upcoming controller retains the form factor of the Pro 2 while implementing some of the enhanced features found in the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, such as TMR joysticks and trigger locks. It also has a few entirely new features not found on other 8BitDo controllers, including swappable magnetic face buttons and an extra pair of arcade-inspired ball-top stick caps.

The 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad is available to preorder now at Amazon for $70 ahead of its August 12 release. It comes in three retro-themed colors: G Classic, Gray, and a shade of purple that pays homage to the Nintendo GameCube. All three models come with matching charging docks and a set ball-top arcade stick toppers that can be swapped in for the traditional rubberized caps. Out of the box, the Pro 3 is compatible with Switch 2, Switch, PC, Android, Apple devices, and Steam Deck."

  • tomalley8342@lemmy.worldEnglish
    83·
    2 days ago

    Very nice of them to add hall effect triggers for improved longevity so that you can trash it even sooner than the Pro 2 once the non-replaceable battery dies out.

    • ISolox@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      2 days ago

      I can’t speak for this controller specifically, but all of the 8bitdo controllers I’ve had seem to been fairly easy to get into and repair.

      Although it’s not as convient as the Pro 2, I wouldn’t say it’s not replaceable.

    • brisk@aussie.zoneEnglish
      3·
      2 days ago

      It’s not replaceable? That’s disappointing. I expected better of controller manufacturers since they’re not space constrained.

    • Thassodar@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      21·
      2 days ago

      Are you talking about the battery in the Pro 2? My understanding is they use TMR sticks that use less battery. And even if/when the battery dies I’ve been having no issues using it wired.

      • tomalley8342@lemmy.worldEnglish
        4·
        2 days ago

        The Pro 2 was notable for having an easily replaceable battery pack which was also compatible with standard AA batteries, and now the Pro 3 will be removing this feature in favor of an internal battery. I was implying that although the Pro 3 includes a new hall effect sensor for the triggers which would marginally increase its lifespan, the Pro 3 will likely need to be thrown away sooner than a Pro 2 because of its new irreplaceable battery design.

        • Thassodar@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          2·
          2 days ago

          I was thinking about my Ultimate 2 anyway, so my comment didn’t matter. Maybe I’ll get a Pro one, some day.

        • Hadriscus@jlai.luEnglish
          1·
          2 days ago

          You should still be able to disassemble it and solder on a new battery if you have the tools, the time and the knowledge

      • tomalley8342@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        I have 1 of their controller, the Pro 2, and I never had issues with the battery, and will never have issues with the battery, because it takes standard rechargeable AA batteries. Unfortunately I can’t say the same about the Pro 3.