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."
I love my Pro 2, best pad I’ve ever had, but I love it enough that I have no real need to spend $70 on an upgrade. This sounds excellent for anyone who doesn’t already have one though.
Not sure I get the point of removing the face buttons though. You shouldn’t need to physically rearrange them in order to remap them. I just use the Pro 2’s profile switcher button to swap layouts, and I see that button is still present, so I don’t see why I would want to do it the hard way.
As someone who switches between PC using an Xbox layout and a Switch, I like the idea of swappable buttons, assuming it doesn’t cause any issues physically with the controller in the long run.
But you can just do that in software already.
It’s more for people who look at the controller buttons while playing. I’ve had people use my controllers and get really confused when B is actually A and so on.
Personally I would find this incredibly helpful when I’m playing games with someone who’s might need to look at the buttons. Especially if they aren’t much of a gamer.
I’ve tried rearranging the buttons on my pro 2 but They’re all unique shapes and can’t be swapped 😔