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The 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Controller’s standout difference is its TMR thumbsticks and Hall effect triggers. T3 News Editor Rik Henderson says those features are why he has made it his go-to controller over Nintendo’s more expensive Switch 2 Pro Controller. That is his preference, not proof that the 8BitDo is the better choice for every player—and the cited prices are published figures, not verified live deals.
Why Henderson prefers the 8BitDo Pro 3
In a T3 article published on 24 February 2026, Henderson described the Pro 3 as his go-to controller because it has TMR thumbsticks and Hall effect triggers, which he said Nintendo’s more expensive alternative lacks. The appeal is the input technology: both sticks and triggers use magnetic sensing rather than relying on the same kind of physical contact used by conventional potentiometer controls.
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That distinction may matter if you specifically want magnetic-sensor controls in both places. It does not, by itself, establish that the Pro 3 is more accurate, more durable, or more comfortable for every player. Henderson’s is a first-person buying preference, not a universal verdict or independent comparison test.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsHow the Pro 3 compares with the Switch 2 Pro Controller
The 8BitDo Pro 3 is described as compatible with Switch 2 over Bluetooth and through its included 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. Nintendo Life also lists gyro controls, programmable buttons, and interchangeable arcade-style stick balls. A notable omission for some Nintendo players is amiibo scanning: Nintendo Life says the Pro 3 cannot scan amiibo.
#1 Best Overall
- Multi-Platform Compatibility - Compatible with Switch 1 & Switch 2, Windows PC, Apple, SteamOS, and Android devices.
- Swappable Magnetic ABXY Buttons - Easily switch between Switch and Xbox layouts with included button puller.
- Integrated Charging Dock - A seamlessly integrated charging dock keeps your controller always charged and ready to play. Automatically reconnects when removed from the dock.
- TMR Joysticks & Trigger Mode Switch – Equipped with high-precision TMR joysticks with 12-bit ADC sampling chip. Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- Includes 2 Pro-level back buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers for quick reactions, a tactile D-pad, 3 custom profiles, and 2 ball-top joystick caps.
Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Pro Controller offers its own advantages. GamesRadar highlights wake functionality, HD Rumble 2, and straightforward rear-button assignment, while noting that Nintendo’s controller does not have Hall effect thumbsticks. The choice is therefore about which features you value, rather than a simple feature-for-feature win for 8BitDo.
Published prices and feature trade-offs
The figures below are prices published in 2026 source coverage, not confirmed current prices or offers. Availability, price, product revision, and firmware can vary by region and over time.
Rank #2
- Universal Multi-Platform Compatibility - Seamlessly connects to Switch 1 & 2, Windows PC, Apple, SteamOS, and Android devices.
- How to connect Switch 2 - 1) For Wired & 2.4g Adapter Connection: Ensure "Pro Controller Wired Communication" is enabled in the Switch 2 system settings. 2) For Bluetooth Connection: Simply pair the controller via the Switch 2 Bluetooth.
- Wake-on-Shake for Switch 1/2 - Support for waking the Switch 1/2 console from sleep is enabled after installing the latest firmware update.
- All-in-One Charging Dock & Storage Hub - The integrated dock not only keeps your controller fully charged but also stores the spare A-B-X-Y buttons, magnetic retrieval tool, and the 2.4G adapter in a dedicated compartment, ensuring they are always organized.
- TMR Joysticks & Trigger Mode Switch - Equipped with high-precision TMR joysticks with 12-bit ADC sampling chip. Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for different games.
| Controller | Published price | Relevant features and trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Controller | $69.99 / £59.99, as listed by Nintendo Life in its 2026 guide. T3 also reported historical Amazon deal prices of $57.39 in the US and £42.70 in the UK in its 24 February 2026 article; those were deals at that time, not current offers. | TMR thumbsticks, Hall effect triggers, gyro, programmable buttons, and interchangeable stick balls. Nintendo Life says it cannot scan amiibo. T3 describes Switch 2 support over Bluetooth and with the included 2.4 GHz dongle. |
| 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth | $59.99 / £59.99, as listed by GamesRadar+ in its 2026 guide. | TMR sticks, Hall effect triggers, and a charging dock. GamesRadar reports involved setup and no Switch 2 sleep-wake support. Check the exact model: Ultimate 2 Bluetooth and Ultimate 2 Wireless are distinct offerings. |
| PowerA Advantage Wired | $39.99, the published review price cited by GamesRadar. | Hall effect sticks, but a wired connection and no rumble, motion controls, or NFC, according to GamesRadar. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller | Not stated in the cited comparison coverage. | GamesRadar notes wake functionality, HD Rumble 2, and easy rear-button assignment; it says the controller lacks Hall effect thumbsticks. |
Which controller makes sense for you?
Choose the Pro 3 if magnetic sticks and triggers are the priority
The Pro 3 fits players drawn to Henderson’s specific reason for switching: TMR sticks and Hall effect triggers in a controller described as working with Switch 2. Its other listed features include gyro and programmable buttons. If amiibo scanning is important, account for Nintendo Life’s report that it is not supported.
Consider Nintendo’s controller if its official features matter more
Players who value HD Rumble 2, wake functionality, or the easy rear-button assignment highlighted by GamesRadar may prefer Nintendo’s controller despite the lack of Hall effect thumbsticks. The cited comparison does not establish a single best choice for all play styles.
Rank #3
- Multi-Platform Compatibility – Compatible with Switch 1 & 2, Windows PC, macOS, SteamOS, and Android devices. Our 8bitdo pro 3 controller for your gaming worlds.
- Swappable Magnetic ABXY Buttons – Magnetic ABXY buttons let you swap instantly between Switch and Xbox layouts—tool included, no hassle.
- Always Charged, Always Ready – A seamlessly integrated charging dock keeps your controller always charged and ready to play. Automatically reconnects when removed from the dock.
- TMR Joysticks & Trigger Mode Switch – Features precision TMR joysticks with 12-bit ADC sampling chip. Toggle between linear Hall Effect triggers and tactile triggers for different gaming needs.
- Pro-Level Controls – Includes 2 rear back buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, tactile D-pad, 3 custom profiles, and 2 ball-top joystick caps for personalized play.
Consider the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth if a dock and lower listed price appeal
GamesRadar’s 2026 listed price is below Nintendo Life’s listed price for the Pro 3, and the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth includes a dock. Balance that against GamesRadar’s reports of involved setup and missing Switch 2 sleep-wake support. Confirm the exact Ultimate 2 version and applicable firmware before buying.
Consider PowerA’s wired option for a cable-first budget choice
The Advantage Wired’s published $39.99 review price was the lowest listed figure among these third-party options, but it requires a cable and omits rumble, motion controls, and NFC. It is a narrower fit if you need wireless play or those features.
Quick Recap
Check price, wake support, and firmware before buying
- Verify the live price and stock for your region; the cited prices are published figures and the T3 Amazon prices were historical deals.
- Check the precise controller model and firmware. Nintendo Life reported that a beta firmware update added shake-to-wake for the Pro 3, so do not assume that feature is available on every unit or firmware version.
- Decide whether amiibo/NFC, rumble, motion controls, wireless use, or a dock are essential to you, and compare those needs with the options above.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
