The new 8BitDo Pro 3 PC controller is a big upgrade, and its price is impressive

One problem I've always faced with PC controllers is a lack of layout consistency - an Xbox controller, a Switch controller, and a PlayStation controller all have different button positions. 8BitDo's latest PC controller looks to resolve that issue with magnetic button switches, allowing you to change between different layouts with ease.

The 8BitDo Pro 3 is rated to be fully compatible with SteamOS, with 8BitDo claiming that "all of its inputs" are fully compatible with the Steam Deck. It's fully wireless, with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth support, and comes with a slide-on charging dock for quick and easy charging. Its swappable features could make it a decent alternative to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, still the best high-end controller in our best PC controller guide.

The 8BitDo Pro 3 is the first refresh of 8BitDo's wireless Pro controller since 2021, and it's also the company's first controller with swappable keys. It'll also ship with TMR joysticks, with magnetic resistance that will reportedly help reduce wear and stick drift, along with Hall Effect triggers for improved accuracy. There are also additional back buttons, an upgrade on the Pro 2.

8BitDo has also thrown in a 1,000mAh rechargeable battery that should reportedly allow for up to 20 hours of playtime, but you can use it indefinitely over a USB Type-C cable if you prefer the wired approach. It also comes in some neat retro gaming-friendly color schemes, with gray for the original PlayStation, "G Classic" for the Game Boy, and purple for the GameCube.

Of course, this isn't the first swappable controller on the market with other controllers. Alternatives like the GameSir Super Nova already offer the feature, for example, so it isn't entirely surprising to see 8BitDo add the functionality to its own flagship product. It's a welcome addition nevertheless, especially at this very affordable price. For just $69.99, the 8BitDo Pro 3 could be a solid third-party alternative for budget gamers who want to use the same controller on their Nintendo Switch, a handheld like the Steam Deck, and a gaming PC.

It's available for pre-order on Amazon right now, with a release scheduled for August 12. You can pre-order it for yourself by clicking this link here. Meanwhile, a pre-order for UK Amazon customers was available as I was writing this piece, with an October 10 release date, but is now showing as unavailable. Should that change, you can try and register a pre-order using this link instead.

Can't give up your WASD keys just yet? Check out our best gaming keyboard guide for some alternatives to suit any budget. You can also check out our best handheld guide for some serious portable gaming options from brands including Asus and Razer.

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