The 8BitDo Pro 3 is packed with nostalgic appeal, yet it falls victim to a major controller flaw.

Toward the end of 2025, I found myself diving back into one of my favorite games from the year, Hell is Us. This third-person action title channels a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s. It stands out in today’s gaming landscape by not holding your hand with waypoints or quest lists, which makes it feel almost retro. To enhance my experience, I paired it with the 8BitDo Pro 3, a controller that perfectly complements the game’s aesthetic.

The Pro 3 draws heavily from the design ethos of the past, much like Hell is Us. It embraces the classic look and feel of controllers from 25 years ago, proving that these design elements still hold value beyond mere nostalgia. The rubberized pause buttons, with their horizontal bars, seem meticulously crafted to evoke memories of the PS1 era. Meanwhile, the TMR thumbsticks and four extra buttons bring this controller into the modern age.

At a price of $69.99 / £64.99, it’s reasonably accessible. However, I was surprised to encounter some basic issues, especially considering 8BitDo’s reputation for quality and attention to detail. Slippery thumbsticks should not be a concern with a controller like this.

The design of the 8BitDo Pro 3 is unapologetically nostalgic. Its rounded face defies the angular shapes of contemporary controllers, and its grips are distinctively slimmer and longer, steering clear of the Xbox Series X’s design. Despite its retro appearance, the Pro 3 feels like a modern pro controller in your hands. The back buttons are well-placed for easy access, and the extra bumpers feature a satisfying click.

Unfortunately, the texture on the thumbsticks is one of the worst I’ve encountered recently. While they are rubberized, they lack grip, making them frustratingly difficult to use. The small size of the sticks—both in height and diameter—compounds the issue, especially in FPS games where maintaining thumb placement is crucial. I often found myself more focused on adjusting my thumbs than on the gameplay itself.

On the bright side, the Pro 3 is visually appealing, available in three colorways that work seamlessly across PC, Switch, Switch 2, Mac, and Android. The Grey version I tested pays homage to the PS1, while the Purple and Orange options evoke strong GameCube vibes.

Included with any colorway is a charging stand that showcases the Pro 3 beautifully, along with a USB cable and a USB-C dongle for wireless play. The Orange and Purple versions even come with unique thumbstick tops that enhance the retro aesthetic.

Inside, the Pro 3 features TMR thumbstick modules and standard rumble that adds a nice touch without being distracting. The triggers utilize Hall Effect technology, while the buttons are traditional membrane types. This choice feels appropriate for a controller inspired by the 90s, and the magnetic buttons can be swapped for added customization.

The controller also includes four additional buttons, with the back ones being easy to access and well-integrated into the grips. The extra bumpers could be positioned closer to the center, but that’s a minor preference issue.

For those seeking quicker trigger responses, the Pro 3 has stop switches on the back and a toggle for different connection modes. Customization is possible through 8BitDo’s software, but I found it easy to map the back and extra shoulder buttons using simple button combinations.

With a 1,000mAh battery, the Pro 3 offers around 25 hours of playtime before needing a recharge. I tested it on a PC and an Asus ROG Ally X, and it also works as a Nintendo Switch 2 controller.

While the fixed 4-way D-Pad may not seem ideal for retro 2D platformers, I found it effective while playing Towerfall Ascension, allowing for smooth movement without issues. The D-pad is adequately sized for diagonal inputs, making it suitable for retro games, and the Pro 3 feels right at home in a Metroidvania.

The 8BitDo Pro 3 has a distinct identity that many modern controllers lack. Its nostalgic design, excellent back buttons, and comfortable shape are commendable. However, the thumbstick design is a significant drawback, especially in FPS games. I struggled with constant adjustments in titles like Battlefield 6 and Hunt: Showdown, which disrupted my focus. The TMR technology, while promising, feels underutilized due to the slippery thumbsticks, making precise movements challenging.

While I enjoyed my time with the Pro 3 in various games, particularly in third-person titles like Hell is Us, the thumbstick issue is hard to overlook. With many alternatives available at a similar price point, controllers like the GameSir Tarantula Pro may offer a better experience.

That said, the symmetrical design of the Pro 3 could be a major draw for those seeking a PlayStation-inspired controller. If you’re after a nostalgic feel and can overlook the thumbstick shortcomings, the Pro 3 might be a solid choice.

I spent about a month testing the 8BitDo Pro 3 in my gaming setup, logging over 25 hours of playtime across various genres. I played FPS games like Battlefield 6 and Hunt: Showdown, explored the third-person action of Hell is Us, and enjoyed the fast-paced platforming of Towerfall Ascension, along with a few hours of Cronos: The New Dawn and Hades.

My experience was compared closely to other TMR controllers and modern pro controllers, drawing insights from my time with the GameSir Tarantula Pro and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2.