RetroCompass
RetroCompass

8BitDo Pro 2 — Bluetooth connection

Quick answer

Button combo

Slide S/D/XSTARTPAIR(hold 3s)

Steps

  1. 1Slide the back switch to the mode for your host: S (Switch), D (Android/macOS), X (Windows).
  2. 2Hold START for ~1s to power on in that mode.
  3. 3Hold PAIR for 3 seconds until the LED blinks fast.
  4. 4Pair from the host's Bluetooth list — on Switch use Controllers → Change Grip/Order.
  5. 5To reconnect later, just press START with the same slider position.

LED states

  • Fast blink—Discoverable
  • Slow blink—Reconnecting
  • Solid—Connected
Last verified: 2026-06-15Firmware: v1.39Source: support.8bitdo.com

Bluetooth on the Pro 2 is mode-scoped: each slider position (S/D/X) remembers its own host. That means you can keep the Switch paired on S and a PC paired on X and switch between them just by sliding and pressing START. First-time connection for any mode needs the full PAIR step; after that it reconnects automatically.

FAQ

How do I connect to a second device?
Slide to a different mode position and pair fresh. Each mode stores one host, so switching is just a slide + START.
Bluetooth keeps dropping.
Charge the controller (red slow blink = low battery) and update firmware — connection stability fixes ship in firmware updates.

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