RetroCompass
RetroCompass

8BitDo Pro 2 — Mode switch

Quick answer

Button combo

Back slider: S / D / X·★ for profile

Steps

  1. 1Power the controller off (hold START until the LED turns off).
  2. 2Slide the back switch: S = Switch, D = Android/D-input, X = Windows/X-input.
  3. 3Press START to power back on in the selected mode.
  4. 4Press the Star (★) button to toggle the custom profile configured in 8BitDo Ultimate Software.

LED states

  • 1 blink—Mode S (Switch)
  • 2 blinks—Mode D (Android)
  • 3 blinks—Mode X (Windows)
Last verified: 2026-06-15Firmware: v1.39Source: support.8bitdo.com

The back slider sets the input protocol the Pro 2 speaks: S (Nintendo Switch), D (D-input — Android, older devices, macOS), X (X-input — Windows, Steam). Always power-cycle after moving the slider so the controller re-enumerates in the new mode. The Star (★) button is separate — it toggles the custom profile, not the mode.

FAQ

Which mode for macOS?
Use D. macOS speaks D-input cleanly; X-input is Windows-oriented.
The Star button does nothing.
★ only has an effect once you've created and assigned a profile in 8BitDo Ultimate Software.

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