RetroCompass
RetroCompass

8BitDo Pro 3 — Bluetooth

Quick answer

Button combo

(Mode: S·D)START

Steps

  1. 1Set the Mode switch to S (Nintendo Switch) or D (Android) for Bluetooth.
  2. 2Press START to power on; the Pro 3 reconnects to the last paired device automatically.
  3. 3If it does not reconnect, hold PAIR 3 seconds and re-select "8BitDo Pro 3" in Bluetooth settings.
  4. 4For Windows / Steam X-input, use the 2.4G USB-C dongle in the S/X position instead.

LED states

  • Rolls side to side—Searching / pairing
  • Solid—Connected over Bluetooth
Last verified: 2026-06-20Source: 8bitdo.com

Bluetooth on the 8BitDo Pro 3 is tied to the Mode switch: S talks to Nintendo Switch and D talks to Android (D-input). Once paired, just power on in the same position to reconnect. Windows and Steam use X-input through the 2.4G USB-C dongle (S/X position), so Bluetooth there is limited to D-input.

FAQ

Why can't I get X-input over Bluetooth on PC?
By design. The Pro 3 only exposes X-input through the 2.4G USB-C dongle or a USB cable. Over Bluetooth on a PC it appears as a D-input controller.
Can I switch the connected device quickly?
Change the Mode switch (S or D) and power-cycle, or hold PAIR 3 seconds to pair a new device. Each mode remembers its own paired device.
Does Bluetooth support the 2.4G dongle at the same time?
No. Use either Bluetooth or the 2.4G USB-C dongle. Each 2.4G adapter also pairs to one controller at a time.

Same device — other tasks

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