RetroCompass
RetroCompass

8BitDo Pro 3 — Mode switch

Quick answer

Button combo

Mode slider: S·S/X·D (profiles) press Profile button

Steps

  1. 1Slide the back Mode switch to S for Nintendo Switch (Bluetooth or wired).
  2. 2Slide to S/X for Windows / X-input via the 2.4G USB-C dongle or USB cable.
  3. 3Slide to D for Android / D-input (Bluetooth or wired).
  4. 4Press the Profile button to cycle the 3 custom profiles for the current mode.
  5. 5Set turbo by holding any face/shoulder button and pressing ★ (Star) to toggle it.

LED states

  • Profile LED indicates slot—Active custom profile
  • Solid—Connected in selected mode
Last verified: 2026-06-20Source: 8bitdo.com

Unlike the Pro 2's S/D/X slider, the 8BitDo Pro 3 uses a three-position back Mode switch: S (Nintendo Switch), S/X (Windows / X-input via the 2.4G USB-C dongle), and D (Android / D-input). A separate Profile button cycles three on-board custom profiles per mode, built in 8BitDo Ultimate Software. The ★ (Star) button is for turbo, not profile switching.

FAQ

Does the Pro 3 use the Pro 2's S/D/X slider?
No. The Pro 3's slider is S / S/X / D. X-input is folded into S/X and only works through the 2.4G USB-C dongle or a USB cable, not over Bluetooth.
How do I switch custom profiles?
Press the dedicated Profile button to cycle through the three profiles for the current mode. The Profile LED shows which one is active. The ★ Star button does not change profiles.
What does the ★ Star button do?
It controls turbo: hold a button and press ★ to toggle turbo, or press the button plus ★ twice for auto turbo. Turbo resets when the controller powers off.

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