12-Bit TMR Sticks and Charging Dock for $79.99: 8BitDo Reveals Tomb Raider Pro 3 Controller for Nintendo Switch 2
Finding a third-party wireless gamepad for the Nintendo Switch 2 that improves on stick longevity and competitive ergonomics without crossing the $90 mark is no small feat. Teaming up with Crystal Dynamics to celebrate three decades of Lara Croft, hardware specialist 8BitDo has officially revealed the Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad (Tomb Raider 30th Anniversary Edition). Priced at $79.99 with a matching magnetic charging dock included in the box, this collector's controller pairs a symmetrical retro layout with tournament-grade internal components built for Switch 2, Windows PC, and SteamOS.
12-Bit TMR Joysticks and Dual-Mode Hall Effect Triggers
Beneath a sandstone-toned shell inspired by the overgrown jungle ruins and ancient mechanisms of the iconic "Lost Valley" level from the original 1996 game, the 8BitDo Pro 3 packs a major sensor upgrade. Instead of standard potentiometers, the gamepad utilizes TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) joysticks paired with wear-resistant rings and a 12-bit ADC sampling chip. Offering finer resolution and lower power draw than first-generation magnetic sensors featured across our best PC controllers in 2026 guide, the TMR modules eliminate stick drift while delivering crisp micro-adjustments.
On the shoulder assembly, 8BitDo equips the controller with Hall Effect triggers governed by a physical Trigger Mode Switch on the rear shell. Players can flip between full-travel linear analog pulls for racing titles and instant non-linear tactile clicks for fast shooter inputs. Competitive players also get two programmable pro back paddles alongside two extra remappable fast bumpers (R4 and L4) flanking the top shoulders.
Swappable Magnetic Atlantean Buttons and Native Switch 2 Support
For multiplatform players jumping between Nintendo's hybrid console, a desktop rig, and a Steam Deck, button label mismatch has always been an annoyance. Here, the four face buttons are adorned with golden Atlantean symbols and mounted magnetically. Using the included button puller tool, you can pop the caps out and physically swap between the Nintendo layout (B-A-Y-X) and the standard Xbox/PC layout (A-B-X-Y) in seconds.
The package also ships with two extra themed thumbstick caps and two arcade-style ball-top joystick caps. Weighing 242.4 grams, the gamepad supports native Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility (firmware 20.1.1 and above) and original Switch hardware with 6-axis motion controls, alongside 2.4 GHz wireless (via the adapter stored inside the charging dock), Bluetooth, and wired USB-C connectivity. Full profile customization, deadzone tuning, and macro mapping are handled through 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
Release Date, Pricing, and the 30th Anniversary Lineup
This hardware collaboration arrives as fans celebrate three decades of the franchise while awaiting Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis in Unreal Engine 5. Alongside the symmetrical Pro 3, 8BitDo is also releasing an asymmetrical Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox (Tomb Raider 30th Anniversary Edition) featuring adjustable-tension TMR sticks for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
The 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad (Tomb Raider 30th Anniversary Edition) is available for pre-order now at $79.99 on Amazon US and the official 8BitDo eShop, with shipments starting on October 24, 2026 (followed by wider European retail availability on November 13, 2026).
My Test Bench
At $79.99 with an auto-reconnecting magnetic charging dock, four extra remappable inputs (L4, R4, and dual rear paddles), dual-mode triggers, and 12-bit TMR sticks, the Pro 3 outclasses Nintendo's $89.99 official Switch 2 Pro Controller on raw mechanical specs while undercutting its price by ten dollars. Its recalibrated tactile golden D-pad and symmetrical thumbstick layout also make it a premier pick for 2D platformers and retro remasters. The only practical trade-off comes down to Nintendo's proprietary system hooks: you do not get a dedicated GameChat C button or a built-in 3.5mm audio jack on the controller body. If drift-proof precision, instant trigger locks, and seamless switching between Switch 2 and PC matter more to your setup, 8BitDo's value proposition is hard to beat.
PC hardware enthusiast and competitive gamer, Arthur 'Heimdall' splits his time between France and the UK working in enterprise B2B software solutions. A business school graduate passionate about component benchmarking, he has been building, modding, and tuning PCs since childhood, optimizing every thermal degree and millisecond of display latency. An avid gamer across Assassin's Creed and sandbox titles, he forged his alliance with Grimtag and Chaya during late-night World of Warcraft raids before joining Pro-Gamer.
