8BitDo has announced an upgraded version of its all-button Arcade Controller that originally launched a little over a year ago. The new Arcade Controller Pro keeps the leverless Hitbox-style design — replacing the joystick with directional buttons for faster, more precise inputs — but adds a few meaningful improvements.
The Pro is just 16mm thin, even slimmer than the original. It adds an extra programmable button and, most notably, a small built-in screen that lets you adjust button mapping and other settings without needing to open 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2 app on another device. The app is still supported for those who prefer it.
The original 8BitDo Arcade Controller was one of the more affordable leverless options on the market, appealing to competitive fighting game players who wanted precision without the premium price tag. The Pro version should continue that trend while addressing one of the original’s main pain points — having to switch devices just to tweak settings.
Pricing, availability, and preorder timing for the Arcade Controller Pro haven’t been announced yet. More details are expected soon.
