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8BitDo's button-only arcade controller gets a tiny screen [1]

['Rob Beschizza']

Date: 2026-06-24  

8BitDo's revised Arcade Controller Pro is a Hit Box-style device that trades the arcade stick for a button-only layout. The new model tightens the cluster and adds a fifth programmable button.

The Pro keeps the slim profile of last year's original and adds a wee LCD display that shows live inputs, battery level, and settings normally buried in the app. It runs on hot-swappable mechanical switches with reinstallable round button caps, has a magnetic wrist rest, and uses a locking USB-C port for wired play on Windows or Switch. 8BitDo says you'll get roughly 15 hours from the 3,000mAh battery with RGB lighting off. Missing is a price or firm release date; pre-orders open in September.

The standout feature is that on-board screen, which lets players adjust SOCD handling: how the controller resolves conflicting left-right or up-down presses, without a connected PC. Controversy abounds, or it used to, because button-based directional controllers can produce inputs that are awkward or impossible on a stick. Among other things, it makes special moves easy to slap out. Hit Box was the first in a now-crowded field that also includes the Razer Kitsune, Punkworkshop, JunkFood and various cheaper options. The company plans to show the Pro at EVO 2026, which opens Friday.

Previously:

• Review: 8bitdo's Zero, a tiny wireless game controller

• 8bitdo teases rumored Hitbox-style controller

• 8BitDo M Edition: a modern mechanical keyboard reminiscent of IBM's famed Model M

• 8BitDo Retro Keyboard now comes with mechanical keypad

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