8BitDo Arcade Controller Pro gets a new pre-order timeframe

It has been over three months since 8BitDo announced the Arcade Controller Pro. However, it is yet to reveal its price and release date. Back when it was announced, 8BitDo said that pre-orders would begin in September, but that didn't happen. Now, it has added new availability details to the controller's product page.

The Arcade Controller Pro is a follow-up to the Arcade Controller (available on Amazon for $89.99) released in 2025. The new pro model has a compact design, a redesigned button layout, and a 1.47-inch display that allows users adjust the controller's settings without needing the companion app or desktop software. It also comes with a magnetic wrist rest.

Available in two colors — White and N Edition — 8BitDo's website has been updated to say that the Arcade Pro Controller will be available to pre-order this October, although the specific date when pre-orders will open isn't stated. It should also be noted that there is a possibility the release date might not be this October, based on other 8BitDo releases; as there is usually a month between when pre-order opens and the eventual release date.

Interestingly, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller Pro is already available to purchase in China and carries a CNY 699 (~$104/€93) price tag. Buyers also get a free hard-shell case. Based on its price in China, our guess is that the international version might retail for at least $119, although a free gift seems unlikely.

8BitDo isn't the only brand that has announced an arcade controller but hasn't released it yet. Early this year, GameSir announced the Delta-X7 hitbox with a touch display and an 8K polling rate. It has been seven months since the announcement and it is yet to get a global release despite its availability in China for months now.