8BitDo unveils Arcade Controller Pro for competitive play

Peripheral maker 8BitDo has unveiled a new high-end controller designed for competitive fighting game players, announcing the Arcade Controller Pro just ahead of the EVO 2026 tournament. The device is a "leverless" or "hitbox-style" controller, a design that replaces the traditional joystick with directional buttons for movement.

The company describes the Pro as its most serious fight stick yet, targeting serious competitors with a compact, all-button layout. Key upgrades from last year's original Arcade Controller include a fifth programmable button on the far left, a built-in 1.47-inch display, and a tighter, more compact button spacing designed to reduce finger fatigue during long sessions.

The onboard screen allows players to view inputs in real time, check battery status, and adjust settings directly on the device without needing a connected computer. These settings include SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) cleaning rules, button remapping, and RGB lighting adjustments. For deeper customization, the controller remains compatible with 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2 application.

The controller maintains a slim profile and features hot-swappable 8BitDo Core Green...