Head-to-Head

8BitDo SN30 Pro+ vs 8BitDo Pro 2 Which Fits Your Games?

Pro 2 adds two rear buttons. SN30 Pro+ does not have them. Pick Pro 2 if you need actions at the back without moving your aiming thumb. Pro 2 uses a physical mode switch and profile controls. Pro+ uses startup combinations. The Pro 2 FAQ explicitly distinguishes these features.

Jordan RiveraLast reviewed: 2026-09-25
Overall Verdict
It's a tie

Pro 2 adds two rear buttons. SN30 Pro+ does not have them. Pick Pro 2 if you need actions at the back without moving your aiming thumb. Pro 2 uses a physical mode switch and profile controls. Pro+ uses startup combinations. The Pro 2 FAQ explicitly distinguishes these features. The current Pro 2 page lists Hall-effect sticks; check older stock. Both models have a removable pack and AA support. Their rated runtime is not a matched test of used batteries.

Head to Head

The contenders

8BitDo

8BitDo SN30 Pro+

$34-50

Consider the SN30 Pro+ for its layout and replaceable battery, especially if you already own one. Compare the exact model before buying: Pro 2 controls and current Hall-effect specifications should not be assigned to the Pro+.

Strengths
  • Removable rechargeable pack with AA battery support
  • Full grips with a central D-pad
  • USB and Bluetooth support
  • Button and input adjustments through the model-specific software
Trade-offs
  • Cannot wake the original Switch wirelessly
  • No NFC for amiibo
  • Do not expect Pro 2 rear buttons or profile switch
  • Used battery condition can vary
8BitDo

8BitDo Pro 2

$49.99

A useful choice for a central D-pad, rear controls and a removable battery. Check the exact hardware revision and current host requirements; the Pro 2 name alone does not prove that an older unit has the latest sensors.

Strengths
  • Removable battery pack
  • Two rear controls
  • Physical mode selection
  • Current Hall-effect revision
Trade-offs
  • Older stock needs a revision check
  • Standard rumble, not HD Rumble
  • Features vary by host mode
Category by Category

Where each one wins

Every category names a clear winner (or a tie when the answer is genuinely platform- or preference-dependent). No cop-outs.

  • Category

    Rear controls

    8BitDo Pro 2

    Pro 2 adds two rear buttons. SN30 Pro+ does not have them. Pick Pro 2 if you need actions at the back without moving your aiming thumb.

  • Category

    Mode selection

    8BitDo Pro 2

    Pro 2 uses a physical mode switch and profile controls. Pro+ uses startup combinations. The Pro 2 FAQ explicitly distinguishes these features.

  • Category

    Revision and battery

    Tie

    The current Pro 2 page lists Hall-effect sticks; check older stock. Both models have a removable pack and AA support. Their rated runtime is not a matched test of used batteries.

Compare with controller testing data

Use GPADLAB diagnostics to check controller behavior beyond specifications.

Controller Benchmark
Go Deeper

Read the individual reviews

Product A

8BitDo SN30 Pro+ Bluetooth Gamepad - full review

The SN30 Pro+ is an older 8BitDo pad with a central D-pad, full grips and a removable battery pack. It can still make sense for an existing setup or a well-priced used purchase. Do not confuse it with the Pro 2: the rear buttons, profile controls and physical mode switch described in our earlier review belonged to that newer model.

Product B

8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad - full review

The current 8BitDo Pro 2 spec includes Hall-effect sticks, two rear buttons and a removable battery pack. Older stock can differ, so check the revision before buying used. Its physical mode switch and saved profiles suit players who move between supported hosts, but the operating-system requirements have changed since the original launch.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Pro 2 adds two rear buttons. SN30 Pro+ does not have them. Pick Pro 2 if you need actions at the back without moving your aiming thumb.

Pro 2 uses a physical mode switch and profile controls. Pro+ uses startup combinations. The Pro 2 FAQ explicitly distinguishes these features.

The current Pro 2 page lists Hall-effect sticks; check older stock. Both models have a removable pack and AA support. Their rated runtime is not a matched test of used batteries.