Ethan Crossfield 
Players looking for a themed controller that works beyond Nintendo hardware can now consider 8BitDo's Tomb Raider 30th Anniversary Edition Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad. Pre-orders are open, while the multi-platform controller is scheduled to arrive on October 24, 2026.
What has been revealed
8BitDo has announced a Tomb Raider 30th Anniversary Edition of its Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad. The release is positioned as a celebration of three decades of Tomb Raider and is compatible with both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, rather than being limited to the newer console. Its visual direction draws on the original Tomb Raider, incorporating references to the City of Vilcabamba and the Lost Valley. The controller also includes interchangeable ball-top joystick caps designed around the teal color associated with Lara Croft's classic outfit. For collectors, the appeal is clearly in the anniversary styling; for everyday players, the wider device support may be the more important factor.
Who the controller is for
The Pro 3 is aimed at players who use several gaming devices and do not want a controller tied to a single ecosystem. Alongside Switch and Switch 2, 8BitDo lists compatibility with PC, SteamOS, Android, and Apple devices. That gives it potential use across handheld, desktop, mobile, and console setups. Tomb Raider fans who prefer merchandise with direct visual links to the series' earliest locations are also the obvious audience. However, the announcement focuses on compatibility and the commemorative design, so buyers should avoid assuming additional features, pricing, or platform-specific functions that have not been detailed.
When it releases and what follows
Pre-orders for the Tomb Raider 30th Anniversary Edition are available now. 8BitDo plans to release it on October 24, 2026, matching the 30th anniversary of the original Tomb Raider's European Sega Saturn launch. The controller is one part of a larger anniversary period for the franchise. Chronicles of the Tomb Raider, a retrospective book covering the series' history, is due on October 27. Looking further ahead, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is planned for February 2027 as an Unreal Engine 5 remake of the first game. A Tomb Raider television series starring Sophie Turner is also in development, though it does not yet have a confirmed release window.
What players should know
- The Tomb Raider 30th Anniversary Edition is an 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, not a Nintendo-made controller.
- It supports Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, SteamOS, Android, and Apple devices.
- Its design references the original Tomb Raider, including Lost Valley and Vilcabamba-inspired elements.
- Swappable ball-top stick caps use a teal look connected to Lara Croft's classic appearance.
- The announced release date is October 24, 2026, and pre-orders are currently available.
Expert View
This is a sensible anniversary accessory for Tomb Raider fans who also need broad device compatibility. The design has a clear connection to the original game, and Switch 2 support makes it timely, but prospective buyers should judge it on confirmed details rather than expect unannounced premium features or performance claims.
