RetroCompass
RetroCompass

8BitDo SN30 Pro — Mode switch

Quick answer

Button combo

Y+START(Switch)·B+START(Android)·A+START(macOS)·X+START(Windows)

Steps

  1. 1Power the controller off first (hold START 3 seconds).
  2. 2Hold the face button for your target platform together with START to power on: Y (Nintendo Switch), B (Android/D-input), A (macOS), X (Windows/X-input).
  3. 3Read the LED cue to confirm the mode (see LED states).
  4. 4Pair if needed by holding PAIR for about 3 seconds.

LED states

  • RotatingNintendo Switch mode (Y + START)
  • LED 1 blinkAndroid / D-input mode (B + START)
  • LED 3 blinkmacOS mode (A + START)
  • LEDs 1+2 blinkWindows / X-input mode (X + START)
Last verified: 2026-06-20Source: support.8bitdo.com

The SN30 Pro has no mode slider; instead you select the input mode by which face button you hold while powering on with START. The LED pattern tells you which mode you're in: rotating for Nintendo Switch, LED 1 for Android, LED 3 for macOS, LEDs 1+2 for Windows. To change modes, power off and boot with the right combo. Use X + START (X-input) for Windows and Steam.

FAQ

How do I switch from one mode to another?
Power off (hold START 3 seconds) and power back on with the new combo, e.g. switch from B + START (Android) to X + START (Windows).
Which mode for Steam on PC?
Use X + START for X-input (Windows); Steam recognizes it as an Xbox-style controller. B + START (D-input) also works for some games.