Precisely 40 years in the past at this time, the Nintendo Leisure System hit retailer cabinets in New York Metropolis. The October 18, 1985 launch of the NES within the US revitalized house console gaming in North America. To commemorate the console’s pivotal function in gaming historical past, 8BitDo is releasing a brand new assortment of NES-inspired gear over the subsequent few months. The NES40 Assortment options three merchandise: a limited-edition Final 2 Bluetooth Controller bundle, a compact wi-fi gaming speaker, and an ultra-premium 68-key mechanical keyboard product of aluminum alloy.
Preorders for the NES40 Assortment open at this time. The Final 2 Bluetooth Controller bundle is proscribed to 1,985 items, and the N40 Version wi-fi keyboard is proscribed version, too. The brand new Retro Dice 2 Speaker is becoming a member of 8BitDo’s on a regular basis lineup as the primary wi-fi speaker from the producer in a decade.
$80 | Restricted to 1,985 items | Releases November 15
The N40 Version of the Final 2 Bluetooth Controller retails for $80, which is simply $10 greater than the MSRP of the usual white, black, and yellow editions. Contemplating the bundle comes with a number of notable extras, the N40 Version is truthfully a discount. You will get an unique clear black 8BitDo Retro Receiver for actual NES consoles. The Final 2 Bluetooth and different 8BitDo Bluetooth controllers can sync wirelessly to unique {hardware} with the adapter. A stable black model of the Retro Receiver, for reference, carries a $25 MSRP. The bundle additionally features a journey case, which 8BitDo usually sells individually for $20. Contained in the field, you may discover 4 customized joystick caps, together with a pair emblazoned with “NES” and “40,” and an 8BitBot keychain.
Although themed round Nintendo Leisure System with its crimson face buttons, a number of tones of grey, and special-edition dock matching the design of the console, the N40 is a celebration of 40 years of Nintendo {hardware}. The handles are adorned with the dates of Nintendo house console and transportable machine launches all over the world. The one exception right here is the June 15, 2025 date on the precise facet of the controller, as this represents the date 8BitDo created the N40. The NES launch date is emblazoned in crimson, whereas the remaining are in black. Many of the dates reference console launches in North America or international releases, however there are a pair tied to {hardware} launches in Europe and Japan. From prime to backside on all sides, This is what every date references:
Left deal with: Wii U (NA), NES (NA), Nintendo 64 (NA), Nintendo Swap (WW), Swap OLED (WW), SNES (NA), Wii (NA), GameCube (NA).
Proper deal with: Recreation Boy (NA), Digital Boy (NA), Swap Lite (WW), 3DS (EU), DS (NA), Recreation Boy Coloration (JP), Recreation Boy Advance (NA).
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Exterior of the extra equipment, the N40 is identical flagship controller 8BitDo launched earlier this yr. The Final 2 helps 2.4GHz Wi-fi connections on Nintendo Swap, Swap 2, and PC. It additionally has Bluetooth help for Swap 1/2, Android, Apple, and SteamOS. It may possibly run for as much as 25 hours on a full cost and has a 1,000MHz polling fee. It is fitted with high-end TMR electromagnetic joysticks, two remappable again buttons, and an additional pair of claw shoulder buttons. It additionally has two set off modes: Corridor Impact linear and non-linear microswitch buttons (rapid-fire mode). Different options embrace 6-axis movement controls, two rumble motors, a Turbo button, and RGB lighting rings. Management customizations may be made with 8BitDo’s Final Software program 2, and it can save you as much as three customized profiles that may be cycled by way of on the fly.
Learn our devoted story on the 8BitDo Final 2 Bluetooth for extra particulars. Briefly: It is the most effective pro-style controller for the value for Nintendo Swap, Swap 2, and PC.
$50 | Releases December 12
The Retro Dice 2 is a twin stereo speaker with a retro gaming aptitude. At roughly 3.5 inches on all sides and weighing only a pound, the Retro Dice 2 is a small, light-weight speaker with a budget-friendly value level and a few good options.
The crimson audio system resemble the Tremendous Buttons on 8BitDo’s vary of mechanical keyboards, together with the brand new limited-edition Retro 68 and the producer’s unique 87-key N Version.
The Retro Dice 2 connects to your units through Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wi-fi, or USB- wired. It has two audio modes, one geared towards gaming and one other for music, and a built-in microphone. The NES-style D-pad is not only for present; the D-pad controls the amount, play/pause, and is used to sync your units.
It comes with a wi-fi charging dock that additionally has room for the USB-C twine. And similar to with the charging dock on the 8BitDo Final 2 Bluetooth and Professional 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, the dock has a built-in wi-fi extender for two.4GHz audio.
The Retro Dice 2 has a 2,000mAh rechargeable battery with as much as 30 hours of playback on a full cost. Charging time is 3-5 hours, however should you preserve it on the dock, you may battle to expire of battery.
$500 | Releases January 2026 in extremely restricted portions
The N40 Version 8BitDo keyboard is the producer’s first 68-key mannequin. Usually, keyboards with 68 keys are referred to as 65% keyboards. To date, 8BitDo’s mechanical keyboards have been tenkeyless 87-key fashions and full-size 108-key editions.
In contrast to the overwhelming majority of 8BitDo merchandise, the Retro 68 is pricey. At $500, it is by far the priciest product in 8BitDo’s catalog. For reference, 8BitDo keyboards sometimes promote for round $100. So, why does the N40 Version price a lot extra? Each part is product of aluminum alloy, from the body to the keycaps to the primary pair of wi-fi Tremendous Buttons. The big microswitch buttons may be reprogrammed on the fly with out utilizing 8BitDo’s Final Software program V2.
The customized gasket-mounted N40 Version makes use of Kailh Field Ice Cream Professional Max Linear Switches with six customized dampeners and RGB backlighting. Like different 8BitDo keyboards, the N40 Version has a hot-swappable PCB–though it is laborious to think about wanting to change out the aluminum alloy elements.
The Retro 68 helps Bluetooth LE, 2.4GHz Wi-fi, and wired connections. It may possibly run for 300 hours on a full cost and helps Final Software program V2. It is suitable with Home windows and Android and features a protecting pouch and a certificates of authenticity.
When you get the Retro 68, it is smart to pair it with the Retro R8 Wi-fi Mouse, which launched earlier this yr and is themed across the NES, too.
8BitDo Final 2 & Keyboard Offers
When you just like the look of the N40 Version and do not wish to spend $500, the excellent news is the 8BitDo N Version TKL Mechanical Keyboard is just $90 at Amazon. The complete-size mannequin is $108 proper now.
It is also price noting that Amazon has some good offers on customary version variations of the Final 2 Bluetooth Controller. You may get the white Final 2 Bluetooth for $60 (was $70), whereas the black and yellow editions are $63 every.
And should you do not want Nintendo Swap 1/2 help, the 8BitDo Final 2 2.4GHz version for PC and cellular has acquired much more substantial reductions. The white model is just $47.54 (was $60), the purple is $49.19, and the black is $50.39. You too can save 20% on the Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Version. On October 23, 8BitDo is launching an eye catching version of the Final 2 themed round Honkai: Star Rail.
Coincidentally, the Final 2 N40 is not the primary fortieth anniversary controller 8BitDo has designed this yr. In August, 8BitDo partnered with Xbox to launch the Uncommon fortieth Anniversary Version Final 3-Mode Controller. The attractive Royal blue controller features a matching charging dock and is 8BitDo’s first-ever wi-fi gamepad for Xbox. The Uncommon fortieth Anniversary Version is at the moment on sale for the primary time at Amazon.
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