Exactly 40 years in the past immediately, the Nintendo Entertainment System hit retailer cabinets in New York City. The October 18, 1985 launch of the NES within the US revitalized dwelling console gaming in North America. To commemorate the console’s pivotal position in gaming historical past, 8BitDo is releasing a brand new assortment of NES-inspired gear over the following few months. The NES40 Collection options three merchandise: a limited-edition Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller bundle, a compact wi-fi gaming speaker, and an ultra-premium 68-key mechanical keyboard fabricated from aluminum alloy.Preorders for the NES40 Collection open immediately. The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller bundle is restricted to 1,985 models, and the N40 Edition wi-fi keyboard is restricted version, too. The new Retro Cube 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 | Limited to 1,985 models | Releases November 15 The N40 Edition of the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller retails for $80, which is simply $10 greater than the MSRP of the usual white, black, and yellow editions. Considering the bundle comes with a number of notable extras, the N40 Edition is truthfully a discount. You’ll get an unique clear black 8BitDo Retro Receiver for actual NES consoles. The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth and different 8BitDo Bluetooth controllers can sync wirelessly to authentic {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. Inside the field, you will discover 4 customized joystick caps, together with a pair emblazoned with “NES” and “40,” and an 8BitBot keychain.Though themed round Nintendo Entertainment System with its pink 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 dwelling console and moveable machine launches all over the world. The solely exception right here is the June 15, 2025 date on the best aspect of the controller, as this represents the date 8BitDo created the N40. The NES launch date is emblazoned in pink, whereas the remaining are in black. Most of the dates reference console launches in North America or world releases, however there are a pair tied to {hardware} launches in Europe and Japan. From prime to backside on all sides, Here’s what every date references:Left deal with: Wii U (NA), NES (NA), Nintendo 64 (NA), Nintendo Switch (WW), Switch OLED (WW), SNES (NA), Wii (NA), GameCube (NA).Right deal with: Game Boy (NA), Virtual Boy (NA), Switch Lite (WW), 3DS (EU), DS (NA), Game Boy Color (JP), Game Boy Advance (NA). 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller N40 EditionGallery Outside of the extra equipment, the N40 is identical flagship controller 8BitDo launched earlier this yr. The Ultimate 2 helps 2.4GHz Wireless connections on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC. It additionally has Bluetooth assist for Switch 1/2, Android, Apple, and SteamOS. It can run for as much as 25 hours on a full cost and has a 1,000MHz polling fee. It’s 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: Hall Effect linear and non-linear microswitch buttons (rapid-fire mode). Other options embrace 6-axis movement controls, two rumble motors, a Turbo button, and RGB lighting rings. Control customizations might be made with 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software 2, and it can save you as much as three customized profiles that may be cycled by means of on the fly.Read our devoted story on the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth for extra particulars. In brief: It’s the most effective pro-style controller for the value for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC. $50 | Releases December 12 The Retro Cube 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 Cube 2 is a small, light-weight speaker with a budget-friendly worth level and a few good options.The pink audio system resemble the Super Buttons on 8BitDo’s vary of mechanical keyboards, together with the brand new limited-edition Retro 68 and the producer’s authentic 87-key N Edition.The Retro Cube 2 connects to your units through Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless, 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 quantity, 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 wire. And identical to with the charging dock on the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth and Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, the dock has a built-in wi-fi extender for two.4GHz audio.The Retro Cube 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 in the event you hold it on the dock, you will battle to expire of battery. $500 | Releases January 2026 in extremely restricted portions The N40 Edition 8BitDo keyboard is the producer’s first 68-key mannequin. Generally, keyboards with 68 keys are referred to as 65% keyboards. So far, 8BitDo’s mechanical keyboards have been tenkeyless 87-key fashions and full-size 108-key editions.Unlike 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 wi-fi keyboards usually promote for round $100. So, why does the N40 Edition value a lot extra? Every element is fabricated from aluminum alloy, from the body to the keycaps to the primary pair of wi-fi Super Buttons. The massive microswitch buttons might be reprogrammed on the fly with out utilizing 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2.The customized gasket-mounted N40 Edition makes use of Kailh Box Ice Cream Pro Max Linear Switches with six customized dampeners and RGB backlighting. Like different 8BitDo keyboards, the N40 Edition has a hot-swappable PCB–though it is onerous to think about wanting to modify out the aluminum alloy parts.The Retro 68 helps Bluetooth LE, 2.4GHz Wireless, and wired connections on Windows and Android. It can run for as much as 300 hours on a full cost. The limited-edition bundle additionally comes with a protecting pouch and certificates of authenticity.The Retro 68 would pair completely with 8BitDo’s NES-inspired mouse. The first wave of preorders for the keyboard additionally embrace the Retro R8 Wireless Mouse, which launched earlier this yr for $50. 8BitDo Ultimate 2 & Keyboard DealsShould you just like the look of the N40 Edition and do not need to spend $500, the excellent news is the 8BitDo N Edition TKL Mechanical Keyboard is simply $90 at Amazon. The full-size mannequin is $108 proper now.It’s additionally value noting that Amazon has some good offers on customary version variations of the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller. You can get the white Ultimate 2 Bluetooth for $60 (was $70), whereas the black and yellow editions are $63 every.And in the event you do not want Nintendo Switch 1/2 assist, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 2.4GHz version for PC and cellular has acquired much more substantial reductions. The white model is simply $47.54 (was $60), the purple is $49.19, and the black is $50.39. You also can save 20% on the Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition. On October 23, 8BitDo is launching an attention grabbing version of the Ultimate 2 themed round Honkai: Star Rail.Coincidentally, the Ultimate 2 N40 is not the primary 40th anniversary controller 8BitDo has designed this yr. In August, 8BitDo partnered with Xbox to launch the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition Ultimate 3-Mode Controller. The lovely Royal blue controller features a matching charging dock and is 8BitDo’s first-ever wi-fi gamepad for Xbox. The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition is at the moment on sale for the primary time at Amazon.Sign up for GameSpot’s Weekly Deals Newsletter:
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