If you've been yearning for a mechanical keyboard that blends modern performance with a heavy dose of Nintendo nostalgia, 8BitDo has just unveiled what might be your endgame. The company, famous for its retro-inspired controllers, has just opened pre-orders for its 8BitDo Retro 68 Keyboard - NES 40th Limited Edition, and it's making the deal incredibly sweet for early adopters by throwing in a free gift valued at nearly $50.
This isn't just any new peripheral; it's a celebratory piece of tech history. Marking the 40th anniversary of the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System, this limited-edition keyboard is also 8BitDo's first foray into the 68-key layout, a compact form factor that's beloved by enthusiasts for saving desk space without sacrificing functionality.
A High-Ticket Tribute with a Rewarding Wait
Priced at $499.99, the Retro 68 Keyboard sits at the pinnacle of 8BitDo's product lineup, reflecting its premium build and limited-edition status. There is, however, a catch: the keyboard won't begin shipping until January 2026. It's a significant wait, but 8BitDo is acutely aware of this and has decided to reward the patience and faith of its community.
Anyone who secures a pre-order will receive the all-new 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse - N Edition completely free of charge. This mouse, which typically retails for $49.99, is no mere accessory; it's a high-performance gaming mouse designed to perfectly complement the keyboard's aesthetic and capabilities.
For those ready to commit to this retro-futuristic setup, you can secure your pre-order directly from 8BitDo's official store.
More Than a Freebie: Unpacking the Retro R8 Mouse
Announced earlier this year, the Retro R8 Mouse - N Edition is built to compete with today's best gaming mice. It packs a top-tier PAW 3395 sensor for flawless tracking, responsive Kailh Sword GM X micro-switches, and features two customizable buttons on each side. Its ambidextrous design makes it a versatile choice for both left- and right-handed users.
Through the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, users can fine-tune the mouse's polling rate and cycle through six DPI sensitivity levels, ranging from a precise 50 to a lightning-fast 26,000.
Convenience is also key. The Retro R8 is a rechargeable mouse with a 450mAh battery and includes a sleek charging dock. It offers triple-connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless via an included dongle, or as a wired USB mouse. Battery life is impressive, with up to 100 hours on Bluetooth and between 26 to 105 hours on the 2.4GHz connection, depending on your chosen polling rate.
You can see the official announcement and get a closer look at the mouse on the company's social media. Check out the reveal on X (formerly Twitter) here.
The Main Event: A Deep Dive into the Retro 68 Keyboard
So, what exactly are you getting for your money and patience? The 8BitDo Retro 68 Keyboard is a powerhouse dressed in retro clothing.
- Premium Build: It features an all-metal construction with an aluminum plate and aluminum alloy keycaps, promising a solid, hefty feel.
- Superior Typing Experience: It uses Kailh mechanical switches, mounted on a hot-swappable PCB. This means you can easily change the switches in the future without any soldering. The custom gasket mount system, supported by six precision-engineered dampeners, is engineered to provide a soft, stable, and quiet typing feel.
- No Compromises: With N-key rollover, every keypress will be registered accurately, even during the most intense gaming sessions. The RGB backlighting adds a modern flair to the classic design.
- Massive Battery Life: A colossal 6,500mAh battery promises up to 300 hours of use on a single charge, ensuring you'll rarely be tethered by a cable.
- Versatile Connectivity: Mirroring the mouse, the keyboard supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB connections.
The bundle represents a significant value for fans and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts alike. For a limited time, you're effectively getting a high-end keyboard and a premium gaming mouse for the price of the keyboard alone.
The excitement is already building within the community. If you're looking to see current pricing or check availability on other 8BitDo products, the Retro R8 Mouse is also available for individual purchase on Amazon.
The 8BitDo Retro 68 Keyboard - NES 40th Limited Edition is more than just a tool; it's a statement. It’s a love letter to a bygone era, built with the technology of tomorrow, and for those who pre-order, it comes with a perfect companion to complete the ultimate retro gaming setup.
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