Great news for UK and European gamers and typists who've been eyeing 8BitDo's stylish Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition. After launching almost a year ago exclusively in a US layout, the company has finally announced international versions, making that classic retro aesthetic accessible to a much wider audience.
Starting this December, keyboard enthusiasts across the pond will no longer have to compromise. 8BitDo has opened pre-orders for the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition in four new layouts: UK (QWERTY), DE (QWERTZ), FR (AZERTY), and ES (QWERTY).
Pricing and Regional Availability
The move to international layouts does come with a slight price increase compared to the original US version, but for many, the convenience of a familiar key arrangement will be well worth it.
- UK (ISO): Priced at £105 on Amazon UK.
- DE (ISO QWERTZ): Available for pre-order on Amazon Germany for €119.99.
- FR (ISO AZERTY): Similarly priced at €119.99 on Amazon France.
- ES (ISO): While confirmed for release, Amazon Spain currently lists the Spanish layout as unavailable, with pricing to be confirmed.
For comparison, the original US (ANSI) layout version has a list price of £99.99 in the UK. All four new layouts are scheduled to be released on December 12.
The official announcement was made with much excitement on the company's social media, showcasing the keyboard's unique look and feel.
Same Classic Retro Features, New Layout
Beyond the new key arrangements, the keyboard itself remains the same beloved peripheral that launched last year. It’s a feature-packed board designed for both nostalgia and modern performance.
Key features of the 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition include:
- Distinctive Design: A eye-catching green translucent shell that harks back to classic computing.
- Quality Switches: Equipped with Kailh Jellyfish X switches for a satisfying tactile response.
- Fully Customizable Lighting: RGB backlit keys with 8 different light modes to match your setup.
- Durable Keycaps: Double-layered ABS keycaps with a matte UV coating to resist wear and shine.
- Hot-Swappable PCB: For advanced users who want to customize their typing experience by easily swapping out the switches.
- Dedicated Macro Buttons: Comes with two wired Super (AB) Buttons that can be programmed for complex commands or macros.
- Versatile Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and a wired USB-C connection.
- Impressive Battery Life: A hefty 4,000mAh battery provides up to 280 hours of use on a 2.4GHz connection and 300 hours via Bluetooth.
It's important to note that despite the "Xbox Edition" in its name, the keyboard is not compatible with Xbox consoles. Its compatibility lies with devices running Android 9.0+ and Windows 10+, making it a perfect companion for PC gaming, workstations, and even modern mobile devices.
For anyone in Europe who has been waiting to get their hands on this uniquely styled mechanical keyboard, the wait is almost over. Pre-orders are live now for a December delivery, just in time for the holiday season.
