8BitDo Retro R8 Gaming Mouse: Hands-On Review
▼ Summary
– The 8BitDo Retro R8 features a distinctive retro aesthetic with angular design and recessed side buttons, making it visually unique but requiring some adjustment to use.
– It offers modern wireless connectivity with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz modes, plus a charging stand that also functions as a wireless receiver and helps maintain battery life.
– The mouse includes high-performance specs like a PAW 3395 sensor, up to 26,000 DPI, and an 8,000 Hz polling rate (wired), providing responsive performance for gaming.
– Priced at $50, it represents good value for a wireless mouse with a charging stand and high-end features, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
– While comfortable and well-balanced at 77g, its unconventional design elements may not suit everyone, especially those who prefer traditional ergonomic mice.
Finding a wireless gaming mouse that combines high-performance specs with a unique design at an affordable price can be a challenge, but the 8BitDo Retro R8 delivers exactly that. This mouse not only offers an impressive 8,000 Hz polling rate and a premium PAW 3395 sensor but also arrives with a charging stand, all for around $50. Its throwback aesthetic, inspired by classic consoles, sets it apart in a market crowded with generic black rectangles.
The model reviewed here is the N edition, which channels the spirit of the original Nintendo Entertainment System with its warm gray finish, red accents, and nostalgic color blocking. An Xbox edition in translucent green is also available, and both versions make a strong visual statement. From the moment you pick up the Retro R8, its distinctive design becomes apparent. Instead of soft curves, the mouse features sharp angles, and the side buttons are recessed directly into the frame. This unusual placement reduces accidental clicks but requires a slight adjustment in grip to access them comfortably.
Internally, the Retro R8 is thoroughly modern. It supports wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless connections, and the included charging stand doubles as a receiver dock. Removing the 2.4 GHz dongle from its storage slot in the mouse and inserting it into the base creates a tidy charging station that also keeps the dongle secure. Battery life is solid, offering up to 100 hours over Bluetooth and between 26 and 105 hours on the 2.4 GHz connection, depending on the polling rate selected. Placing the mouse on the stand for brief periods each day is enough to maintain a full charge.
Equipped with a PAW 3395 optical sensor, the R8 reaches a maximum sensitivity of 26,000 DPI. Its polling rate can be set as high as 8,000 Hz, though that top speed is reserved for wired use. Over the 2.4 GHz wireless connection, 4,000 Hz is available, which still provides excellent responsiveness. In fast-paced games like Counter-Strike 2, the mouse performs reliably, with no noticeable lag or disconnections during testing. While it may not match dedicated esports mice in every respect, it handles quick movements and precise aiming with ease.
Some design choices do require a short adaptation period. The recessed side buttons, while minimizing misfires, can feel less immediate than those on conventional mice. They also tend to collect dust and skin oils more easily, demanding occasional cleaning with a small tool. The mouse is ambidextrous by design, with the right-side buttons disabled by default. Using the 8BitDo Ultimate Software, you can enable left-handed mode, reassign buttons, adjust DPI stages, or set macros. The software is straightforward, if visually basic, and the absence of RGB lighting helps extend battery life while keeping things simple.
Weighing 77 grams, the R8 sits at the slightly heavier end of the standard weight range for gaming mice. Its weight distribution is well-judged, however, making it stable on the pad without feeling cumbersome. The angular front may look unusual, but in use, it doesn’t interfere with comfort or control.
Often, retro-styled peripherals prioritize looks over performance, but the 8BitDo Retro R8 manages to excel in both areas. It brings together a high-end sensor, flexible connectivity, and a practical charging stand, all wrapped in a distinctive, conversation-starting shell. For just $50, it feels less like paying a “retro tax” and more like receiving a welcome discount on a capable and charismatic gaming mouse.
(Source: PCGAMER)
