8BitDo’s New NES 40th Anniversary Collection Revealed
▼ Summary
– The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller N40 features a black-and-gray NES-inspired design with red buttons, a matching charging dock, and grip prints of notable product launch dates.
– The controller retains the original Ultimate 2’s functionality, including TMR joysticks, Hall effect triggers, and compatibility with Switch, Switch 2, and Windows devices.
– The 8BitDo Retro 68 Keyboard N40 is more compact with a 68-key layout, made entirely of aluminum, and upgraded with linear Box Ice Cream Pro Max switches and a 6,500mAh battery.
– The Retro Cube 2 Speaker N Edition adds dual stereo speakers, a built-in microphone, a 2,000mAh battery for 30-hour playtime, and a wireless charging dock with USB-C.
– All three N40 products are available for preorder at $79.99 (controller), $499.99 (keyboard), and $49.99 (speaker), with limited quantities and specific release dates in late 2025 and early 2026.
8BitDo has unveiled a special NES 40th Anniversary Collection, introducing three refreshed products that pay homage to Nintendo’s iconic console. While the core functionality of these devices remains largely unchanged, each one receives notable aesthetic and hardware improvements designed to appeal to collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller – N40 now sports a black-and-gray color scheme with vibrant red buttons, closely mirroring the look of the original NES. Its charging dock has been redesigned to match this theme. Each grip is printed with launch dates of significant Nintendo and 8BitDo releases, and the package includes four interchangeable joystick caps. Internally, it retains the same features as the standard Ultimate 2, such as TMR joysticks, Hall effect triggers, customizable bumper buttons, additional back buttons, and compatibility with Switch, Switch 2, and Windows. Priced at $79.99, preorders are open now, and the controller ships with a Retro Receiver for original NES wireless use and a 2.4GHz adapter for low-latency gaming. Availability is strictly limited to 1,985 units, with a release date set for November 15, 2025.
Next in the lineup is the 8BitDo Retro 68 Keyboard N40, a more compact 68-key mechanical keyboard that replaces the earlier 87-key model. Although its retro styling appears similar, the construction has been upgraded to a full aluminum alloy body, including the shell, keycaps, and buttons. A significant change comes with the switch mechanism, moving from Kailh Box White V2 to linear Box Ice Cream Pro Max switches. Battery capacity sees a major boost to 6,500mAh, allowing for up to 300 hours of use per charge. The popular oversized programmable Super Buttons are still included, but now connect wirelessly instead of via a 3.5mm cable. Weighing 2,200 grams, the Retro 68 is substantially heavier than its predecessor. Preorders start at $499.99, with shipping anticipated in January 2026.
Completing the collection is the 8BitDo Retro Cube 2 Speaker N Edition, which maintains the NES-inspired design of the original model from 2016. Key upgrades include dual stereo speakers with dedicated music and gaming modes, a built-in microphone, and a larger 2,000mAh battery capable of up to 30 hours of playback. Connectivity options now feature both Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz wireless mode using an included dongle. Charging has been modernized with a shift from Micro USB to USB-C, and the speaker can also be powered wirelessly using the new dock included in the box. Preorders are available at $49.99, and the speaker is expected to release on December 8, 2025.
(Source: The Verge)
