8BitDo Unveils NES 40th Anniversary Ultimate 2 Controller Bundle

Celebrating four decades of Nintendo’s iconic console, 8BitDo has introduced a special NES40 Collection to honor the original NES launch in New York City on October 18, 1985. This anniversary lineup includes three standout items: a limited-run Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller bundle, a new wireless gaming speaker, and an exclusive aluminum alloy mechanical keyboard. Preorders for the collection begin immediately, with the controller bundle capped at just 1,985 units and the keyboard also produced in limited quantities. The Retro Cube 2 Speaker, meanwhile, joins 8BitDo’s regular product roster as their first wireless speaker release in ten years.

The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller – N40 Edition Bundle is priced at $80 and launches on November 15. Limited to 1,985 pieces, this version costs only $10 more than standard editions but includes several valuable extras, making it a compelling deal. Buyers receive an exclusive transparent black 8BitDo Retro Receiver for original NES consoles, enabling wireless connectivity between 8BitDo Bluetooth controllers and classic hardware. A solid black Retro Receiver normally retails for $25. Also included is a travel case, typically sold separately for $20, along with four custom joystick caps featuring “NES” and “40” designs, plus an 8BitBot keychain.

Styled with red face buttons, multiple gray tones, and a dock that mirrors the NES console, the N40 controller commemorates 40 years of Nintendo hardware. Each handle displays launch dates for Nintendo home and portable systems worldwide. The right handle features June 15, 2025, representing the date 8BitDo created the N40 design. The NES launch date stands out in red, while others appear in black. Dates on the left handle correspond to the Wii U, NES, Nintendo 64, Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, SNES, Wii, and GameCube in North America or worldwide. The right handle lists the Game Boy, Virtual Boy, Switch Lite, 3DS (Europe), DS, Game Boy Color (Japan), and Game Boy Advance.

Internally, the N40 edition matches the flagship Ultimate 2 controller released earlier this year. It supports 2.4GHz wireless for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC, plus Bluetooth connectivity for Switch 1/2, Android, Apple, and SteamOS devices. Battery life reaches up to 25 hours per charge, with a 1,000MHz polling rate for responsive input. High-end TMR electromagnetic joysticks, two remappable back buttons, and extra claw shoulder buttons enhance gameplay. Users can switch between Hall Effect linear and non-linear microswitch trigger modes, and access features like 6-axis motion controls, dual rumble motors, a Turbo button, and RGB lighting rings. Customization is handled through 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software 2, which supports three onboard profiles.

The Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition arrives on December 12 for $50. This compact stereo speaker measures about 3.5 inches per side and weighs one pound, offering portability and affordability. Its red speaker grilles echo the Super Buttons on 8BitDo’s mechanical keyboards. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB wired modes, with separate audio settings for gaming and music. A built-in microphone and functional D-pad for volume, playback, and device pairing add to its versatility. The speaker comes with a wireless charging dock that also extends 2.4GHz wireless range. A 2,000mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 30 hours of playback, with a 3–5 hour charging time.

8BitDo’s Retro 68 Wireless Keyboard – N40 Edition will be available in January 2026 for $500, produced in highly limited quantities. This marks the company’s first 65% layout keyboard, constructed entirely from aluminum alloy, including the frame, keycaps, and wireless Super Buttons. Large microswitch buttons allow on-the-fly reprogramming without software. The custom gasket-mounted design uses Kailh Box Ice Cream Pro Max Linear Switches, six dampeners, and RGB backlighting. It supports Bluetooth LE, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired connections with Windows and Android, delivering up to 300 hours of use per charge. The bundle includes a protective pouch and certificate of authenticity. Early preorders also include the Retro R8 Wireless Mouse, normally sold for $50.

For those interested in the NES aesthetic without the premium price, the 8BitDo N Edition TKL Mechanical Keyboard is available for $90 at Amazon, with the full-size model priced at $108. Standard Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller editions are also discounted: the white model is $60 (down from $70), while black and yellow versions are $63 each. The 2.4GHz-only Ultimate 2 for PC and mobile sees even deeper discounts, with the white version at $47.54, purple at $49.19, and black at $50.39. A 20% discount applies to the Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition, and on October 23, 8BitDo will release an Ultimate 2 model themed around Honkai: Star Rail.

Notably, this isn’t 8BitDo’s first 40th-anniversary controller this year. In August, they collaborated with Xbox on the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition Ultimate 3-Mode Controller. Finished in Royal blue with a matching charging dock, it marked 8BitDo’s debut wireless gamepad for Xbox and is currently on sale at Amazon.

(Source: Gamespot)