8BitDo Celebrates NES's 40th Anniversary with New NES40 Collection

8BitDo unveiled its new NES40 collection, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Nintendo Entertainment System's (NES) launch in North America. This distinctive lineup features enhanced versions of three of 8BitDo's popular products: the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, the Retro 87 N Edition Classic Keyboard, and the Retro Cube Retro Speaker.

Ultimate 2 Controller (N40 Edition)

Aesthetic Changes: The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller in its N40 edition has seen the most significant aesthetic changes to date. This wireless controller features an NES-inspired design that combines black and gray with vibrant red buttons, and comes with a sleek charging dock that matches the classic NES aesthetics. The controller also includes four interchangeable joystick caps, while its grips will be adorned with important release dates for Nintendo and 8BitDo products.

Functional Features: The Ultimate 2 N40 controller maintains the same functionalities as the original version, including high-precision TMR joysticks, and Hall effect triggers that provide accurate responsiveness, a variable color LED ring around each joystick, in addition to reprogrammable buttons and an extra pair of back buttons to enhance the gaming experience. The controller is compatible with Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 devices, and Windows devices.

Availability and Price: The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller - N40 is available for pre-order starting today at $79.99. It comes bundled with an 8BitDo Retro Receiver, allowing wireless connection to the original NES, in addition to a 2.4 GHz adapter for ultra-fast wireless gaming. It is scheduled for release on November 15, 2025, and will be limited to only 1,985 units, making it a unique collector's item for NES enthusiasts.

8BitDo Retro 68 N40 Keyboard

Updates and Design: The new 8BitDo Retro 68 N40 mechanical keyboard comes with some significant updates. Although slightly more compact than 8BitDo's first mechanical keyboard, featuring a 68-key design compared to 87 keys in the previous version, the new N40 edition maintains a similar look to the original with substantial hardware upgrades. This retro mechanical keyboard is entirely crafted, including the body, keycaps, and buttons, from high-quality aluminum alloy. 8BitDo has transitioned from using clicky Kailh Box White V2 switches to new Box Ice Cream Pro Max linear switches, offering a different typing experience.

Performance Enhancements: The Retro 68 N40 keyboard also includes a significantly larger battery with a capacity of 6,500 mAh, extending the usage duration to up to 300 hours between charges. It also comes with oversized programmable Super Buttons, which now connect wirelessly to the keyboard instead of relying on a 3.5mm cable.

Weight and Price: This updated version of the NES-themed mechanical keyboard is a smaller, entirely aluminum product, featuring new switches that provide an improved typing experience. The Retro 68 N40 keyboard weighs more than double the original version, at 2,200 grams, and comes with a significantly higher price. While the Retro 87 initially debuted at $99.99 in 2023, the new Retro 68 will be available for pre-order starting today at $499.99, with an expected shipping date in January 2026.

8BitDo Retro Cube 2 N Edition Speaker

Speaker Enhancements: Although the 8BitDo Retro Cube 2 N Edition speaker maintains the classic look of 8BitDo's original NES-themed Retro Cube Speaker since its launch in 2016, the new version introduces substantial improvements. This retro speaker now features dual stereo speakers with custom sound modes for music and gaming, and a built-in microphone for easy calls. The speaker also comes with a larger battery with a capacity of 2,000 mAh, providing up to 30 hours of playback on a full charge. It can switch between fast 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth connection using an included dongle. Its USB port has been upgraded from Micro USB to USB-C for faster and more convenient charging, and additionally, the speaker can be charged simply by placing it on a new wireless charging dock included.

Availability and Price: The original version of the speaker was launched almost a decade ago at $35, while the new Retro Cube 2 speaker is available for pre-order starting today at $49.99, and is expected to be released on December 8, 2025.