8BitDo reveals the Ultimate 2 NES 40th Anniversary Controller Bundle
Precisely 40 years in the past at the moment, the Nintendo Leisure System hit retailer cabinets in New York Metropolis. The October 18, 1985 launch of the NES within the US revitalized residence console gaming in North America. To commemorate the console’s pivotal position in gaming historical past, 8BitDo will launch a brand new assortment of NES-inspired {hardware} over the approaching months. The NES40 Assortment options three merchandise: a limited-edition Final 2 Bluetooth Controller bundle, a compact wi-fi gaming speaker, and an ultra-premium 68-key mechanical keyboard made from aluminum alloy.
Pre-orders for the NES40 Assortment open at the moment. The Final 2 Bluetooth Controller bundle is restricted to 1,985 items, and the N40 Version wi-fi controller can also be a restricted version. The brand new Retro Dice 2 speaker is becoming a member of 8BitDo’s on a regular basis lineup because the producer’s first wi-fi speaker in a decade.
80 {dollars} | Restricted to 1,985 items | Launched on November 15
The N40 Version of the Final Bluetooth Controller 2 retails for $80, which is simply $10 greater than the MSRP of the usual white, black, and yellow editions. Contemplating that the bundle comes with some notable extras, the N40 Version is truthfully a cut price. You’ll obtain an unique black 8BitDo Retro receiver for actual NES consoles. The Final 2 Bluetooth and different 8BitDo Bluetooth controllers may be wirelessly synced to the unique machine with the adapter. A stable black model of the Retro Receiver, for reference, carries an MSRP of $25. The bundle additionally features a journey case, which 8BitDo usually sells individually for $20. Contained in the field, you may discover 4 customized joystick caps, together with a pair emblazoned with “NES” and “40” and an 8BitBot keychain.
Though themed across the Nintendo Leisure System with its pink face buttons, a number of grey tones and particular version dock that matches the console’s design, the N40 is a celebration of 40 years of Nintendo {hardware}. The handles are emblazoned with the launch dates of Nintendo’s residence console and transportable gadgets all over the world. The one exception right here is the date June 15, 2025 on the best aspect of the controller, as this represents the date 8BitDo created the N40. The NES launch date is emblazoned in pink, the remaining in black. Most console reference dates are North American or international releases, however there are a number of associated to {hardware} launches in Europe and Japan. From high to backside on both sides, here is what every date refers to:
Left Deal with: Wii U (NA), NES (NA), Nintendo 64 (NA), Nintendo Change (WW), Change OLED (WW), SNES (NA), Wii (NA), GameCube (NA).
Proper Deal with: Sport Boy (NA), Digital Boy (NA), Change Lite (WW), 3DS (EU), DS (NA), Sport Boy Colour (JP), Sport Boy Advance (NA).
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Outdoors of the additional equipment, the N40 is identical flagship controller 8BitDo launched earlier this 12 months. Final 2 helps 2.4GHz wi-fi connections on Nintendo Change, Change 2 and PC. It additionally has Bluetooth assist for Change 1/2, Android, Apple and SteamOS. It could possibly run for as much as 25 hours on a full cost and has a polling pace of 1000MHz. It’s outfitted with the high-end TMR electromagnetic joystick, two repairable again buttons and an extra pair of claw shoulder buttons. It additionally has two activation modes: linear and nonlinear Corridor Impact microswitch buttons (quick-on mode). Different options embrace 6-axis movement controls, two noise motors, a Turbo button and RGB lighting rings. Management customizations may be made with 8BitDo’s Final Software program 2, and it can save you as much as three customized profiles that may cycle on the go.
Learn our devoted story on Bluetooth 8BitDo Final 2 for extra particulars. Briefly: it is the perfect pro-style controller for the worth for Nintendo Change, Change 2 and PC.
50 {dollars} | Launched on December 12
The Retro Dice 2 is a twin stereo speaker with a retro gaming aptitude. At roughly 3.5 inches on both sides and weighing only one pound, the Retro Dice 2 is a small, light-weight speaker with a funds worth and a few good options.
The pink audio system resemble the Tremendous buttons on 8BitDo’s vary of mechanical keyboards, together with the brand new limited-edition Retro 68 and the producer’s unique 87-key N model.
Retro Dice 2 connects to your gadgets through Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi or USB cable. It has two audio modes, one tailor-made for gaming and one other for music, and a built-in microphone. The NES-style D-pad is not only for present; The D-pad controls quantity, play/pause, and is used to sync your gadgets.
It comes with a wi-fi charging dock that additionally has room for the USB-C twine. And identical to with the charging dock on the 8BitDo Final 2 Bluetooth Gamepad and Professional 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, the dock has a built-in wi-fi extender for two.4GHz audio.
The Retro Dice 2 has a 2000 mAh rechargeable battery with as much as 30 hours of playback on a full cost. Charging time is 3-5 hours, however if you happen to hold it docked, you may have bother draining the battery.
500 {dollars} | Launched in January 2026 in very restricted portions
The N40 Version 8BitDo keyboard is the producer’s first mannequin with 68 keys. On the whole, keyboards with 68 keys are known as 65% keyboards. Till now, 8BitDo’s mechanical keyboards have been 87-key wi-fi fashions and full-size 108-key editions.
Not like the overwhelming majority of 8BitDo merchandise, Retro 68 is expensive. At $500, it is by far the most costly product in 8BitDo’s catalog. For reference, 8BitDo wi-fi keyboards sometimes promote for round $100. So why does the N40 Version value a lot? Each element is made from aluminum alloy, from the body to the keycaps to the primary pair of wi-fi Tremendous Buttons. The big microswitch buttons may be immediately reprogrammed with out utilizing 8BitDo’s Final V2 Software program.
The customized gasket-mounted N40 Version makes use of Kailh Field Ice Cream Professional Max linear switches with six customized dampers and RGB lighting. Like different 8BitDo keyboards, the N40 Version has a hot-swappable PCB – though it is arduous to think about desirous to take away the aluminum alloy elements.
Retro 68 helps Bluetooth LE, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi and wired connections on Home windows and Android. It could possibly run as much as 300 hours on a full cost. The restricted version bundle additionally comes with a protecting case and certificates of authenticity.
The Retro 68 would pair completely with 8BitDo’s NES-inspired mouse. The primary wave of pre-orders for the console additionally contains the Retro R8 wi-fi mouse, which launched earlier this 12 months for $50.
8BitDo Final 2 and Keyboard Offers
If you happen to just like the look of the N40 Version and do not need to spend $500, the excellent news is that the 8BitDo N Version TKL Mechanical Keyboard is just $90 on Amazon. The complete-size mannequin is now $108.
It is also price noting that Amazon has some good offers on normal version variations of the Final Bluetooth Controller 2. You may get the white Final 2 Bluetooth for $60 (was $70), whereas the black and yellow editions are $63 every.
And if you happen to do not want Nintendo Change 1/2 assist, the 8BitDo Final 2 2.4GHz version for PC and cell has been discounted much more. The white model is simply $47.54 (was $60), the purple $49.19, and the black $50.39. You may also save 20% on Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Version. On October 23, 8BitDo launches an thrilling version of Final 2 themed round Honkai: Star Rail.
By the way, the Final 2 N40 is not the primary fortieth anniversary controller 8BitDo has created this 12 months. In August, 8BitDo teamed up with Xbox to launch the 3-Mode Final Uncommon fortieth Anniversary Version Controller. The attractive Royal Blue controller features a handy charging dock and is 8BitDo’s first wi-fi recreation for Xbox. The uncommon fortieth anniversary version is at present on sale for the primary time on Amazon.
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