Exactly 40 years ago today, on October 18, 1985, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) made its debut in New York City, single-handedly revitalizing the home console gaming scene in North America. To honor this monumental occasion, 8BitDo is releasing a fantastic new collection of NES-inspired gaming accessories over the coming months. The NES40 Collection includes three standout products: a highly anticipated, limited-edition Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller bundle, a sleek compact wireless gaming speaker, and an ultra-premium 68-key mechanical keyboard crafted from aluminum alloy.
Pre-orders for this special NES40 Collection are now open. Gamers should note that the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller bundle is strictly limited to just 1,985 units, and the N40 Edition wireless keyboard is also a limited-edition item. However, the new Retro Cube 2 Speaker will be a permanent addition to 8BitDo’s lineup, marking their first wireless speaker release in a decade.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller – N40 Edition Bundle retails for $80 and releases November 15. This bundle offers exceptional value. For just $10 more than the standard Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controller, you get several exclusive extras. This includes a transparent black 8BitDo Retro Receiver, allowing wireless sync with original NES consoles. The bundle also features a travel case (typically sold separately), four custom joystick caps emblazoned with ‘NES’ and ’40’, and an exclusive 8BitBot keychain.
Though themed around Nintendo Entertainment System with its red face buttons, multiple tones of gray, and special-edition dock reminiscent of the original NES console, the N40 is truly a celebration of 40 years of Nintendo hardware. Its handles are artfully decorated with the launch dates of Nintendo home consoles and portable devices from around the world. The NES launch date is highlighted in red, with others in black. These dates predominantly reference North American or global releases, with a few nodding to European and Japanese hardware launches. From top to bottom on each side, here are the referenced dates:
- Left handle: Wii U (NA), NES (NA), Nintendo 64 (NA), Nintendo Switch (WW), Switch OLED (WW), SNES (NA), Wii (NA), GameCube (NA).
- Right handle: Game Boy (NA), Virtual Boy (NA), Switch Lite (WW), 3DS (EU), DS (NA), Game Boy Color (JP), Game Boy Advance (NA).
The N40 is the same flagship controller 8BitDo launched earlier this year. It offers 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC, alongside Bluetooth support for Switch 1/2, Android, Apple, and SteamOS. With up to 25 hours of battery life on a single charge and a 1,000MHz polling rate, it ensures responsive gameplay. The controller is equipped with high-end TMR electromagnetic joysticks, two remappable back buttons, and an additional pair of ‘claw’ shoulder buttons. It also features two trigger modes: precise Hall Effect linear and rapid-fire non-linear microswitch buttons. Further enhancements include 6-axis motion controls, dual rumble motors, a Turbo button, and customizable RGB lighting rings. Gamers can fine-tune their controls using 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software 2 and save up to three personalized profiles for on-the-fly switching.
In essence, it stands as one of the best pro-style controllers available for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC at its price point.
8BitDo Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition
Releasing on December 12 for $50, the Retro Cube 2 is a dual stereo speaker designed with a delightful retro gaming aesthetic. Measuring approximately 3.5 inches on each side and weighing just a pound, this small, lightweight speaker offers a budget-friendly price coupled with impressive features.
Its striking red speakers mirror the iconic ‘Super Buttons’ found on 8BitDo’s range of mechanical keyboards, including the new limited-edition Retro 68 and the original 87-key N Edition.
The Retro Cube 2 provides versatile connectivity options: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless, or a USB-wired connection. It comes with two distinct audio modes—one optimized for immersive gaming, and another tailored for music enjoyment—plus a built-in microphone. The NES-style D-pad isn’t merely decorative; it serves as a functional control for volume, play/pause functions, and syncing devices.
Included is a convenient wireless charging dock that also provides space for the USB-C cord. Similar to the charging docks for the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth and Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, this dock features a built-in wireless extender for enhanced 2.4GHz audio.
Powering the Retro Cube 2 is a 2,000mAh rechargeable battery, delivering up to 30 hours of playback on a full charge. While charging takes 3-5 hours, keeping it on its dock ensures you’ll rarely run out of power.
8BitDo Retro 68 Wireless Keyboard – N40 Edition
Launching in January 2026 in highly limited quantities for $500, the N40 Edition 8BitDo keyboard marks the manufacturer’s first-ever 68-key model, typically known as a 65% keyboard. This is a departure from 8BitDo’s usual tenkeyless (87-key) and full-size (108-key) mechanical keyboards.
Unlike the majority of 8BitDo products, the Retro 68 carries a premium price tag of $500, significantly higher than their typical $100 keyboards. This cost reflects its exceptional build: every single component, from the frame to the keycaps and even the initial pair of wireless Super Buttons, is meticulously crafted from aluminum alloy. These large microswitch buttons offer on-the-fly reprogramming without needing 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2.
The custom gasket-mounted N40 Edition is equipped with Kailh Box Ice Cream Pro Max Linear Switches, six custom dampeners, and vibrant RGB backlighting. Like other 8BitDo keyboards, it features a hot-swappable PCB, though the aluminum alloy components make it hard to imagine needing to swap them out.
The Retro 68 supports Bluetooth LE, 2.4GHz Wireless, and wired connections. It boasts an impressive 300 hours of battery life on a full charge and is compatible with Ultimate Software V2. It’s designed for use with Windows and Android devices and comes complete with a protective pouch and a certificate of authenticity.
For those investing in the Retro 68, pairing it with the NES-themed Retro R8 Wireless Mouse, released earlier this year, would complete the retro setup.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 & Keyboard Deals
If the $500 price tag for the N40 Edition keyboard is too steep, you can still get a similar retro aesthetic with the standard 8BitDo N Edition TKL Mechanical Keyboard, available for only $90. The full-size model is currently $108.
- Retro R8 Wireless Mouse – N Edition — $45 (originally $50)
- 8BitDo N Edition TKL Keyboard — $90 (originally $100)
- 8BitDo N Edition Full-Size Keyboard — $108 (originally $120) with coupon
Amazon also has excellent deals on the standard Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller. The white version is $60 (down from $70), while the black and yellow editions are $63 each.
If you don’t need Nintendo Switch 1/2 support, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 2.4GHz edition for PC and mobile has received even more substantial discounts. The white version is only $47.54 (originally $60), the purple is $49.19, and the black is $50.39. You can also save 20% on the Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition. On October 23, 8BitDo is launching an eye-catching edition of the Ultimate 2 themed around Honkai: Star Rail.
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile)
- White — $60 (originally $70)
- Black — $63 (originally $70) with coupon
- Yellow — $63 (originally $70) with coupon
- N40 Bundle — $80 | Releases November 15
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller (PC, Mobile)
- Purple — $49.19 (originally $60)
- White — $47.54 (originally $60)
- Black– $50.39 (originally $60)
- Green — $54 (originally $60)
- Wuchang: Fallen Feathers — $52 (originally $65)
- Honkai: Star Rail — $70 | Releases October 23
Interestingly, the Ultimate 2 N40 isn’t 8BitDo’s only 40th-anniversary controller this year. In August, they collaborated with Xbox to unveil the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition Ultimate 3-Mode Controller. This striking Royal blue controller, which includes a matching charging dock, is 8BitDo’s first-ever wireless gamepad for Xbox. The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition is currently on sale for the first time on Amazon for $81 (originally $90).