8BitDo Celebrates 40 Years of NES with Limited NES40th Anniversary Series
Peripheral manufacturer 8BitDo has announced a new product lineup to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Nintendo’s NES console in North America. The NES40th Anniversary Series, also referred to as the NES40 Collection, includes three limited-edition products — the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller, Retro 68 Mechanical Keyboard, and Retro Cube 2 Bluetooth Speaker. Each item pays tribute to the NES design that helped define the early era of home gaming.
Limited Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
The Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller in this special edition features a nostalgic design inspired by the original NES color scheme. The classic combination of black, gray, and red buttons is complemented by engraved detailing on the grip, highlighting the 8BitDo logo and the release years of Nintendo’s most notable consoles.
Priced at $79.99, the controller comes with a Retro Receiver that allows it to connect wirelessly with the original NES console, along with a 2.4GHz adapter for use with modern systems. Production will be limited to 1,985 units worldwide, with release planned for November 15th.
The controller includes TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers for improved durability and precision. Additional features include a circular RGB LED under the joystick, programmable shoulder buttons, dual back buttons, and four interchangeable joystick caps. These options provide flexibility and support for different gaming preferences.
Limited Edition Retro 68 Mechanical Keyboard
The Retro 68 Mechanical Keyboard takes a more compact form than its predecessors, moving from an 87-key to a 68-key layout. The new design incorporates an all-aluminum alloy frame and customized keycaps, delivering a more refined aesthetic. Inside, the keyboard now uses Kailh Ice Cream Pro Max switches, replacing the previous Box White V2 switches for a smoother typing feel.
It includes a 6500mAh battery, which offers up to 300 hours of use on a full charge. The keyboard also comes equipped with Super Buttons, large programmable keys that can be customized for quick actions. The model is priced at $499.99, emphasizing both design quality and collectibility.
Limited Edition Retro Cube 2 Bluetooth Speaker
Completing the lineup is the Retro Cube 2 Bluetooth Speaker, designed with a retro appearance that reflects NES-style elements. While 8BitDo has not provided full specifications, the company mentioned that this version improves both sound clarity and battery performance compared to earlier models. The speaker is set to be released on December 8th and will be available for $49.99 during pre-orders.
Availability and Legacy
The NES40th Anniversary Series highlights 8BitDo’s dedication to preserving classic gaming aesthetics while offering modern functionality. Each product in the collection is being released in limited quantities, aligning with the nostalgic theme of the celebration.
The Nintendo Entertainment System, originally launched in North America in 1985, transformed the home gaming landscape with titles that became industry benchmarks. Four decades later, its influence continues, inspiring new designs and special releases such as 8BitDo’s NES40th Anniversary Series. This collection serves as a tribute to both the hardware and the enduring legacy of a console that shaped gaming history.
