8BitDo launches NES 40th anniversary Ultimate 2 controller set

Exactly 40 years ago today, the Nintendo Entertainment System hit store shelves in New York City. On October 18, 1985, the NES was launched in the United States, revitalizing home console gaming in North America. To commemorate the console's pivotal role in gaming history, 8BitDo is releasing a A new line of gear inspired by the NES over the next few months. The NES40 series includes three products: Limited Edition Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller Bundlea compact Wireless gaming speakersand a Ultra-premium 68-key mechanical keyboard Made of aluminum alloy.

The NES40 series is now available for pre-order. The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controller bundle is limited to 1,985 units, and the N40 version of the wireless keyboard is also limited edition. The new Retro Cube 2 speaker joins 8Bitdo's regular product lineup, becoming the manufacturer's first wireless speaker in a decade.

$80 | Limited to 1,985 copies | Released November 15

The N40 version of the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller retails for $80, which is only $10 more than the standard MSRP. white, blackand yellow Version. The N40 version is really cheap considering that the bundle comes with some noteworthy extras. You get a clear black 8BitDo retro receiver that's authentic to the NES console. Ultimate 2 Bluetooth and other 8Bitdo Bluetooth controllers can be synced wirelessly to the original hardware via an adapter. Pure black version retro receiverFor reference only, the suggested retail price is $25. The bundle also includes a suitcase8BitDo is usually sold separately for $20. Inside the box, you'll find four custom joystick caps, including a pair emblazoned with “NES” and “40,” as well as an 8BitBot keychain.

While it's themed around the Nintendo Entertainment System, complete with red-faced buttons, multiple shades of gray, and a special-edition dock that matches the console's design, the N40 is a celebration of 40 years of Nintendo hardware. The controller is decorated with the dates of various releases of Nintendo's home consoles and portable devices around the world. The only exception here is the June 15, 2025 date on the right side of the controller, as this represents the date 8BitDo created the N40. The NES release date is highlighted in red, with the remaining dates in black. Most of the dates reference the console's North American or global release, but there are also some dates tied to hardware launches in Europe and Japan. From top to bottom on each side, here's what's referenced on each date:

Left Controller: Wii U (NA), NES (NA), Nintendo 64 (NA), Nintendo Switch (WW), Switch OLED (WW), SNES (NA), Wii (NA), GameCube (NA).

Right controller: Game Boy (NA), Virtual Boy (NA), Switch Lite (WW), 3DS (EU), DS (NA), Game Boy Color (JP), Game Boy Advance (NA).

Aside from the additional accessories, the N40 is the same flagship controller that 8Bitdo launched earlier this year. Ultimate 2 supports 2.4GHz wireless connections on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 and PC. It also supports Bluetooth for Switch 1/2, Android, Apple and SteamOS. It can operate for up to 25 hours on a full charge and has a polling rate of 1,000MHz. It comes with a high-end TMR electromagnetic joystick, two remappable back buttons and an extra pair of claw shoulder buttons. It also has two triggering modes: Hall effect linear and non-linear micro switch button (fast mode). Other features include 6-axis motion control, two vibration motors, a Turbo button and RGB light ring. Controls can be customized using 8BitDo's Ultimate Software 2, and you can save up to three custom profiles that can be cycled dynamically.

Read our dedicated story 8bitdo flagship version 2 bluetooth Learn more. In short: it's the best pro controller at the price for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC.

$50 | Published December 12

The Retro Cube 2 is a dual stereo speaker with retro gaming style. At about 3.5 inches on each side and weighing just 1 pound, the Retro Cube 2 is a small, lightweight speaker that's affordable and has some nice features.

The red speaker resembles the charm buttons on 8Bitdo's range of mechanical keyboards, including the new limited edition Retro 68 and the manufacturer's original 87-key N Edition.

Retro Cube 2 connects to your device via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or USB wired. It has two audio modes, one for gaming and another for music, as well as a built-in microphone. The NES-style D-pad isn't just for show; it can also be used for gaming. The D-pad controls volume, play/pause, and is used to sync your devices.

It comes with a wireless charging base that can also accommodate a USB-C cable. Just like the charging base on the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth and Pro 3 Bluetooth gamepads, this base has a built-in 2.4GHz audio wireless extender.

Retro Cube 2 is equipped with a 2,000mAh rechargeable battery that can play for up to 30 hours when fully charged. Charging time is 3-5 hours, but if you leave it on the base, the battery will have a hard time draining.

$500 | Available January 2026, extremely limited quantities

The N40 version of the 8BitDo keyboard is the manufacturer's first 68-key model. A 68-key keyboard is generally called a 65% keyboard. At present, 8Bitang's mechanical keyboards already have keyless 87-key models and full-size 108-key versions.

Unlike most 8Bitang products, Retro 68 expensive. At $500, it's by far the most expensive product in 8BitDo's catalog. For reference, 8Bitdo Wireless Keyboards typically sell for around $100. So, why is the price of the N40 version so much higher? From the frame to the keycaps to the first pair of wireless Power Buttons, every component is made from aluminum alloy. The large micro switch button can be reprogrammed on the fly without using 8Bitdo's ultimate software V2.

The custom-washed N40 version uses Kailh Box Ice Cream Pro Max linear switches with six custom dampers and RGB backlighting. Like other 8Bitdo keyboards, the N40 version has a hot-swappable PCB – although it's hard to imagine wanting to replace the aluminum parts.

Retro 68 supports Bluetooth LE, 2.4GHz wireless and wired connections on Windows and Android. It can run for up to 300 hours on a full charge. The limited edition set also comes with a protective bag and certificate of authenticity.

The Retro 68 pairs perfectly with 8Bitdo's NES mouse. The first wave of keyboard pre-orders also includes Retro R8 wireless mouselaunched earlier this year and sells for $50.

8Bitdo Ultimate 2 and keyboard discounts

If you like the look of the N40 version and don't want to spend $500, the good news is that the 8BitDo N version of the TKL mechanical keyboard is only $90 on Amazon. The full-size model currently sells for $108.

It's also worth noting that Amazon has some great deals on the Standard Edition version of the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller. you can get it in white Ultimate 2 Bluetooth for $60 (regularly $70)while the black and yellow versions are $63 each.

If you don't need Nintendo Switch 1/2 support, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 2.4GHz version for PC and mobile devices is available at a deeper discount. this The white version is only $47.54 (originally $60)$49.19 in purple and $50.39 in black. You can also Save 20% on purchasing the “Wuchang: Falling Feather” edition. On October 23, 8Bitdo launched an eye-catching version of “Ultimate Edition 2” with the theme Honkai Impact: Star Trail.

Coincidentally, the Ultimate 2 N40 is not the first 40th anniversary controller 8Bitdo has designed this year. August, 8Bitdo partners with Xbox to launch Rare 40th Anniversary Edition The ultimate 3-mode controller. The beautiful royal blue controller comes with a matching charging base and is 8Bitdo's first Xbox wireless game controller. this Rare 40th Anniversary Edition Now On Sale First time on Amazon.

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