8BitDo just dropped a nostalgia bomb with its NES40 collection, marking the Nintendo Entertainment System's 40th anniversary with three reimagined gaming accessories. The limited-edition lineup includes a redesigned Ultimate 2 controller, an aluminum-clad mechanical keyboard, and an upgraded Bluetooth speaker - all sporting that classic NES aesthetic that'll transport you straight back to 1985.
8BitDo is banking on pure nostalgia with its surprise NES40 collection launch, timed perfectly for the Nintendo Entertainment System's 40th anniversary. The gaming accessory specialist just unveiled three premium reimaginations of its most popular products, each designed to make retro gaming enthusiasts reach for their wallets. The announcement comes as gaming companies increasingly lean into anniversary marketing, but 8BitDo's approach stands out with actual hardware upgrades rather than simple cosmetic refreshes. The company's Ultimate 2 controller gets the most dramatic visual overhaul, trading its usual design for a black-and-gray colorway with bright red buttons that scream classic Nintendo. But this isn't just a paint job - the controller's grips now feature printed dates commemorating major Nintendo and 8BitDo product launches, turning each unit into a gaming history lesson. The $79.99 price tag includes 8BitDo's Retro Receiver for connecting to original NES consoles and a 2.4GHz adapter for modern gaming. With only 1,985 units available (a clever nod to the NES launch year), this could become an instant collector's item when it ships November 15th. The real surprise comes with the Retro 68 Keyboard N40, which represents a massive leap from the company's previous $99.99 keyboard. This isn't just an aesthetic upgrade - it's a complete hardware overhaul. The entire shell, keycaps, and buttons are now crafted from aluminum alloy, pushing the weight to a hefty 2,200 grams. 8BitDo swapped out the clicky Kailh Box White V2 switches for smoother Box Ice Cream Pro Max linear switches, while cramming in a massive 6,500mAh battery that promises up to 300 hours of usage. The keyboard also ditches wired connections for its oversized Super Button accessories, making them fully wireless. At $499.99, it's targeting serious enthusiasts who want premium build quality with their retro gaming setup. The Retro Cube 2 Speaker rounds out the collection with more modest but meaningful upgrades. While maintaining the NES-inspired cube design that's been a staple since 2016, the new version packs dual stereo speakers with dedicated music and gaming modes. A built-in microphone adds modern functionality, while the 2,000mAh battery delivers up to 30 hours of playtime. The speaker now charges wirelessly via an included dock and can switch between Bluetooth and faster 2.4GHz connections. At $49.99 - up from the original's $35 price point - it represents the most accessible entry into the anniversary collection. This launch reflects broader trends in the gaming accessory market, where premium materials and nostalgic designs command higher prices. Companies like Razer and Logitech have seen success with limited-edition products that blend modern performance with retro aesthetics. 8BitDo's pricing strategy is particularly aggressive, especially for the keyboard, suggesting confidence that dedicated gaming enthusiasts will pay premium prices for authentic retro experiences. The timing couldn't be better, with retro gaming experiencing a massive resurgence. own success with mini consoles and the popularity of retro-inspired indie games have created a hungry market for authentic vintage gaming experiences. 8BitDo has built its reputation on creating modern controllers that work seamlessly with both vintage and contemporary systems, positioning itself perfectly to capitalize on this trend. Industry analysts note that limited production runs like the controller's 1,985-unit limit create artificial scarcity that drives demand and justifies premium pricing. This strategy has worked particularly well in gaming, where collectors are willing to pay significant premiums for exclusive items.