Monday, July 31st 2023

8BitDo Launches Their First Mechanical Keyboard Featuring Retro Nintendo Theme

Peripheral and accessory manufacturer 8BitDo today announced pre-orders are open for their Nintendo themed 'Retro Mechanical Keyboard' and accompanying 'Dual Super Buttons'. The two themes available are the "N Edition" and "Fami Edition". The former features the red, gray, and white coloring of the classic NES, while the latter features the maroon, black, and white coloring of the Famicom. "Fami Edition" also features both English and Japanese characters on the keycaps. Both editions are the same base 87-key, or tenkeyless, layout with a power LED on the top right and two dials at the top left for controlling volume and the connectivity. On the topic of connectivity the keyboard features Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and USB wired options while up to four sets of Super Buttons can connect to the keyboard via the rear 3.5 mm jacks.

Beneath the themed PBT keycaps are Kailh BOX V2 White switches attached to a hot-swappable PCB, while the Super Buttons feature heavy Gateron Green switches for a more chunky tactile feel. The keyboard has n-key rollover support and the keys can be remapped using 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2, with the Super Buttons being customizable on the fly without software. The software requires a minimum of Windows 10 1903 or Android 9.0. Inside the keyboard body is a 2,000mAh battery which 8BitDo advertises as offering 200 hours of usable life on a single charge.
The Retro Mechanical Keyboard is available for $100 USD with the Dual Super Buttons. Additional Dual Super Buttons are available for $20 USD. 8BitDo wants to be shipping first orders by August 10th, with their website currently advertising an expected shipping date of September 20th.
Source: 8BitDo
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24 Comments on 8BitDo Launches Their First Mechanical Keyboard Featuring Retro Nintendo Theme

#1
sLowEnd
Cool. I know some people who'd love to have one of these.
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#2
Space Lynx
Astronaut
if they had a wired only version for like 75 bucks i'd probably grab this honestly. i don't buy wireless products, just not my thing. not needed for me
Posted on Reply
#3
King Mustard
No ISO layout version. Rubbish.

Also, no backlighting.

I'll wait to see if there's a v2.
Posted on Reply
#4
claes
Nice switches but not true to the original I want 1.5mm travel and to bottom-out for actuation
Space Lynxif they had a wired only version for like 75 bucks i'd probably grab this honestly. i don't buy wireless products, just not my thing. not needed for me
That’s a weird position to take but surely you’ve noticed that almost every wireless mechanical keyboard can be used wired, like this one can and states as much in the PR
Posted on Reply
#5
Space Lynx
Astronaut
claesNice switches but not true to the original I want 1.5mm travel and to bottom-out for actuation

That’s a weird position to take but surely you’ve noticed that almost every wireless mechanical keyboard can be used wired, like this one can and states as much in the PR
more or less 70-75 bucks is max i am willing to pay for a keyboard, i just figure they could reach that price if they went wired only, that was my main thought process anyway.

more of a side note that i prefer wired on top of that, sorry for not being more clear. my sleep apnea is kicking my butt lately. foggy brain
Posted on Reply
#6
Dr. Dro
The Famicom Edition one is amazing, I wonder if they'll have a real JIS layout with the kana toggle key. Those are priceless for the enterprising weeb, to the point I'm considering ordering my next keyboard from Amazon.co.jp as I can't find one around here.
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#7
natr0n
Legit look like new old stock of something that never was.
Posted on Reply
#8
Space Lynx
Astronaut
natr0nLegit look like new old stock of something that never was.
I do as well, not going to lie this is first keyboard that has really tempted me in this price range. I like the old Nintendo themed one the best.
Posted on Reply
#9
deb
The type of keyboard I would love to try out for a week and then return to the store.
Posted on Reply
#10
Gmr_Chick
I'd buy the NES version in a heartbeat if it had at least white backlighting. I literally can't see my board without some kind of lighting.
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#12
Chomiq
Next please:


Except just make it a regular layout which will make it a model M copy, add n-key rollover and use regular switches with hotswap.
Posted on Reply
#13
Scrizz
ChomiqNext please:


Except just make it a regular layout which will make it a model M copy, add n-key rollover and use regular switches with hotswap.
couldn't find a throw-up emote :laugh: :toast:
Posted on Reply
#14
Frick
Fishfaced Nincompoop
King MustardNo ISO layout version. Rubbish.

Also, no backlighting.

I'll wait to see if there's a v2.
Yeah. ANSI-wankers.

Seriosuly, I'd consider getting the first one if it came in ISO and with the Nordic keys.
Posted on Reply
#15
TheDeeGee
King MustardNo ISO layout version. Rubbish.

Also, no backlighting.

I'll wait to see if there's a v2.
I'm a sucker for ISO as well, mainly because of the left Shift not having a stabilizer, it's easier on the pinky :)

I have a Keychron Q6 myself with ISO layout, such a solid 2,5 kg plank :P

Posted on Reply
#16
Synthwave
Space LynxI do as well, not going to lie this is first keyboard that has really tempted me in this price range. I like the old Nintendo themed one the best.
Then just go for it, man! Only 25 bucks above your self-imposed limit. What do you get for that amount of money anyway?
Posted on Reply
#18
Synthwave
HairyLobstersWould like a linear option.
Well, you can put any switch in it whenever you want. This is a "retro" board, and back in the '80s, keyboards tended to be clicky.
Posted on Reply
#19
JAB Creations
Where the hell is the number pad?

Where the hell are the macro keys?

Nostalgia is an impotent replacement for functionality and productivity.
Posted on Reply
#20
claes
Wrong keyboard probably, but you use software for macros and layers, lots of programmers and devs use even smaller keyboards (think hhkb)
Posted on Reply
#21
Luke357
JAB CreationsWhere the hell is the number pad?

Where the hell are the macro keys?

Nostalgia is an impotent replacement for functionality and productivity.
Most people can do without macros but the lack of numpad is unacceptable. I refuse to use anything without a numpad unless it's a laptop (and even then it better be a small laptop).
Posted on Reply
#22
claes
It has macros, but a keyboard with a numpad, or buy a numpad

posts like these are like asking where are all the PCIe slots on an itx board
Posted on Reply
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