8BitDo Launches Their First Mechanical Keyboard Featuring Retro Nintendo Theme

[Fouquin]

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.

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[sLowEnd]

Cool. I know some people who'd love to have one of these.

 

[Space Lynx]

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

 

[King Mustard]

No ISO layout version. Rubbish.

Also, no backlighting.

I'll wait to see if there's a v2.

 

[claes]

Nice switches but not true to the original I want 1.5mm travel and to bottom-out for actuation

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

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

 

[Space Lynx]

Nice 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

 

[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.

 

[natr0n]

Legit look like new old stock of something that never was.

 

[Space Lynx]

Legit 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.

 

[deb]

The type of keyboard I would love to try out for a week and then return to the store.

 

[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.

 

[VulkanBros]

Noctua Editions I would say

 

[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.

 

[Scrizz]

Next please:
View attachment 307095

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

 

[Frick]

No 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.

 

[TheDeeGee]

No 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

 

[Synthwave]

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.

Then just go for it, man! Only 25 bucks above your self-imposed limit. What do you get for that amount of money anyway?

 

[HairyLobsters]

Would like a linear option.

 

[Synthwave]

Would 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.

 

[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.

 

[claes]

Wrong keyboard probably, but you use software for macros and layers, lots of programmers and devs use even smaller keyboards (think hhkb)

 

[Luke357]

Where 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).

 

[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

 

[Initialised]

Vic-20 or C64 variant please!

 

[lexluthermiester]

Cool. I know some people who'd love to have one of these.

Same here, I'm one of them! Do wish it had a ten-key version, but this is good.
There's an Amazon page;

Amazon.com

And here's a few matching items;

https://www.amazon.com/8Bitdo-Wireless-Mouse-Windows-macOS/dp/B07ZH874DQ

NES themed mouse

https://www.amazon.com/8Bitdo-Arcade-Stick-Switch-Windows-nintendo/dp/B08GJC5WSS

NES game arcade stick controller