8BitDo Launches NES40 Collection to Celebrate NES’s 40th Anniversary
To mark 40 years since the Nintendo Entertainment System arrived in the US, 8BitDo has unveiled a nostalgic NES40 product line inspired by the classic console. The collection mixes modern features with retro styling and includes a limited Ultimate 2 controller bundle, a compact speaker, and a premium aluminum keyboard — all available for pre-order.
Key highlights:
- Ultimate 2 Controller (NES40) — $80, ships Nov 18. Includes a transparent NES Retro Receiver for compatibility with the original NES, four custom joystick caps, and a R.O.B. keychain. Retains Ultimate 2 features like TMR joysticks, Hall Effect triggers with mode switching, and wide customization. Compatible with Switch, Switch 2, Windows, and classic NES via the receiver.
- Retro Cube 2 Speaker — $50, ships Dec 12. Dual-speaker system with Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired USB modes, a 2000mAh battery rated up to ~30 hours, and a charging dock. D-pad controls mirror classic NES aesthetics.
- Retro 68 Keyboard — $500, expected Jan 2026. 8BitDo’s first 68-key keyboard built from aluminum alloy (shell, keycaps, and buttons), uses Kailh Box Ice Cream Pro Max switches, features programmable wireless dual Super Buttons, and a large 6500mAh battery for up to ~300 hours of use.
All three items are available for pre-order now. The collection blends authentic NES styling with contemporary hardware choices — from Hall Effect triggers in the controller to long-lasting batteries in the keyboard and speaker. The Retro 68’s full-aluminum build and high-end switches position it as a premium offering, while the Ultimate 2 bundle provides a practical bridge between modern consoles and the original NES.
If you’d like to read the original announcement coverage, see the Engadget article here.
Discussion: Which NES40 item would you pre-order — nostalgia-focused controller, portable speaker, or the high-end aluminum keyboard, and why?