8BitDo releases two new devices with original Microsoft Xbox-inspired designs
Less than a week has passed since 8BitDo released two Sega Saturn-themed accessories to commemorate the Sega Saturn's 30th anniversary. While other companies would take a breath between releases, 8BitDo has already offered up another two gaming peripherals. Incidentally, these are the devices that it has been teasing throughout this week on social media.
On the one hand, the company has introduced the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard, which builds on the existing Retro Mechanical Keyboard with a design inspired by the Transparent Green Edition of the original Microsoft Xbox. As such, it features 87 keys with Kailh Jellyfish X switches, n-key rollover and double-layered ABS keycaps with a matte UV coating to maximise lifespan.
Moreover, the new keyboard supports 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2, is RGB backlit and provides a choice between wired USB, 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Strangely, while the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard is an Xbox-licensed product, 8BitDo does not list Xbox compatibility on its website. Instead, the keyboard is designed to work on devices running at least Android 9.0 or Windows 10 (v1903).
It is a similiar story for the Retro R8 Mouse - Xbox Edition too, which offers wired USB, wireless 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth LE 5.3 connectivity to Android 9.0 and Windows 10 (v1903) devices as well. For reference, the new mouse weighs 77 g and measures 115 x 58 x 39.4 mm. Furthermore, the Retro R8 Mouse - Xbox Edition features a PAW 3395 sensor, six levels of DPI adjustment and a variable polling rate configurable through 8BitDo's software package.
As the company's images show, the Retro R8 Mouse - Xbox Edition also comes with a charging dock that carries the same transparent green finish as the mouse itself. Allegedly, the mouse will last up to 100 hours when set to Bluetooth mode or 26~105 hours in 2.4 GHz mode. Currently, only the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard is available to pre-order on Amazon, where it retails for $119.99 and will begin shipping on January 16 2025. With that being said, the Retro R8 Mouse - Xbox Edition should reach Amazon shortly for $59.99; both peripherals can be pre-ordered from 8BitDo directly though with the same lead times.
