8BitDo unveils NES40 limited edition peripherals for NES anniversary

Accessory maker 8BitDo on Friday unveiled a limited edition line of peripherals honoring the 40th anniversary of the Nintendo Entertainment System, timed to the console's North American debut on October 18, 1985. The NES40 collection includes an updated Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controller, a Retro 68 mechanical keyboard and a Retro Cube 2 portable speaker, all finished in the grey, red and black palette associated with the original console. Preorders are open now.

The centerpiece is the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth N40 Edition controller, which 8BitDo said retains its existing performance features, including TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers, while adding NES-themed cosmetics and accessories. The company said the package will include a themed charging dock, a Retro Receiver for wireless play on an original NES, a 2.4 GHz adapter for low-latency PC and console play, and four swappable joystick caps. 8BitDo confirmed compatibility with the Nintendo Switch, the announced Switch 2, and Windows devices. The controller is priced at $79.99 and is expected to ship in mid-November 2025; some product information lists November 15 while other listings specify November 18.