8BitDo Introduces New Retro R8 Mouse Model: “NES-inspired” N Edition

Late last November, 8BitDo announced the transparent “classic Xbox-inspired” Retro 87 mechanical keyboard and a matching Retro R8 wireless mouse. The brand tends to borrow visual language from much older hardware—mostly from the 1980s and 1990s—but Microsoft’s debut home console effort (in Halo 2 Collector’s Edition form) stimulated 8BitDo’s design team. As of last week, the manufacturer has opened up pre-orders for another Retro R8 mouse model. The “N Edition” variant will be deployed with identical internals—as seen within its translucent forebear; namely Pixart’s PAW 3395 optical sensor and Kailh’s Sword GM X micro switches—but it features a familiar off-white/multi-gray tones/red button aesthetic. 8BitDo’s product page does not mention Nintendo’s Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) by name, but promotional imagery showcases a return to truly retro pastures. The Retro R8 N Edition SKU is also marketed as a “perfect companion” to the brand’s first attempt at making a mechanical keyboard: the Retro 87. 8BitDo’s official webstore advertises a May 22 launch for their Retro R8 N Edition wireless mouse—the pre-order price is $49.99 (+ shipping fee).