8BitDo is celebrating the Nintendo 64’s 30th anniversary with new versions of two of its most popular accessories. It is giving the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard and Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller a translucent blue makeover inspired by the classic console.
The new “Clear Blue” editions were initially announced in China. However, both products are also heading to the US, where they’re priced at $99.99 and $59.99 respectively.
The Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard leans heavily into Nintendo 64 nostalgia. Alongside its translucent blue shell, it features yellow arrow keys modelled after the N64 controller’s iconic C-buttons. Meanwhile, the A, B and Start keys borrow the same blue, green and red colour scheme as the original gamepad.
Beyond the retro styling, the keyboard retains the same feature set as the standard model. That includes an aluminium plate, hot-swappable PCB and 8BitDo’s Cloud Gray linear switches. These were developed in partnership with HUANO. It supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless and wired connectivity. Moreover, it works with Windows and Android, and can be customised through the company’s Ultimate Software V2.
The keyboard also ships with two matching Super Buttons, though unlike some previous special editions, these aren’t wireless.
The Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller receives a similar treatment. It combines a translucent blue top shell with coloured ABXY buttons and grey thumbsticks. Also, a translucent white lower shell closely resembles some of the Nintendo 64’s most recognisable colour variants.
Thankfully, the cosmetic refresh doesn’t come at the expense of features. The controller still includes TMR thumbsticks, RGB lighting rings, a six-axis motion sensor and a 1000Hz polling rate. This rate applies when used in wired or 2.4GHz wireless mode. Furthermore, compatibility extends across Windows, Android, SteamOS and Apple devices.
While 8BitDo regularly releases game-themed accessories, this marks the first Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller designed around a console rather than a specific title.
The Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller N64 Edition is available now. Meanwhile, the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard N64 Edition is scheduled to launch on August 14, with pre-orders already open through 8BitDo’s online store.
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