What You Need to Know
8BitDo is poised to release a new keyboard and mouse set that pays homage to the iconic transparent green Xbox from 2004. The keyboard is priced at $119.99, while the mouse will set you back $59.99. Both items are currently available for preorder and are set to launch on January 16, 2025.
Known for their stellar retro gaming gear recreations, 8BitDo has once again captured our attention, compelling us to hit pause on our Black Friday deals coverage. Avid fans of the original Xbox and its distinctive clear green design will be eager to snag these eye-catching keyboard and mouse sets, each a tribute to the 2004 classic.
The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition is officially Xbox-licensed and comes with a price tag of $119.99. The matching 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse is priced at $59.99. Both can be preordered now and are expected to ship on January 16, 2025.
Everything We Know About the 8BitDo Xbox Range
Before you get too excited, it’s important to note that this particular Xbox keyboard won’t work with Xbox consoles. However, considering Xbox’s recent philosophy that anything can be an Xbox, there might be some wiggle room for debate. It includes an integrated Xbox home button, resembling the one on your controller, which activates the Xbox Game Bar. Inspired by the classic transparent green version of the original Xbox, the keyboard also features RGB lighting, Kailh Jellyfish X switches, a hot-swappable PCB, and arrow keys in the OG ABXY color scheme. It’s certainly a visual delight.
The matching 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse comes in at $69.99. While it’s listed on Amazon, preorders aren’t available there just yet. However, you can secure yours directly through 8Bitdo if you’re eager to get your hands on it.
This mouse supports three modes of connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired USB-C, and it includes a charging dock. According to the specifications, you can expect up to 100 hours of battery life with Bluetooth, and between 25 to 105 hours on 2.4GHz, depending on your chosen polling rate. It’s fitted with Kailh Sword GM X micro switches, designed to endure up to 100 million clicks. Plus, it boasts a seriously cool aesthetic.
Recently, when PlayStation revealed its 30th-anniversary PS5 Pro console, I suggested on Twitter that Xbox should respond with a nod to their original console. While we’re probably in for a wait before seeing something like that, this offering is plenty to keep us content in the meantime.
🔥The Hottest Black Friday Deals🔥
🍁More Great Black Friday Deals🦃
- Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more.
- Walmart: Early savings on practically everything.
- Target: Live deals on a huge range of products.
- Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more.
- HP: Save big on laptops, desktops, accessories, and more.
- Lenovo: Doorbuster deals on all Lenovo PCs, monitors, accessories, and more.
- Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more.
- Razer: Take advantage of free shipping for a limited time.
- Samsung: Holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more are live.
- Amazon: Constantly rotating sales on everything you can imagine.
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday officially falls on November 29, 2024, but retailers have been rolling out deals earlier each year to capture consumer interest ahead of time. You can spot early Black Friday deals starting as soon as October. With the usual stock shortages and chaos of the main event, it’s often wise to jump on these early sales to get the best deals.
When is Cyber Monday?
This year, Cyber Monday comes on December 2, 2024. Traditionally, it extends the Black Friday weekend sales into an online format, but with more retailers going digital, Black Friday and Cyber Monday frequently blend together. If you miss out on a particular deal on Black Friday, Cyber Monday may offer another opportunity. Still, the best approach is to plan ahead and complete your holiday shopping well before the rush begins.
