Why the 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse Feels Like an NES Comeback, Especially at $40

The Nintendo Entertainment System didn’t just define gaming in the ‘80s—it defined a generation. Its gray body, red buttons, and black stripe promised adventure with every cartridge snap. Fast-forward to 2025 and 8BitDo’s Retro R8 Mouse, N Edition, for $40, captures that retro magic with precision.

The design is a loving homage to the NES. The 8BitDo’s Retro R8 MouseRetro R8 Mouse has an off-white body, gray undertones and red side buttons that match the A and B buttons on the controller. The charging dock is the same aesthetic, with a magnetic snap to hold the mouse and store the 2.4GHz dongle. Paired with 8BitDo’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard, your desk becomes a 1985 time machine, minus the CRT glow.

Performance grounds the nostalgia in reality. Powered by a Pixart PAW3395 optical sensor, the mouse has 50 to 26,000 DPI, adjustable across six levels for spreadsheets or fast paced shooters. Kailh Sword GM X micro switches for the main buttons, 100 million clicks rated.

Three connectivity options—Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired—it’s versatile, but Bluetooth’s 125Hz polling rate lags behind 2.4GHz or 8,000Hz wired modes. Battery life is up to 100 hours on Bluetooth, 20-25 hours at higher polling rates, but the dock makes recharging a breeze.

The ambidextrous design is a bonus. Two programmable red side buttons on each side can be customized for gaming or productivity with 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2 for PC and Mac. Its 450mAh battery is good for days of use, and the dock’s signal extending feature makes it stable in crowded setups. At $40, down from $50, the Retro R8 is a steal compared to competitors with similar specs, often $60+.