8BitDo has expanded its nostalgia-fuelled Retro lineup with the Retro 18 mechanical numpad in a striking Xbox Edition. Dressed in the iconic partially transparent green plastic that defined the early 2000s, this peripheral is designed to complement the Retro 87 Xbox mechanical keyboard.

The Retro 18 (via ITHome) is far from a travel-sized accessory, measuring 170 x 104 x 45.5 mm. Its substantial footprint is necessitated by its dual-purpose design, which makes it both a standard PC numeric keypad and a standalone calculator. A nine-digit seven-segment LED display sits at the top, allowing for quick math without ever needing to interact with your PC. Like its keyboard counterpart, it offers tri-mode connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless with a dongle, and USB-C. For the Xbox Edition, 8BitDo has opted for hot-swappable Kailh Jellyfish X linear switches.

While the Retro 18 is an aesthetic marvel, its software implementation remains somewhat limited. The 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 application currently only supports firmware updates. This means that despite having mechanical switches and hot-swap capabilities, users cannot natively remap the keys to function as a macro pad or a specialised gaming controller.

On the hardware side, the 1000mAh battery offers up to 160 hours of use on a single 4-hour charge. The device also features a dedicated shortcut button to launch the Windows calculator app instantly. At €44.99, it is a dedicated piece of kit for those who opted for a tenkeyless keyboard but realised they needed a dedicated numeric keypad for work or calculations.

KitGuru says: Given the substantial desk space this requires, do you think the standalone calculator functionality is genuinely useful, or is it mostly a gimmick?

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8BitDo is moving from its affordable retro roots into the high-end market with its latest keyboard release, the AP50. Created to commemorate Apple's 50th anniversary, this limited edition mechanical keyboard is a love letter to the Apple II. While the beige and brown colourway screams 70s, the construction is strictly modern, aimed squarely at the “endgame” mechanical keyboard community and serious collectors.

The AP50 (via ITHome) is a departure from typical plastic-shell retro peripherals. It features a full CNC-machined aluminium chassis, an aluminium internal plate, and even all-aluminium keycaps. This material choice results in a staggering weight of 2.2 kg, making it one of the heaviest 65% keyboards on the market. To ensure that typing on metal feels as good as it looks, 8BitDo has utilised a gasket-mount system to provide the cushioned, flexible feel and superior acoustics that modern enthusiasts demand.

The board is outfitted with Kailh Box Ice Cream Pro Max switches that deliver smooth linear travel and a “creamy” sound profile. For those who prefer a different tactile experience, the PCB is fully hot-swappable, making it easy to switch without a soldering iron. Despite the old-school look, the board is packed with modern features, including per-key RGB backlighting and deep programmability via the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2. However, users can also map macros directly on the board for a software-free experience.

Connectivity is quite versatile, offering a tri-mode setup that includes 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth LE, and a traditional wired USB-C connection. It is fully compatible with macOS, Windows 10, and Android. Powering the wireless experience is a substantial 6500 mAh battery that claims up to 300 hours of use on a single charge, though a full top-up via the USB-C port takes roughly 9 hours. 8BitDo also includes its signature Wireless Dual Super Buttons in the box: two oversized, programmable macro pads that mirror the keyboard's retro aesthetic. The 8BitDo AP50 is currently priced at $499.99.

KitGuru says: While that price tag might cause some shock for those used to the brand's budget-friendly NES and Commodore 64 homages, the move to all-aluminium construction and a limited-edition run places it in direct competition with high-end custom group buys and luxury gaming peripherals.

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8BitDo is expanding its nostalgic peripheral family with the launch of the Retro R8 Mouse C64 Edition, designed to be a perfect companion to its Commadore 64-inspired mechanical keyboard. 

Featuring a symmetrical design to accommodate both left- and right-handed gamers, the R8 C64 Edition (via Guru3D) supports 8000Hz polling over a wired USB connection and 4000Hz over its 2.4Ghz wireless mode, ensuring minimal input latency. Bluetooth connectivity is also supported. Interestingly, while the original N Edition used Kailh Sword GM X micro switches, 8BitDo has opted for Huano Micro switches in this Commodore variant.

The package is rounded out by a dedicated charging dock that matches the C64's aesthetic and doubles as a wireless signal extender to maintain a stable 4000Hz connection. Battery life remains a strong point, offering up to 100 hours of usage over Bluetooth and between 26 and 105 hours on the 2.4Ghz band, depending on the polling rate. The Retro R8 C64 Edition also supports an 8K polling rate, but only when connected by wire. Available now for $49.99, it's an affordable, retro-looking alternative to standard gaming mice.

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KitGuru says: 8BitDo has mastered the art of making “retro” hardware that doesn't feel like a toy. Would you get one of the 8BitDo retro-style peripherals for your setup?

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