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

[T0@st]

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).



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[LabRat 891]

Their 'Ultimate' Controllers are really not bad. Easily, much better quality than MSFT 1st party.

Not so sure on their mice, though. I guess, if you're going for a theme, it's nice to have options?

 

[Deleted member 190956]

No optical switches, no purchase.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Their 'Ultimate' Controllers are really not bad.

They're really good to be fair. I like it! Looks like a winner.

No optical switches, no purchase.

Oh good grief.. There's elitism and then there's this kind of nonsense.

 

[Deleted member 190956]

They're really good to be fair. I like it! Look like a winner.


Oh good grief.. There's elitism and then there's this kind of nonsense.

Yeah, such elitism not paying for throwaway doubleclicking defective-by-design trash with an expiry date. I'm a huge elitist, I like my mice to last more than a couple of years.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Yeah, such elitism not paying for throwaway doubleclicking defective-by-design trash with an expiry date.

This is the funniest, and simultaneously most clueless, trash statement I've read this year. Well done. First class nonsense this was!

I'm a huge elitist, I like my mice to last more than a couple of years.

News flash for you there Mr Elite, I have mice with "old" physical switches that are older than you and still work perfectly. Those switches are rated for millions of click actuations before failure. Good luck getting ANYWHERE close to that in your lifetime even if you live passed 110 years old.

Context is important, you clearly missed that plane departing..

 

[LabRat 891]

News flash for you there Mr Elite, I have mice with "old" physical switches that are older than you and still work perfectly. Those switches are rated for millions of click actuations before failure. Good luck getting ANYWHERE close to that in your lifetime even if you live passed 110 years old.

Some of us are (or, in my case were) unimaginably hard on microswitches in mice. I have 2 MX518s and a G5 IIRC in storage, that I refuse to throw away but have bad microswitches.
I wore them out fully exploiting semi-automatics in FPS games, with a higher RoF cap than the full auto ones. -no scripts, hotkeys, etc.


tl;dr: 1200RPM limit vs. 600-950

TBQH, I empathize with him. But, in my case it's with Hall Effect sensors in joysticks being a bare-minimum requirement.
I've put up with too many drifting and wildly inaccurate aged thumbsticks and joysticks over the years.

After seeing a BNIB sealed MSFT 'special edition' XBOX Series controller drift right out of the box, and the first Hall Effect equipped 8BitDo 3-Mode I grabbed having the most responsive thumbsticks I've ever used...
-I 'formed a strong opinion' on the matter.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Some of us are (or, in my case were) unimaginably hard on microswitches in mice. I have 2 MX518s and a G5 IIRC in storage, that I refuse to throw away but have bad microswitches.
I wore them out fully exploiting semi-automatics in FPS games, with a higher RoF cap than the full auto ones. -no scripts, hotkeys, etc.

View attachment 397308
tl;dr: 1200RPM limit vs. 600-950

TBQH, I empathize with him. But, in my case it's with Hall Effect sensors in joysticks being a bare-minimum requirement.
I put up with too many drifting and wildly inaccurate aged thumbsticks and joysticks over the years.
After seeing a BNIB sealed MSFT 'special edition' XBOX Series controller drift right out of the box, I 'formed a strong opinion' on the matter.

Ok, that's a fair use case scenario where they might wear out faster. Competitive gaming is hard on mice. That is why optical switches were created, to answer that unique problem. However, that is the exception, not the rule. Furthermore, no one buying the 8-BitDo mouse subject of this article is going to use it in such a situation. They're going to buy a more competitive-focused gaming mouse.

So the silliness offered by the user above is contextually daft and without merit. They were complaining to be a troll and brand bash, not because they have any meritful complaint.

 

[theglaze]

For a second there, I thought the "multifunctional charging dock" transformed the hand position to vertical to improved ergonomics for non-gaming tasks.

Nope.

The charging dock keeps your mouse powered and doubles as a storage compartment for the adapter. Its signal-extending feature ensures robust and uninterrupted connectivity.

Doesn't look comfortable (for me) anyways, even as traditional mouse.

 

[Scrizz]

Ok, that's a fair use case scenario where they might wear out faster. Competitive gaming is hard on mice. That is why optical switches were created, to answer that unique problem. However, that is the exception, not the rule. Furthermore, no one buying the 8-BitDo mouse subject of this article is going to use it in such a situation. They're going to buy a more competitive-focused gaming mouse.

So the silliness offered by the user above is contextually daft and without merit. They were complaining to be a troll and brand bash, not because they have any meritful complaint.

I mean the price is close to some mice with optical switches. I don't think it's an unreasonable expectation to expect a mouse to use a superior technology. There's not need to resort to name-calling just because you might not agree with their statement/sentiment.

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[lexluthermiester]

I mean the price is close to some mice with optical switches.

That doesn't make them inferior. You're paying for 8-BitDo's well deserved reputation for high quality.

I don't think it's an unreasonable expectation to expect a mouse to use a superior technology.

Fair point, but it is also not unreasonable to expect that a high quality and very reliable technology be used.

There's not need to resort to name-calling just because you might not agree with their statement/sentiment.

That user came in trash talking an item and bashing a well known, well loved, brand over a nick-picked, irrelevant point. I called them out on it and I'm not going to apologize.

Additionally, your examples are meaningless as they are not what is on offer here in this article.

 

[Craptacular]

That doesn't make them inferior. You're paying for 8-BitDo's well deserved reputation for high quality.

Yes, it does, because optical switches are objectively superior technology. It doesn't matter how good the brand name is when a superior technology is used. Same thing with hall effect joysticks and Nintendo.

Fair point, but it is also not unreasonable to expect that a high quality and very reliable technology be used.

You are arguing their point here, it isn't unreasonable of them to expect high quality and even more reliable technology, optical switches, to be used at this price point.

That user came in trash talking an item and bashing a well known, well loved, brand over a nick-picked, irrelevant point. I called them out on it and I'm not going to apologize.

Additionally, your examples are meaningless as they are not what is on offer here in this article.

Selling an objectively less reliable technology in the same price range as the more reliable technology should be called out. Just because a brand name is well known and well-loved doesn't excuse them from selling a lesser technology for the same price as the better technology.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Yes, it does, because optical switches are objectively superior technology.

No it isn't. You're expressing an opinion.

You are arguing their point here, it isn't unreasonable of them to expect high quality and even more reliable technology, optical switches, to be used at this price point.

No, I'm arguing that EITHER technology is a valid choice on the part of 8-BitDo for the device on offer. The one chosen WILL function perfectly, as intended and for likely longer than either of you will be alive.

Selling an objectively less reliable technology

Also an opinion, not one supported by merit or factual data.

Just because a brand name is well known and well-loved doesn't excuse them from selling a lesser technology for the same price as the better technology.

Twisting information and facts to fit your lacking narrative is what some would call pedantic and manipulative.

 

[Craptacular]

No it isn't. You're expressing an opinion.

You admitted that optical switches are a more durable technology and could last longer than mechanical microswitches and that they were created to solve just that problem. Name a functional and durability and reliability scenario where a mechanical microswitch is superior to an optical switch. Again, this is like saying hall effect joysticks are not objectively superior technology.

Optical Mouse Switches Vs Mechanical Mouse Switches

We explain the differences between optical mouse switches and mechanical mouse switches and go over the advantages of opticals.

prosettings.net

No, I'm arguing that EITHER technology is a valid choice on the part of 8-BitDo for the device on offer. The one chosen WILL function perfectly, as intended and for likely longer than either of you will be alive.

Yes, you did. You didn't intend to but you did, it isn't unreasonable of customers to expect higher quality technology at this price point due to the fact that competitors are selling an objectively superior technology at this price point, your last sentence is not a valid reason or excuse to use a less durable technology at the price point in which competitors are using an objectively superior technology.

Also an opinion, not one supported by merit or factual data.

OK, then name a functional and durability and reliability scenario where it is an objectively true fact about how mechanical microswitches are superior to optical switches. Optical switches last longer; you are less likely to double click and they have a lower latency/response time.

Once again:

Optical Mouse Switches Vs Mechanical Mouse Switches

We explain the differences between optical mouse switches and mechanical mouse switches and go over the advantages of opticals.

prosettings.net

Twisting information and facts to fit your lacking narrative is what some would call pedantic and manipulative.

I'm doing neither, all you are doing is simply arguing paying more for a brand name when it sells a less performative technology for the same money as the objectively superior technology.

Third time is the charm: https://prosettings.net/blog/optical-mouse-switches-vs-mechanical/

 

[lexluthermiester]

You admitted that optical switches are a more durable technology and could last longer than mechanical microswitches and that they were created to solve just that problem. Name a functional and durability and reliability scenario where a mechanical microswitch is superior to an optical switch. Again, this is like saying hall effect joysticks are not objectively superior technology.

Optical Mouse Switches Vs Mechanical Mouse Switches

We explain the differences between optical mouse switches and mechanical mouse switches and go over the advantages of opticals.

prosettings.net

Yes, you did. You didn't intend to but you did, it isn't unreasonable of customers to expect higher quality technology at this price point due to the fact that competitors are selling an objectively superior technology at this price point, your last sentence is not a valid reason or excuse to use a less durable technology at the price point in which competitors are using an objectively superior technology.

OK, then name a functional and durability and reliability scenario where it is an objectively true fact about how mechanical microswitches are superior to optical switches. Optical switches last longer; you are less likely to double click and they have a lower latency/response time.

Once again:

Optical Mouse Switches Vs Mechanical Mouse Switches

We explain the differences between optical mouse switches and mechanical mouse switches and go over the advantages of opticals.

prosettings.net

I'm doing neither, all you are doing is simply arguing paying more for a brand name when it sells a less performative technology for the same money as the objectively superior technology.

Third time is the charm: https://prosettings.net/blog/optical-mouse-switches-vs-mechanical/

Just stop. You not winning this this silly argument you started because it is meritless and lacking on every level. You are however taking after your screen name quite swimmingly.

 

[Hecate91]

It would be nice if this mouse did have optical switches as they aren't expensive and results in a more reliable mouse.

 

[Craptacular]

Just stop. You not winning this this silly argument you started because it is meritless and lacking on every level. You are however taking after your screen name quite swimmingly.

In the words of lexluthermiester, this comment by you, lexluthermiester, is Also an opinion, not one supported by merit or factual data.

Feel free to provide a single ounce of evidence that a mechanical switch is objectively equal or superior technology to an optical switch in a mouse. I have already provided a source on how they work and why an optical mouse switch is an objectively superior technology than mechanical mouse switches. Also feel free to provide any evidence whatsoever that you can't purchase a mouse with an optical mouse switch for the same cost if not even cheaper than this 8bitdo

Optical Mouse Switches Vs Mechanical Mouse Switches

We explain the differences between optical mouse switches and mechanical mouse switches and go over the advantages of opticals.

prosettings.net

 

[Hecate91]

In the words of lexluthermiester, this comment by you, lexluthermiester, is Also an opinion, not one supported by merit or factual data.

Feel free to provide a single ounce of evidence that a mechanical switch is objectively equal or superior technology to an optical switch in a mouse. I have already provided a source on how they work and why an optical mouse switch is an objectively superior technology than mechanical mouse switches. Also feel free to provide any evidence whatsoever that you can't purchase a mouse with an optical mouse switch for the same cost if not even cheaper than this 8bitdo

Optical Mouse Switches Vs Mechanical Mouse Switches

We explain the differences between optical mouse switches and mechanical mouse switches and go over the advantages of opticals.

prosettings.net

He's going to refuse to look at any proof or factual evidence because it doesn't support his argument, and I find it to be a very weird argument defending a company for not using a better switch when plenty of other mice have optical switches.
There is also plenty of evidence of mice using cheap contact switches starting to double click, well before the mouse would be considered otherwise worn out.

 

[lexluthermiester]

In the words of lexluthermiester, this comment by you, lexluthermiester, is Also an opinion, not one supported by merit or factual data.

Feel free to provide a single ounce of evidence that a mechanical switch is objectively equal or superior technology to an optical switch in a mouse. I have already provided a source on how they work and why an optical mouse switch is an objectively superior technology than mechanical mouse switches. Also feel free to provide any evidence whatsoever that you can't purchase a mouse with an optical mouse switch for the same cost if not even cheaper than this 8bitdo

Optical Mouse Switches Vs Mechanical Mouse Switches

We explain the differences between optical mouse switches and mechanical mouse switches and go over the advantages of opticals.

prosettings.net

He's going to refuse to look at any proof or factual evidence because it doesn't support his argument, and I find it to be a very weird argument defending a company for not using a better switch when plenty of other mice have optical switches.
There is also plenty of evidence of mice using cheap contact switches starting to double click, well before the mouse would be considered otherwise worn out.

What you two heckling trolls are failing to mentally connect is that mouse mechanical switches are of a BETTER level of quality and reliability as the ones used in mechanical keyboards. I suppose next you two are going to claim that all the keyboards out there using physical switches are trash too, eh?

Quit spreading your special flavor of schmoo all over the place. No one is listening to you.

 

[95Viper]

Let's get back to the topic.
Stop the drama, bickering, and the trash talk.
Stop ruining the threads for other members.