8BitDo is bringing one of Microsoft’s most recognizable game franchises to its latest PC gaming peripherals. The company has revealed the Gears of War: E-Day Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard and Retro R8 Wireless Mouse, combining the retro styling of its existing hardware with a design inspired by Gears of War: E-Day.
The new keyboard is priced at $119.99, while the Retro R8 mouse costs $59.99. Both products are currently available for pre-order and are expected to begin shipping on October 30.
The Gears of War: E-Day Retro 87 uses an 87-key tenkeyless layout with an opaque black ABS case and translucent red keycaps. The keycaps use an MDA-like profile, giving the keyboard a different appearance from the Cherry and OEM profiles commonly found on gaming keyboards. Three additional controls sit along the top edge next to the connectivity controls and volume dial.
Under the keycaps, 8BitDo has fitted semi-custom Huano Cloud Gray linear switches. The keyboard also features hot-swap sockets, allowing users to replace the switches with compatible 3-pin or 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches. Rather than using a gasket mount, the Retro 87 employs a top-mounted design with an aluminum switch plate.
The keyboard also includes per-key RGB lighting with north-facing LEDs and supports 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software 2.0 on Windows. Wireless connectivity is handled by Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, while a USB Type-C connection is available for wired use. Its 4,000 mAh battery is rated for up to 280 hours over 2.4 GHz and 300 hours over Bluetooth, according to 8BitDo.
Two themed Super Buttons are included with the keyboard and connect through 3.5mm TRRS cables. These external buttons are a familiar feature of the Retro 87 lineup and can be used for additional controls.
The matching 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse takes a different approach with a symmetrical shell designed for both left- and right-handed users. It has two side buttons on each side and weighs 77 grams. The included charging dock also extends the 2.4 GHz receiver, helping keep the wireless connection closer to the mouse.
The Retro R8 uses a PixArt PAW3395 sensor and supports polling rates of up to 8,000 Hz in wired mode and 4,000 Hz over 2.4 GHz wireless. Bluetooth 5.3 LE is also available for broader device compatibility. Battery life ranges from 26 to 105 hours over 2.4 GHz, depending on the selected polling rate.
The new Gears of War: E-Day peripherals give 8BitDo another way to connect its hardware lineup with major Xbox franchises. With the Retro 87 focusing on hot-swappable mechanical switches and multiple connection options, while the Retro R8 adds a high-polling-rate sensor and symmetrical design, the two products cover the main features expected from modern PC gaming peripherals.
| Feature | 8BitDo Gears of War: E-Day Retro 87 | 8BitDo Gears of War: E-Day Retro R8 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mechanical Keyboard | Wireless Gaming Mouse |
| Layout / Shape | 87-key TKL | Symmetrical |
| Switches | Huano Cloud Gray Linear | — |
| Hot-Swap | Yes, 3/5-pin MX-style | — |
| Mounting | Top Mount | — |
| Switch Plate | Aluminum | — |
| Backlighting | Per-key RGB | — |
| Sensor | — | PixArt PAW3395 |
| Wired Polling | — | Up to 8,000 Hz |
| 2.4 GHz Polling | — | Up to 4,000 Hz |
| Wireless | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz | Bluetooth 5.3 LE, 2.4 GHz |
| Wired Connection | USB Type-C | USB |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | Up to 26–105 hours |
| Weight | — | 77 g |
| Software | Ultimate Software 2.0 | — |
| Price | $119.99 | $59.99 |
| Shipping | October 30 | October 30 |
