8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse (Xbox Edition) Review
The 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse (Xbox Edition) offers a refreshing old-school blend of nostalgic design and modern innovation, bringing the charm of classic gaming consoles to a sleek and functional peripheral. Whether you’re a dedicated retro gaming enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates uniquely styled tech, this mouse delivers a compelling combination of both style and performance … and if you’re an old gamer who fondly remembers the Xbox, this is the perfect accessory for any modern gaming PC setup.
Gallery
From a design perspective, the look at the Retro R8 immediately transports you back to the golden age of gaming. Its unmistakable green colouring is a tribute to the original Xbox gaming console, all while maintaining a sleek and contemporary form factor. Designed with ambidextrous use in mind, its shape offers effortless comfort for both left- and right-handed users. Compact, lightweight, and thoughtfully molded for extended use, this mouse transcends mere functionality, it’s seriously a statement piece. More than just an accessory, it’s a tangible slice of gaming history that adds a distinctive character to any workspace.
Beneath its retro exterior lies an impressive array of cutting-edge technology, ensuring it performs as well as it looks. The mouse is equipped with Kailh GM micro switches, rated for up to 100 million clicks, providing that crisp and responsive tactile feedback that both gamers and professionals demand.
At its core is the high-performance PAW 3395 sensor, capable of precise tracking across an incredibly wide sensitivity range, from a fine-tuned 50 DPI all the way up to a staggering 26,000 DPI. Whether you’re engaged in intricate design work or locked into a fast-paced gaming session, the Retro R8 delivers seamless accuracy. Furthermore, with its impressive 8000Hz polling rate, input lag is virtually nonexistent, ensuring that every movement translates instantly onto the screen.
Unboxing
To setup? Just plug it into your PC and install the optional software. I tested the mouse with the latest Call of Duty game and the just recently released Doom the Dark Ages to name a few of the titles I tried and needless to say, the Retro R8 performed exceptionally well – it was super responsive. Also, the 8BitDo software is great and allows you to fine tune the mouse in order to find your perfect gaming balance. And general Windows use? Perfect! Surfing the net? Perfect! Photo manipulation in Adobe Photoshop? Perfect!
Versatility is a key strength of the Retro R8, offering multiple ways to connect to your devices. Whether you prefer the reliability of a wired connection or the freedom of wireless operation, this mouse has you covered. In wireless mode, it supports both Bluetooth and a dedicated 2.4GHz USB receiver, ensuring stable and low-latency performance across various devices. Battery life is another significant advantage, lasting up to an impressive 70 hours on a single charge when using Bluetooth. This longevity means you can say goodbye to frequent recharges, making it ideal for uninterrupted workflows and marathon gaming sessions. And when it eventually needs a power boost, the inclusion of a USB-C port ensures a fast and hassle-free charging process.
Final Thoughts?
The 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse is more than just a visually appealing device; it’s a thoughtfully engineered, high-performance peripheral that successfully blends nostalgic aesthetics with top-tier functionality. It stands out as an excellent choice for gamers, creatives, and tech enthusiasts who appreciate a touch of retro flair without compromising on modern features. Whether you need a reliable mouse for everyday tasks or a conversation-starting centerpiece for your setup, the Retro R8 delivers admirably on all fronts. The added bonus of a 1-month PC Game Pass further enhances its appeal, making it an even more enticing option.
Box Contents
- 1x 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse – Xbox Edition
- 1x Charging Dock
- 1x 2.4G adapter
- 1x USB cable
- 1x Instruction Manual
Features
- Multifunctional Charging Dock – 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
- Built with PAW 3395 Sensor – Optimised for both work and gaming, the high performance PAW 3395 sensor supports 6 sensitivity levels from 50 DPI to 26000 DPI, with polling rates ranging from 125Hz to 8000Hz*, ensuring precise tracking and responsiveness.
*Polling rate ranges: Wired 125Hz-8000Hz, 2.4G 125Hz-8000Hz, Bluetooth 125Hz only. - Customisable Side Buttons – Four programmable side buttons provide tailored control for a personalised experience
- Lightning-Fast Precision at Your Fingertips – Experience unparalleled responsiveness with Kailh Sword GM X Micro Switches, engineered for up to 100 million clicks. Enhanced with a pre-compression system, the switches deliver crisp, tactile feedback while minimising dead travel. Every click is sharp, precise, and keeps you ahead in every game.
- Effortless Control, Perfectly Balanced – Designed for claw grip and fingertip grip users. Feel the perfect balance of comfort and precision with every movement.
- Left/Right-Hand Mode Switching – Symmetrical design accommodates both left- and right-handed users, ensuring maximum accessibility and comfort.
- More Features:
- 3 connection modes
- DPI adjustment with 6 levels
- Polling rate adjustment via Ultimate Software
Specifications
- Compatibility:
- 2.4G
- Bluetooth
- Wired
- Connectivity:
- Bluetooth LE 5.3
- Wireless 2.4G
- Wired USB
- Battery Type: 450mAh Li-ion Battery – rechargeable
- Battery Life:
- Bluetooth: 100 hours
- 2.4G: 26-105 hours (depending on polling rate)
- Charging Time: 2.5 hours
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