Thirty Years Later, the N64 Still Has Fans
The Nintendo 64 officially turned 30 this week, having first launched in Japan on June 23, 1996. While the anniversary has prompted plenty of nostalgia across social media, accessory maker 8BitDo is celebrating in a more tangible way.
The company has unveiled a new Water Blue edition of its Retro 87 mechanical keyboard alongside a matching wireless controller, both inspired by one of the translucent console colors that Nintendo introduced during the late 1990s.
For anyone who grew up during the N64 era, the design is immediately recognizable.
Borrowing From a Classic Console
Rather than simply applying a blue shell to existing hardware, 8BitDo has incorporated several visual nods to Nintendo's controller design.
The keyboard features yellow arrow keys that resemble the N64 controller's C buttons, while the blue and green A and B keys echo the color scheme that became familiar to millions of players through games such as Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007, and Super Smash Bros.
Even the red Ctrl key serves as a callback to the controller's distinctive Start button.
Like previous entries in 8BitDo's Retro keyboard lineup, the new model includes the company's programmable Super Buttons, allowing users to assign shortcuts, macros, and custom actions to dedicated controls.
More Than a Collectible
Retro-themed peripherals often focus entirely on appearance, but 8BitDo's keyboards have built a reputation for being usable everyday devices rather than display pieces.
The company has previously released models inspired by the Nintendo Entertainment System, Commodore 64, Sega Saturn, and IBM Model M aesthetics. Those products have generally targeted users who want modern mechanical keyboard features wrapped in designs borrowed from classic gaming and computing hardware.
The N64 version follows that same formula.
The matching wireless controller continues the theme with a translucent Water Blue shell reminiscent of Nintendo's colorful "Funtastic" console series. While detailed specifications for the anniversary edition have not been highlighted, it appears to be based on 8BitDo's existing controller hardware rather than a recreation of the original three-pronged N64 gamepad.
Coming Soon to a Desk Near You
The company's online store currently lists the Water Blue Retro 87 keyboard at $99.99, with shipping scheduled for August 14, 2026.
As with many limited-edition retro releases, regional stock levels and release schedules may vary.
Another Hit of N64 Nostalgia
The Nintendo 64 occupies an interesting place in gaming history. It wasn't Nintendo's best-selling console, and it faced stiff competition from Sony's original PlayStation, yet its influence remains difficult to ignore.
Many of the franchises that defined the platform continue to shape gaming today, and the console's distinctive industrial design remains instantly recognizable three decades later.
With translucent plastics once again finding favor among enthusiasts, 8BitDo's latest keyboard and controller feel like a fitting tribute to one of the most memorable console designs of the 1990s.