8BitDo has turned its retro-styled PC peripherals into a battle-worn Gears of War: E-Day set. The officially licensed collection pairs a crimson-and-black Retro 87 mechanical keyboard with a matching Retro R8 wireless mouse and charging dock.
The keyboard costs $119.99 and the mouse costs $59.99. They are sold separately, putting the price of the complete matching setup at $179.98 before tax and shipping. Both product listings specify an October 30, 2026 shipping date, although availability may fluctuate because the limited-edition store pages were showing sold-out status when checked.
A compact mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches
The Retro 87 is a tenkeyless keyboard with 87 keys, so it keeps a function row and arrow cluster but drops the number pad. Under the themed keycaps are 8BitDo Cloud Gray linear mechanical switches co-developed with Huano. The circuit board is hot-swappable, allowing owners to replace compatible switches without soldering.
8BitDo uses a top-mount structure with multiple sound-dampening layers to reduce hollow case noise. The board supports N-key rollover, customizable RGB lighting and the company’s Ultimate Software V2 for remapping and configuration.
An independent control panel handles volume and connection changes without requiring an on-screen menu. The package also includes 8BitDo’s oversized Dual Super Buttons, which can be assigned to shortcuts or macros directly through fast mapping.
Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and wired USB-C connections
The keyboard offers three connection methods: Bluetooth 5.3, a 2.4GHz wireless receiver and wired USB-C. According to Windows Central, battery life is rated for up to 300 hours over Bluetooth or 280 hours using the 2.4GHz connection. Those maximum figures will vary with backlighting, connection conditions and use.
Despite the prominent Xbox and Gears branding, the official specification page lists keyboard compatibility with Windows 10 version 1903 or later and Android 9 or later. Buyers looking specifically for console support should verify individual-game compatibility before ordering rather than assuming the license guarantees universal Xbox keyboard support.
The matching Retro R8 mouse reaches 26,000 DPI
The Gears-themed Retro R8 uses PixArt’s PAW 3395 optical sensor with six sensitivity levels ranging from 50 to 26,000 DPI. Its polling rate can be changed through 8BitDo’s software, reaching up to 4,000Hz over 2.4GHz wireless and 8,000Hz when wired.
The main Huano switches are rated for 100 million clicks. The ambidextrous shell has programmable controls on both sides, and users can switch between left- and right-hand layouts. At 115 × 58 × 39.4mm and 77 grams, it is a relatively compact mouse; people with large hands or a palm grip may want to compare those dimensions with their current model.
Like the keyboard, the mouse connects through Bluetooth, 2.4GHz or USB-C. Its included charging dock also works as a wireless signal extension, allowing the receiver to sit closer to the mouse. The rechargeable 450mAh battery is rated for up to 100 hours over Bluetooth and between 26 and 105 hours over 2.4GHz, depending on polling rate and other settings. A full charge takes about 2.5 hours.
The design is more than a logo swap
Both peripherals use translucent red elements, black controls, cracked-earth graphics and COG insignia inspired by Emergence Day. The keyboard’s keycap legends, volume knob, control panel and removable Super Buttons all follow the theme, while the mouse and dock repeat the same visual language.
That attention to detail is the main reason to choose this edition over a standard Retro 87 and R8. The underlying specifications are established rather than exclusive to the collaboration. Buyers are paying for a coordinated licensed design, not a performance upgrade tied to the game.
Pricing and availability
8BitDo’s US store lists the Retro 87 Gears of War: E-Day keyboard at $119.99 and the Retro R8 mouse at $59.99. Both are scheduled to ship October 30. The company also points buyers to Amazon for US preorders, but stock and delivery estimates may differ by retailer.
The keyboard and mouse are not sold as one bundle, so ordering only the keyboard does not include the matching mouse. The mouse does include its themed charging dock. Anyone budgeting for the complete desk setup should also account for two separate product orders and any retailer-specific shipping charges.
Who should buy this set?
The collection makes the most sense for a Gears of War fan who also wants a mechanical keyboard and a capable wireless gaming mouse. The hot-swappable board gives enthusiasts room to change switches later, while the R8’s high-end sensor, adjustable polling and left-handed mode make it more than a display piece.
There are practical reasons to pause. The keyboard lacks a number pad, the mouse’s compact dimensions will not suit every grip, and the licensed appearance adds value only if the design appeals to the buyer. The official store’s changing stock status is another reason to confirm the final delivery estimate before checking out.
The practical takeaway
8BitDo’s E-Day peripherals combine a distinctive licensed finish with credible enthusiast features. At $179.98 for both pieces, the set is competitively priced for a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard and a high-polling-rate mouse with a charging dock.
The strongest reason to buy is the design; the strongest reasons to keep using it are the flexible connections, replaceable keyboard switches and capable mouse sensor. Just remember that the two products are separate, ship later in October and are officially listed for Windows and Android rather than as universal Xbox-console accessories.