HardwareFreaks

Tag: Retro aesthetics

  • 8BitDo celebrates N64’s 30th anniversary with Clear Blue Retro 87 keyboard and Ultimate 2 controller

    When gaming history hits a major milestone, the community craves more than just a celebration—they want nostalgia wrapped in cutting-edge technology. That is exactly what 8BitDo has delivered, commemorating the Nintendo 64’s 30th anniversary by launching a striking new collection of peripherals.

    This anniversary line pairs classic retro aesthetics with modern mechanical precision, offering dedicated enthusiasts a chance to update their setups while honoring gaming legends. At the heart of this release are two standout products: the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard N64 Edition and the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller N64 Edition.

    The centerpiece is the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard, which sports a vibrant clear blue aesthetic. This isn’t just a pretty shell; it’s a functional piece of kit designed to evoke the classic era. The keycaps are color-coded to perfectly match the original console controller, featuring yellow arrow keys for the C-buttons and a red left Ctrl key representing the Start button—a visual nod that immediately transports you back to those golden days.

    Underneath that nostalgic look is serious performance hardware. The keyboard features an aluminum plate, a hot-swappable PCB, and Cloud Gray Linear switches co-developed with Huano, ensuring a smooth, satisfying typing experience for any modern gamer. Connectivity options are robust, including Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired USB. Furthermore, it supports N-key rollover and full customization via the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, complete with a dedicated Xbox Game Bar button for Windows and Android users.

    Launching alongside the keyboard is the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller N64 Edition. This controller shares the same vibrant blue theme, featuring a translucent blue top shell, colored ABXY buttons, and a translucent white D-pad accented by grey thumbsticks and blue back buttons. It bundles conveniently with a grey charging dock, making setup effortless.

    Beyond the visual appeal, the controller packs advanced specifications worthy of a modern console experience. It boasts TMR thumbsticks, RGB lighting, a six-axis motion sensor, and an impressive 1000Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4G modes. This high-fidelity input ensures players have precise, responsive control whether they are diving into SteamOS, Android, Windows, or Apple environments.

    The collection offers incredible value and style. The Retro 87 keyboard is priced at $99.99, with shipping scheduled to begin on August 14th. Meanwhile, the Ultimate 2 wireless controller is available immediately for $59.99. For retro fans looking to refresh their desktop peripherals with a clean, vibrant look and high-performance features, 8BitDo has certainly found a winning formula.

    Credit: KitGuru

  • I usually skip soulslikes not made by FromSoftware, but one Steam demo just won me over

    The world of FromSoft‘s Souls-like games has set an impossibly high bar for immersive gameplay. While some titles offer pure aesthetic beauty, others flirt dangerously close to the uncanny valley—they feel like a beautiful imitation that just doesn’t quite bring the full experience home.

    But what happens when a game manages to hit that sweet spot between nostalgic reverence and genuine innovation? Enter Prison of Husks, an experience that manages to evoke the deep atmosphere of the Souls universe while carving out its own distinctive identity.

    The immediate draw of Prison of Husks lies in its commitment to retro aesthetics. By embracing a deliberate throwback, the game utilizes a forced 4:3 aspect ratio and a 640×480 default resolution, complete with chunky console menus reminiscent of the PlayStation 1 era. These deliberate limitations feel less like a trend and more like a genuine expression of retro design.

    This visual filter works wonders for atmosphere. The environment is steeped in grey, towering gothic structures, dripping with that cryptic sense of dread associated with Demon’s Souls and the darker tones of early Dark Souls titles. You step into a world defined by an entropic curse, where you play as a wayward soul possessing doll automatons—a premise that demands interaction with the surrounding decay.

    The combat itself is a fascinating experiment. While it certainly incorporates the demanding action sensibilities seen in games like Sekiro, Prison of Husks focuses on perfecting a different kind of flow. Mastering the art of the perfect block parry becomes central to the experience, rewarding players who master timing and positioning through repeated practice.

    Though the system offers satisfying combat feedback, it doesn’t shy away from flaws; some might find the combat window occasionally narrower than the crystal-clear stagger mechanics of its counterparts. Nevertheless, the feeling of engaging with the world is undeniably potent.

    Beyond the combat, the design ethos leans heavily toward action and exploration rather than deep RPG complexity. The game wisely sidesteps overly complicated stat and class systems, opting instead for build differentiation through equippable gear and accessories, allowing players freedom in how they approach the challenge.

    This focus on mechanics makes Prison of Husks incredibly accessible and rewarding for modern platforms. It runs smoothly out of the box on the Steam Deck, making it a perfect handheld adventure that complements the device’s 16:10 screen ratio effortlessly.

    With its solid foundation, compelling atmosphere, and engaging mechanical design, Prison of Husks stands ready to launch this year, promising a return to the core philosophy of challenging, atmospheric action-adventure.

    Credit: PC Gamer