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8Bitdo Bluetooth Retro Receiver for Original NES, Compatible with DualShock 3, DualShock 4, Wiimote, Wii U Pro, Switch Joy-Cons, Switch Pro Bluetooth Controllers
8Bitdo

8Bitdo Bluetooth Retro Receiver for Original NES

Bottom line: The 8Bitdo Bluetooth Retro Receiver for Original NES: Play original NES wirelessly on real NES, Analogue Nt, or clone systems; main trade-off: xbox controllers on Sept 2021+ firmware no longer supported (BLE change).

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Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For PC and console controllers, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Play original NES wirelessly on real NES, Analogue Nt, or clone systems
  • ✓ Works with DualShock 3, DualShock 4, Switch Pro, and Joy-Cons
  • ✓ Virtually lag-free Bluetooth for authentic NES response
  • ✓ Pair two receivers for two-player wireless NES gaming

Cons

  • ✗ Xbox controllers on Sept 2021+ firmware no longer supported (BLE change)
  • ✗ Incompatible with 8BitDo NEOGEO controller and Xbox arcade sticks
  • ✗ Only partial support for 8BitDo Bluetooth controllers
  • ✗ Single receiver limited to one controller; multiplayer needs a second

Manufacturer description

The Retro Receiver is a Bluetooth receiver that you plug into your original NES. It allows you to play your NES wirelessly with any original NES model, the Analogue Nt and even other aftermarket NES systems. With the Retro Receiver, not only can you play your NES wirelessly with any 8Bitdo controller or arcade stick: but you can even use wireless next gen controllers, too.

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored 8Bitdo Bluetooth Retro Receiver for Original NES using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the controllers & gamepads category. 8Bitdo's controllers & gamepads lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for controllers & gamepads of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • System Compatibility: Use wireless controllers on your original NES system
  • 8BitDo controller compatibility: partial 8BitDo Bluetooth Controllers and arcade stick (Not for Xbox Edititon).
  • Controller compatibility: DualShock 3, DualShock 4, DualShock 4 Pro, Switch Pro, Switch Joy-con, Wii Mote, Wii U Pro and more.
  • Virtually lag-free
  • Compatible with two Retro Receivers for multiplayer player games
  • 【Note】Xbox Bluetooth controllers on the latest firmware released in Sep, 2021 are NOT supported any longer, due to their bluetooth change from Classic to BLE. And NOT compatible with 8BitDo NEOGEO Controller and Arcade Stick for XBOX.

Full Specifications

Brand8Bitdo
ColorBlack
Unit Count1 Count
ConnectivityBluetooth
Model NumberRETRO RECEIVER
CompatibilityXbox, Switch, NES
Connection TypeWireless
Controller TypeButton Control
Item Dimensions5.91 x 4.69 x 0.91 inches
Hardware Platformnintendo_entertainment_system
Compatible DevicesGame Console, Controller
Included Componentsno
System CompatibilityUse wireless controllers on your original NES system
Warranty Description1 year
Connectivity TechnologyBluetooth
Controller compatibilityDualShock 3, DualShock 4, DualShock 4 Pro, Switch Pro, Switch Joy-con, Wii Mote, Wii U Pro and more.
Manufacturer Part NumberRETRO RECEIVER
8BitDo controller compatibilitypartial 8BitDo Bluetooth Controllers and arcade stick (Not for Xbox Edititon).
Global Trade Identification Number06922621500148
Full listing title8Bitdo Bluetooth Retro Receiver for Original NES, Compatible with DualShock 3, DualShock 4, Wiimote, Wii U Pro, Switch Joy-Cons, Switch Pro Bluetooth Controllers

Ready to buy?

8Bitdo Bluetooth Retro Receiver for Original NES, Compatible with DualShock 3, DualShock 4, Wiimote, Wii U Pro, Switch Joy-Cons, Switch Pro Bluetooth Controllers is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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