8BitDo’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard is cheaper than ever

We also found deals on Lego sets, security cameras, smart thermostats, and games.

By Sheena Vasani, a writer covering commerce, e-readers, and tech news. She previously wrote about everything from web development to AI at Inside.

Jul 27, 2024, 1:38 PM UTC

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Two keyboards in a sea of retro tech and Nintendo paraphernalia. — *The Western-style “N Edition,” which is inspired by the original NES controller, is on sale at Woot through July 30th.*

With all the excitement over the 2024 Olympics, it’s easy to forget that this weekend is the last weekend of July. Yet, as August approaches, so does back-to-school season. We’ve pulled together a list of gadgets and goods fit for the occasion, but if you need another suggestion, 8BitDo’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard is down to an all-time low at Woot. Now through July 30th, you can buy the “N Edition” model for $69.99 ($30 off) or the Famicom-inspired “Fami Edition” for $59.99 ($40 off), both of which come with a 90-day Woot warranty.

No matter which you choose, both tenkeyless mechanical keyboards can spruce up any home office or add a bit of fun to long study sessions. The Western-style “N Edition” is inspired by the original NES controller, while the cheaper board resembles the OG Famicom in color and styling. Both come with a pair of programmable “Super Buttons” that scream retro, along with clicky hot-swappable switches that allow for a more customized experience. Even better, both support USB-C and other connectivity modes, including Bluetooth and even 2.4GHz wireless via a dongle.

This mechanical keyboard is designed to look like the Japanese Famicon, with a similar color scheme and two large customizable buttons. Along with Bluetooth support, it offers a standard tenkeyless layout with clicky, hot-swappable switches.

The “N Edition” of 8BitDo’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard resembles Nintendo’s original NES controller but is otherwise identical to the “Fami Edition.” The Bluetooth board offers two customizable buttons along with the same standard tenkeyless layout and clicky, hot-swappable switches.

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A few more deals to kickstart the weekend

Lego’s Tales of the Space Age set is on sale for $39.99 ($10 off) at Amazon and Walmart, which matches its best price to date. Inspired by sci-fi films and books from the ‘80s, the 688-piece kit lets you assemble all kinds of postcard-like display models, including those depicting shooting stars, comets, and other celestial objects.
Woot is selling a pair of Blink Mini 2 cameras for just $49.99 ($30 off) through August 22nd. Given a single unit typically costs $39.99, it’s almost as if you’re getting the second 1080p cam for free. Like the original model, the second-gen Mini is a tiny indoor camera with motion alerts and two-way audio; however, it now offers IP65 waterproofing, so you can use it outside if you purchase Blink’s optional Weather Resistant Power Adapter. Read our review.
You can buy a physical PS4 copy of Assassin’s Creed Mirage for $14.99 ($35 off) through July 30th from Woot, which is $10 less than the price we saw during Prime Day. The game includes a free digital copy for the PS5, too, along with a physical map of Baghdad and three lithographs. It’s not the most impressive game in the Assassin’s Creed series, but it’s still an enjoyable return to form with a heavy focus on stealth and assassinations. Read our review.
Google’s latest thermostat might be just around the corner, but if you want a smart thermostat to help cool your home ASAP, the Nest Learning Thermostat is available from Google, Lowe’s, and Best Buy for around $169 ($80 off). Google’s third-gen thermostat is still a good investment despite its age, one that’s capable of learning your cooling and heating preferences over time. It also supports a wide array of smart home platforms, though, sadly, it still doesn’t offer Matter support like the entry-level Nest Thermostat.