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The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard – Xbox Edition connects to Windows PCs and Android devices by USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth. The Xbox branding does not indicate console compatibility: 8BitDo’s support FAQ says the keyboard cannot be used with Xbox consoles. Its Xbox button is a Windows Game Bar shortcut (Win+G), and the official operating-system list names Windows 10 version 1903 or later and Android 9.0 or later—not iOS or iPadOS.
What the Xbox Edition name actually means
This keyboard is designed with Xbox styling and is officially licensed, but it is not an Xbox-console keyboard. The manufacturer’s FAQ answers no when asked whether the product can be used on Xbox consoles. You cannot plug it into an Xbox console, pair it over Bluetooth, or use the bundled wireless adapter to turn it into a console keyboard.
The Xbox button is instead a Windows shortcut. On a Windows PC, pressing it invokes Game Bar with Win+G. That function is labelled as Windows-only in the manual, so it should not be treated as a console control or as a general-purpose button on Android. The branding describes the design partnership and licensed appearance, not a promise that Xbox hardware will recognize the keyboard.
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For supported devices, the practical choices are:
- Windows: Windows 10 version 1903 or later is listed by 8BitDo.
- Android: Android 9.0 or later is listed by 8BitDo.
- iPhone and iPad: iOS and iPadOS are not named in the available official compatibility information, so support should not be assumed.
- Xbox consoles: explicitly unsupported according to the support FAQ.
If console use is your main requirement, this is the wrong purchase regardless of its Xbox logo, dedicated Xbox key, or included wireless receiver. Choose a keyboard specifically documented for Xbox instead.
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Connection methods at a glance
| Method | What you need | Best use | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB wired | The included USB cable and a compatible USB port | Setup, firmware work, or a device without wireless | The keyboard must be switched to OFF before connecting |
| 2.4 GHz wireless | The included 2.4 GHz adapter and an available USB port | A low-latency desktop connection without a cable | The adapter must be connected to the device; it is not an Xbox-console solution |
| Bluetooth | A device with Bluetooth settings | Android devices and PCs where a USB adapter is inconvenient | Only one Bluetooth device can be connected at a time |
The product page lists Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB. It also lists an 87-key layout, a rechargeable 4,000 mAh battery, the 2.4 GHz adapter, and a USB cable. The three connection modes are alternatives; switching modes does not add Xbox-console support.
How to connect it to a Windows PC
USB wired connection
- Move the keyboard’s mode switch to OFF.
- Connect the supplied USB cable to the keyboard and a USB port on the PC.
- Wait for Windows to recognize the keyboard before typing or opening configuration software.
Wired mode is useful when the battery is low, when you are installing firmware, or when a computer has unreliable wireless reception. If Windows does not react, try another USB port and reconnect with the mode switch still set to OFF. Test in a plain text field first so you can distinguish a connection problem from a software-profile problem.
2.4 GHz wireless connection
- Set the mode switch to 2.4.
- Insert the included 2.4 GHz adapter into the PC.
- Wait for the connection indicator. The manual says it remains solid for about eight seconds and then turns off when the connection succeeds.
This method keeps the keyboard wireless while using the dedicated receiver rather than the PC’s Bluetooth stack. Keep the adapter connected when you want to use the keyboard; removing it breaks the receiver link. A desktop’s front or rear USB port can work, but moving the receiver to another port is a sensible diagnostic step if the indicator never completes its sequence.
Re-pairing the 2.4 GHz adapter
If the keyboard and receiver no longer communicate, pair them again:
- Set the mode switch to 2.4.
- Hold the Pair button for three seconds. Release it when the connection indicator begins blinking rapidly.
- Connect the 2.4 GHz adapter to the PC.
- Wait for the indicator sequence to finish, then test several keys.
Do not judge the result immediately after plugging in the receiver. The manual’s approximately eight-second indicator period is part of the normal completion sequence.
Bluetooth connection
- Set the mode switch to BT.
- For first-time pairing, hold Pair for three seconds until the connection indicator blinks rapidly.
- In Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices and turn Bluetooth on.
- Select 8BitDo Retro Keyboard X from the available devices.
- Wait for the indicator to stay solid for about eight seconds and then turn off. That sequence indicates successful pairing according to the manual.
Windows may show the keyboard as connected before the indicator sequence finishes. Let the sequence complete before deciding that pairing failed. If an old entry remains in Windows, remove it from the saved Bluetooth devices list before trying again.
How to connect it to an Android phone or tablet
Android 9.0 and later is the manufacturer-listed mobile compatibility range. The exact menu names vary by phone maker, but the pairing process is the same Bluetooth procedure:
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- Set the keyboard’s mode switch to BT.
- Hold Pair for three seconds until the connection indicator blinks rapidly.
- Open the Android device’s Bluetooth settings. On many phones this is Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device, although the label can differ.
- Tap 8BitDo Retro Keyboard X.
- Wait for the indicator to remain solid for roughly eight seconds and then turn off.
Android should display a connected keyboard and allow text entry in a search field or notes app. If the phone asks for a keyboard layout, choose the layout that matches the physical keycaps. A USB or 2.4 GHz setup generally requires a compatible USB host port and the receiver, so Bluetooth is the straightforward method for most phones and tablets.
Moving Bluetooth to another device
The support FAQ says the keyboard can connect to only one Bluetooth device at a time. To move from a phone to a PC, or from one Android device to another, start pairing on the new device and select 8BitDo Retro Keyboard X again. Do not expect simultaneous Bluetooth connections or automatic multi-device switching. If the first device keeps reclaiming the connection, turn its Bluetooth off temporarily or remove the keyboard from its saved-device list.
What about iPhone and iPad?
The available official materials do not list iOS or iPadOS. Bluetooth pairing instructions are generic, but that does not establish Apple-device compatibility. Treat iPhone and iPad support as unconfirmed unless 8BitDo provides separate, device-specific confirmation for your model and operating-system version. Do not infer support merely because another Bluetooth keyboard works with an Apple device.
Using the controls and the Windows Game Bar key
On Windows, the Xbox-marked button performs Win+G, opening Game Bar. It is a shortcut rather than an Xbox-console command. The support FAQ says this Xbox button cannot be remapped, so it cannot be reassigned to a macro or another function through the software.
Other programmable controls can be configured through 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 on a computer. The product information describes profiles, key assignments, macros, RGB backlight settings, and firmware updates. The software listing reviewed shows this product under Windows and macOS; it does not establish a mobile version for configuring the keyboard from Android or another phone. A Mac may run the software, but the keyboard’s published operating-system compatibility list remains Windows and Android, so distinguish software availability from a complete host-compatibility guarantee.
Configuring profiles
- Connect the keyboard to the computer by USB, 2.4 GHz, or Bluetooth.
- Install and open Ultimate Software V2 on the computer.
- Select the Retro 87 Keyboard – Xbox Edition from the device list.
- Create or select a profile, then assign supported keys, macros, or lighting settings.
- Save the profile to the keyboard or application as prompted, and test the changed keys in a text editor before using them in a game.
Because the Xbox button is specifically non-remappable, leave it out of any remapping plan. If the software does not detect the keyboard, switch to USB mode and reconnect before attempting firmware or profile work. Firmware listings and update notes can change, so use the current support page when checking for an update and avoid interrupting power during the update process.
Windows 11 lighting troubleshooting
8BitDo’s support guidance identifies one documented fix when lighting control fails on Windows 11:
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- Open Ultimate Software V2 on Windows.
- Set the lighting mode to 8BitDo RGB.
- Open Windows’ Dynamic Lighting settings and turn off the Dynamic Lighting options.
- Reopen the software and test the backlight.
This is a troubleshooting suggestion, not a guarantee that every lighting problem has the same cause. Also check that the keyboard is detected, the software is current, and the connection is stable before changing profiles. If keys work normally while only lighting controls fail, focus on the software and Windows lighting settings rather than repeatedly re-pairing the keyboard.
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A reset removes saved configuration, so use it after checking the mode switch, cable, receiver, Bluetooth pairing, and software connection. The manual’s reset combination is:
- Press and hold Pair, Fast key mapping, and Profile together.
- Keep holding them for five seconds.
- Release when the reset completes, then pair or connect again.
The procedure clears profiles, Bluetooth pairing, key mappings, and swapped keys. You will need to recreate saved configurations after the reset. Record important assignments or screenshots before resetting, especially if several people use different profiles.
Battery, charging, and hardware specifications
The following figures are specifications published by 8BitDo on its product page, accessed in 2026, not independent test measurements:
| Specification | Manufacturer-listed detail |
|---|---|
| Layout | 87 keys |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Wireless receiver | 2.4 GHz adapter included |
| Battery | Rechargeable 4,000 mAh |
| Estimated runtime | 280 hours via 2.4 GHz; 300 hours via Bluetooth |
| Charging time | 4–8 hours |
| Included cable | USB cable |
8BitDo does not present the runtime figures as a laboratory test in the product information available here. Actual endurance can vary with backlight brightness, lighting effects, connection method, firmware, and usage pattern. The stated 4–8-hour charging range is likewise a manufacturer specification, not a measured result from an independent test. Plan charging around your use rather than treating 280 or 300 hours as a guaranteed minimum.
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Switches, keycaps, and extension ports
Replacing switches
The support FAQ says third-party 3-pin and 5-pin switches are supported. Before ordering, verify the switch type, physical fit, and electrical compatibility with this keyboard. A switch that has the right pin count can still be unsuitable if its housing or dimensions do not match. Confirm the exact revision and layout, and make changes only when you are comfortable opening the board; replacement parts are not a workaround for Xbox-console incompatibility.
Replacing keycaps
Third-party OEM keycaps are supported, but the exact keyboard layout matters. Check the size and profile of every nonstandard key—especially modifiers, the spacebar, and bottom-row keys—against the 87-key layout before buying a set. A generic full-size or compact set may include the wrong widths even when its individual letter keys fit.
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What the four 3.5 mm ports do
The four 3.5 mm ports are interfaces for 8BitDo keyboard extensions such as Super Buttons and other supported accessories. They are not headphone or microphone jacks. Connecting audio equipment to them will not turn the keyboard into an audio device, and forcing an audio plug into an extension port can damage the connector or accessory.
Troubleshooting by symptom
The PC does not see the keyboard over USB
- Confirm the mode switch is set to OFF for wired use.
- Disconnect and reconnect the cable at both ends.
- Try a different USB port and, if available, the supplied cable.
- Restart Windows, then test the keyboard in a plain text field.
The 2.4 GHz connection does not complete
- Set the switch to 2.4 and make sure the adapter is firmly inserted.
- Repeat the three-second Pair-button procedure for the keyboard and reconnect the adapter.
- Move the adapter to another USB port, preferably one with a clear path to the keyboard.
- Wait through the indicator’s approximately eight-second sequence before testing.
Bluetooth pairing fails or the old device keeps reconnecting
- Remove the keyboard from the old device’s saved Bluetooth list.
- Set the switch to BT and hold Pair for three seconds until rapid blinking starts.
- Select the exact name 8BitDo Retro Keyboard X.
- Remember that only one Bluetooth device can be connected at a time.
Keys work but lighting or macros do not
- Connect by USB and open Ultimate Software V2.
- Check that the intended profile is active and save it again.
- On Windows 11, try the documented 8BitDo RGB setting and disable Windows Dynamic Lighting.
- Use the factory reset only if you are prepared to lose profiles, mappings, swapped keys, and Bluetooth pairing.
The keyboard works on a phone but not on an Xbox console
That behavior is expected. The Xbox Edition is not compatible with Xbox consoles, regardless of whether it works over Bluetooth or USB with another device. Use it with a listed Windows or Android device instead.
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| Situation | Recommended method | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Windows desktop with a free USB port | 2.4 GHz | Wireless operation using the included receiver |
| Windows setup, firmware, or a drained battery | USB wired | Direct connection without relying on wireless pairing |
| Android phone or tablet | Bluetooth | No USB receiver is required, provided the device supports the listed Android version |
| Several devices used at the same time | Separate connection methods, with one Bluetooth device maximum | Bluetooth itself does not provide simultaneous multi-device connections |
| Xbox console | None | The manufacturer states that console use is unsupported |
When comparing this board with another keyboard, focus on the factors that change the buying decision: documented console versus PC/Android support, Bluetooth versus 2.4 GHz versus wired operation, minimum operating-system versions, included receiver and cable, programmable controls and software platform, and switch or keycap replacement options. There is no basis here for ranking it against a particular competing model.
Pre-connection checklist
- Confirm the host is Windows 10 version 1903 or later, or Android 9.0 or later.
- Decide between USB, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth before moving the mode switch.
- For 2.4 GHz, locate the included adapter; for USB, use the supplied cable.
- For Bluetooth, be ready to select 8BitDo Retro Keyboard X.
- Keep in mind that iOS, iPadOS, and Xbox-console support are not established by the listed documentation.
- Back up or note profiles before resetting or changing firmware.
- If buying replacement parts, verify 3-pin or 5-pin switch support and OEM keycap dimensions before ordering.
- Keep extension accessories separate from audio equipment; the four 3.5 mm ports are for 8BitDo extensions.
The practical verdict
Use the 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard – Xbox Edition as a Windows or Android keyboard, choosing USB, 2.4 GHz, or Bluetooth according to the device and your need for wireless freedom. Use Ultimate Software V2 on a computer for supported profiles, macros, lighting, and firmware tasks, while treating the Xbox button as a fixed Windows Game Bar shortcut. Do not buy or configure it expecting Xbox-console operation, and do not assume iPhone or iPad compatibility without separate confirmation. Its 87-key layout, 4,000 mAh battery, included receiver, and replaceable-switch and keycap options make it flexible for supported hosts, but those features do not change the compatibility limits documented by 8BitDo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 8BitDo Xbox keyboard work on Xbox consoles?
No. 8BitDo’s Xbox Edition support FAQ says it cannot be used with Xbox consoles. The Xbox-marked key is a Windows Win+G Game Bar shortcut, not a console command.
How do I connect the keyboard to a Windows PC?
For USB, set the mode switch to OFF and connect the included cable. For 2.4 GHz, set the switch to 2.4 and plug in the included adapter. For Bluetooth, set the switch to BT, hold Pair for three seconds, and select 8BitDo Retro Keyboard X in Windows Bluetooth settings.
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Android 9.0 and later is the listed mobile compatibility range. Set the switch to BT, hold Pair for three seconds, open Bluetooth settings, select 8BitDo Retro Keyboard X, and wait for the indicator sequence to complete.
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Can Bluetooth connect to several devices at once?
No. The support FAQ says only one Bluetooth device can be connected at a time. Pair again when moving between a PC, phone, or tablet.
Can the Xbox button be remapped?
No. 8BitDo says the Xbox button is not remappable. Other supported controls can be configured with Ultimate Software V2 on a computer.
Does it work with iPhone or iPad?
Official materials reviewed do not list iOS or iPadOS. Treat Apple-device support as unconfirmed unless 8BitDo provides separate confirmation for your device and operating-system version.
What should I do if Windows 11 lighting controls fail?
In Ultimate Software V2, set the lighting mode to 8BitDo RGB and turn off Windows Dynamic Lighting options. This is a documented troubleshooting suggestion, not a guarantee for every lighting issue.
What does a factory reset erase?
Holding Pair, Fast key mapping, and Profile for five seconds clears profiles, Bluetooth pairing, key mappings, and swapped keys. Save or record configurations first.
Can I install replacement switches and keycaps?
8BitDo says third-party 3-pin and 5-pin switches and third-party OEM keycaps are supported. Verify pin count, dimensions, keyboard layout, and key sizes before buying.
Are the four 3.5 mm ports headphone jacks?
No. They are interfaces for 8BitDo keyboard extensions such as Super Buttons and are not intended for headphones or microphones.
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The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard – Xbox Edition is a Windows-and-Android keyboard with USB, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth connectivity. It is not compatible with Xbox consoles, its Xbox key opens Windows Game Bar, and iPhone or iPad support is not established in the listed documentation.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
