![Two keyboards in a sea of retro tech and Nintendo paraphernalia.](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/92i5-QB88pWu9W_mI5p6cKN9Csw=/0x1:2560x1708/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73485499/7_8BitDo_Retro_Mechanical_Keyboard_Fami_N_Edition.0.jpg?w=720&ssl=1)
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.
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.
Source: The Verge 8BitDo’s first mechanical keyboard is down to its best price to date