8BitDo isn’t done yet. Just weeks after dropping its colorful Funtastic Editions of the 8BitDo 64, the company has stealth-launched a new twist on its arcade controller: the Transparent Purple Signature Edition. It’s live on Amazon right now but most people won’t be able to get their hands on it, at least not easily.
8BitDo Transparent Purple Signature Edition adds style, not specs
The new 8BitDo Transparent Purple controller doesn’t reinvent the core arcade unit it restyles it. Under the hood, it keeps all the major features from the earlier Arcade Controller, including:
- 16 Kailh linear low-profile mechanical switches
- Hot-swappable PCB
- Programmable buttons: P1 through P4
- Tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired
- Cross-platform support, including Nintendo Switch and PC
The Signature Edition swaps in Purple Glede switches, translucent purple buttons, and a translucent purple body. A black tempered glass faceplate gives it contrast, while a matching 2.4 GHz dongle completes the package.
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Availability for the Transparent Purple controller is limited
Here’s the catch: while the Transparent Purple Signature Edition is already listed on Amazon for $94.99, it isn’t available globally. 8BitDo hasn’t launched it on its own storefront, and so far, it’s not showing up in other major markets either. Shipping begins January 31, 2026, but only for Amazon buyers in select regions.
That price also reflects a slight markup $5 more than the original Arcade Controller’s MSRP. Meanwhile, budget-conscious buyers might hesitate, as retailers are offering older versions like the N Edition and Xbox Editions well below MSRP.
Signature Edition targets collectors, not just players
At nearly $100, the 8BitDo Transparent Purple controller is clearly aimed at fans who want something bolder on their desk or arcade setup. While the specs stay the same, the build and color choices tap into that nostalgic, semi-transparent ’90s hardware aesthetic something 8BitDo knows how to exploit well.
Still, with no international release window and no direct sales from 8BitDo yet, only a portion of fans will get a shot at it next month.
8BitDo ends 2025 with a collector’s twist
It’s a quiet but deliberate move: launching a visually striking controller with a classic flavor and locking it to one channel for now. The Transparent Purple Signature Edition may not be a must-buy for everyone, but it lands as a fitting nod to retro lovers watching the calendar inch toward 2026.
