2025 is the 12 months I found I like charging docks, and it's all due to one surprisingly moderately priced gaming mouse
Okay, I will admit it. I’ve all the time preferred the concept of a charging dock conceptually, however I’ve by no means fairly dedicated to getting a little bit of gaming gear with one for a selected cause: I am a bit lazy. I used to be apprehensive I might pay a premium for a little bit of {hardware}, after which overlook to cost it, so find yourself leaving it plugged in anyway, thus eradicating the entire level of getting it within the first place.
See, the Retro R8 I reviewed earlier this 12 months is available in an NES-style theming, with a smattering of whites, greys, reds, and blacks. It appears unimaginable subsequent to my 8BitDo Retro keyboard. The stand itself plugs into the PC by way of a USB Kind-C cable, and you’ll pop a dongle from the underside of the mouse into the stand. This implies, with only a single cable, it could possibly each cost the mouse and work as a wi-fi receiver.
That is all comparatively commonplace fare for a charging stand, however what makes this one stand out is simply how splendidly it suits the aesthetic. It isn’t simply the mouse that’s splattered in a retro look, but in addition the stand, which even has an NES-themed emblem on the within, so it appears good with or with out the mouse on it.
However finally, it is that aesthetic that retains me placing the mouse on cost on daily basis. It simply would not look full when the 2 aren’t paired collectively, and I see no higher strategy to power habits to stay than to anthropomorphise my gaming {hardware}. Do not decide me, I do know you do it too.
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As somebody who loves a clear desk however by no means fairly commits sufficient time to maintenance, swapping to a charging stand has freed up my gaming rig from any wire ominously hanging over the aspect of my desk.
That is not the one cause the R8 is my favorite little bit of tech this 12 months. When plugged in, it could possibly go all the way in which as much as an 8,000 Hz polling price, it has a max sensitivity of 26,000 DPI, and a max velocity of 650 IPS. You additionally get 100 hours of battery life in Bluetooth mode and between 26 to 105 hours in 2.4 GHz mode. Within the 4 or so months I’ve had my grubby mitts on this mouse, it has run dry simply as soon as. It’s a little heavy at 77 g, however that is not one thing that has ever actually bothered me right here.
The factor I used to be astounded by is that you’re getting an awesome look, strong stand, and actually respectable specs for barely above price range costs. As I mentioned in my overview, “Slightly than paying a retro tax, with the R8, I really feel like I am getting a retro low cost.”
One other factor I fairly like concerning the R8 is how bizarre it’s. The aspect buttons are totally sunk into the mouse. I can solely describe this as an utter dedication to the bit, and one I noticed within the indented keys of the 8BitDo Retro keyboard. On one hand, this makes the mouse inherently a tad area of interest. Alternatively, it ensures it is the one mouse prefer it I’ve used all 12 months. And I believe that is a part of what made it my day by day driver.
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I’ve mice which can be higher specced on paper; ones which can be designed for extra aggressive gamers. However I am not essentially in search of that. With my mouse, I need a comfy really feel, robust appears, and one thing that can stand out a little bit.
In a way, me discovering my love of charging stands in 2025 was additionally me discovering my love of 8BitDo. It appears I am not the one one on the group who likes 8BitDo, as Jess’ favorite little bit of tech from 2025 was additionally an 8BitDo controller. I reviewed the 8BitDo Professional 3 shortly after the R8, and (although its lack of TMR sticks and low polling price solely fetched a 76% from me) it immediately turned my go-to controller day-to-day. That is as a result of it is helpful, appears nice, and units up in seconds.
I am unable to see myself ever wanting a charging stand for a keyboard, however Andy’s love of the Fractal Scape could have offered me on a headset with a charging stand, too. So, 2025 is the 12 months I fell in love with charging stands, and 2026 is the 12 months I will absolutely decide to it.
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