8BitDo Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition review

With summer here, chances are you’re going to be spending more time outdoors. Maybe you’ll be going to a nearby park to enjoy a picnic, or perhaps you’ll be going on holiday and doing a lot of relaxing on a balcony? In either case, if you’re into music the 8BitDo Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N edition will serve you well. Though truth be told, it’s handy around the house as well.

Just a little bit larger than your regular Rubik’s Cube, the Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition proves that good things do indeed come in small packages. This portable stereo speaker packs a lot of punch considering its size, with its two 5W drivers delivering a solid audio experience that’s much better than simply listening via your phone or other handheld device such as a Switch. There’s plenty of range, and chances are you’ll notice little touches that would otherwise get lost in the mix.

It’s very easy to use, too. There are three possible ways to connect the 8BitDo Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition to a device; wired via USB-C is perhaps the easiest, but most will want to connect to it wirelessly. When it comes to the latter, connecting via Bluetooth is a cinch – just pair your devices and away you go.

2.4g wireless is also an option, though, with a small dongle included to facilitate it. This fits wonderfully into the base included with the speaker when not in use, and it’s likely to stay there as connecting via 2.4g wireless isn’t explained well at all in the instructions.

You will likely use the base, though, as when plugged in via USB-C it serves as a wireless charging dock for the cube-shaped speaker. Thanks to its 2000mAh Li-ion battery, you can expect to get around 30 hours of use out of the Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition between charges, which is plenty. And when you’re not using it, just sit it on the dock and it will top it up for you. Run it dead, and it will take between 3-5 hours to recharge.

And have I mentioned just how cute the 8BitDo Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition is yet? If you’re a gamer you’ll definitely get a kick out of its retro stylings, obviously inspired by Nintendo. This mostly understated grey cube is brought to life by four crimson red speaker covers – one on each side – as well as black top complete with what looks like a giant d-pad. Each direction has its own function, from increasing or lowering the volume, to turning the device on or off. At the centre there’s a button which switches between two audio modes, too: music or gaming.

With a retail price of just £39.99/$44.99, it’s hard to not be impressed by the 8BitDo Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition. It obviously doesn’t have the best sound quality, which is understandable given its modest price and small size. But if you’re after a speaker that you can easily carry anywhere and that gives you a solid listening experience and a fair amount of volume, you won’t be disappointed. And the fact that its appearance is reminiscent of a certain classic home console will make it a hit with gamers of a certain age.

Thanks to 8BitDo for providing us with a review unit to facilitate this coverage.