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# Franchise-Themed Gaming Gear
8BitDo Brings Gears Of War: E-Day Styling To PC Gaming Gear

By Ellen Smith | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-09-30 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battle-worn-gaming-peripherals
References: [9to5toys](https://9to5toys.com/2026/09/30/gears-of-war-e-day-gets-a-battle-worn-8bitdo-keyboard-mouse)

![Franchise-Themed Gaming Gear](https://cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/638/battle-worn-gaming-peripherals.jpeg)

8BitDo is expanding its Gears of War: E-Day collaboration beyond controllers with a [matching mechanical keyboard and gaming mouse](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kbd-h75). The Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard and Retro R8 Mouse share the battered black-and-crimson styling of the Xbox controller, giving PC players a way to carry the game's visual identity across their desk setup. The keyboard is available to pre-order from Amazon for $119.99, while the mouse is currently sold out.

The Retro 87 uses [hot-swappable switches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-87-keyboard-clear-blue), allowing users to change the switches and adjust the feel of the keyboard over time. The Retro R8 is built around a PAW 3395 sensor, giving the mouse gaming-focused hardware alongside its licensed design.

Together, the two peripherals show how [game collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corsair-call-of-duty-warzone) can extend into everyday PC hardware rather than stopping at traditional collectibles. The combination of functional components and Gears of War branding gives fans a way to bring the franchise into a setup they use for regular gaming.

Image Credit: 8BitDo

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 9.9/10
- Popularity: 99% | Activity: 99% | Freshness: 99%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Franchise-themed Peripherals:** Licensed visual identities are moving into functional gaming hardware, creating opportunities for entertainment brands to become part of daily player setups rather than limited-edition collectibles.
- **Customizable Fan Hardware:** Hot-swappable switches and performance-grade sensors give branded accessories a longer lifecycle, blending fandom with personalization in ways that support repeat engagement and aftermarket upgrades.
- **Desk Setup Collectibility:** Coordinated keyboards, mice, and controllers are turning PC desks into immersive franchise displays, expanding collectible culture into practical products used during everyday gameplay.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Gaming Hardware:** Peripheral makers can differentiate crowded product lines by combining esports-level components with recognizable franchise aesthetics that appeal to both competitive users and dedicated fans.
- **Entertainment Licensing:** Game publishers and media owners are finding new value in extending IP beyond apparel and figurines into utility-driven products that keep franchises visible during routine digital activity.
- **E-commerce Retail:** Pre-orders and sellouts for branded peripherals highlight demand for scarcity-driven online drops, giving retailers a way to turn hardware launches into fan-focused shopping events.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Character-Themed Gaming Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/razer-x-sanrio.md)
- [Gaming Peripheral Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pokmon-espeon.md)
- [Textured Emergence Gamepads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-gears-of-war-eday-xbox.md)
- [Retro Game Console Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ticktype-dp104.md)
- [Branded Retro Gaming Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/commodore-77.md)
- [Franchise Gaming Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Franchise-gaming-peripherals.md)
- [Artistic Gaming Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asus-5.md)
- [Video Game-Inspired Computer Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halo-video-game-franchise.md)
- [Bold Themed Gaming Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/razer-x-pokmon.md)
