Main {hardware} participant 8BitDo has introduced a model new gadget forward of this month’s CES showcase, which begins tomorrow, and in case you’ve ever needed to play video games in your cellphone vertically moderately than horizontally, the FlipPad is for you.
As noticed by the appropriately-named Retro Handhelds, the FlipPad was revealed by 8BitDo over on social media. The corporate describes the controller as “a flip-style gamepad designed for cellular gaming”, and it will be appropriate with each iOS and Android telephones.
8BitDo has earmarked the FlipPad for a summer time launch, however in case you’re fortunate sufficient to be attending CES 2026, then you’ll expertise the controller at 8BitDo’s sales space. Remember to put it by way of its paces if that is you!
As proven within the video clip accompanying the FlipPad’s design, the controller connects to the USB-C port of your cellphone and will be flipped upwards to cowl the underside a part of your display screen. You’ll be able to then swivel the FlipPad downwards when it is not in use.
Aesthetic-wise, as Retro Handhelds notes, the FlipPad bears greater than a passing resemblance to probably the most iconic shade schemes sported by the Nintendo Sport Boy, which I can not think about is an unintentional alternative.
After all, for the reason that FlipPad connects through your cellphone’s charging port, you will possible be capable of use it simply as you’d another common controller, though it is best to keep in mind that it would not function analog sticks, so that is very a lot a retro-focused gadget.
The FlipPad joins a cellular controller market that additionally consists of heavyweights just like the Spine Professional and choices from corporations like Gamevice, though it is truthful to say 8BitDo’s new providing is making an attempt to serve a unique area of interest than these venerable units.
Maybe of larger curiosity to 8BitDo on this case are handhelds like GameSir’s recently-announced Pocket 1, which I am positive the corporate will probably be keeping track of. Keep tuned for extra.
