Main {hardware} participant 8BitDo has introduced a model new system forward of this month’s CES showcase, which begins tomorrow, and if you happen to’ve ever needed to play video games in your telephone vertically slightly 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 cell gaming”, and it will be suitable with each iOS and Android telephones.
8BitDo has earmarked the FlipPad for a summer time launch, however if you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to be attending CES 2026, then you’ll expertise the controller at 8BitDo’s sales space. You should definitely 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 telephone and could be flipped upwards to cowl the underside a part of your display. You may then swivel the FlipPad downwards when it isn’t in use.
Aesthetic-wise, as Retro Handhelds notes, the FlipPad bears greater than a passing resemblance to one of the crucial iconic shade schemes sported by the Nintendo Sport Boy, which I can not think about is an unintended alternative.
In fact, for the reason that FlipPad connects by way of your telephone’s charging port, you may doubtless have the ability to use it simply as you’ll every other common controller, though it’s best to keep in mind that it does not characteristic analog sticks, so that is very a lot a retro-focused system.
The FlipPad joins a cell controller market that additionally consists of heavyweights just like the Spine Professional and choices from corporations like Gamevice, though it is honest to say 8BitDo’s new providing is attempting to serve a special area of interest than these venerable gadgets.
Maybe of better curiosity to 8BitDo on this case are handhelds like GameSir’s recently-announced Pocket 1, which I am certain the corporate can be keeping track of. Keep tuned for extra.
