8bitDo Reveals Flip-Style iPhone Controller for Portrait Mode Gaming - MacRumors
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8bitDo Reveals Flip-Style iPhone Controller for Portrait Mode Gaming

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In time for CES 2026, gaming company 8BitDo is teasing a new controller designed for smartphone users who want to play games exclusively in portrait mode.

8bitdo flip controller iphone
The FlipPad connects to iOS and Android devices via the USB-C port, and snaps onto the bottom half of the screen via a hinge mechanism, reminiscent of a classic flip phone keyboard.

The controller features a black D-Pad, red ABXY buttons, Start and Select buttons, and six white buttons along the top and on the bottom corners that are likely to be custom-assignable.


8bitDo says the FlipPad is "officially supported by Apple" and will arrive in the summer, though the company has not yet revealed pricing information.

Last month, 8bitDo teased the unveiling of a new "Pro" controller at CES 2026, so we might also get more details about the FlipPad in the coming week as the tech event in Las Vegas gets underway.

Tag: CES 2026

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Top Rated Comments

klasma Avatar
klasma
9 months ago

What's the point of the flip? What are you supposed to do with it when it's "unflipped" ??
It allows normal iPhone use without having to unmount the accessory.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
macjaffa
9 months ago

What's the point of the flip? What are you supposed to do with it when it's "unflipped" ??
Access the part of the screen it covers? Isn’t that so obviously self evident that it is immediately apparent?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
SnowPenguin
9 months ago
I like this. It is like you add buttons to your phone. I imagine this would be useful not just for gaming, but in some apps. I may get one for myself, and will review it in my blog.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SmugMaverick Avatar
SmugMaverick
9 months ago
I use delta and a few games like Sonic and Turtles so if this is priced right I'd get it.

If they ask for $50+ then they're out of their minds, 25-30 IMO
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
turbineseaplane
9 months ago
I've learned that I don't like having controls attached to the screen, as it ends up shaking/moving the screen during gameplay.

I like to use Delta on an iPad with the fullsize OEM Nintendo Bluetooth SNES & N64 (or other) controllers.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
What_Is_George Avatar
What_Is_George
9 months ago

It'd make more sense if it folded all the way around to the back for normal phone use. It just sits there - open, so then you have to close it back up with the buttons on the screen for the entire time you have the phone in your pocket?

I don't know about that chief - something that just slides on and off would seem to make more sense.
Probably so you can switch games or answer a text real quick while playing a game.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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