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

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

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.

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple Says CarPlay Ultra is Coming to These Vehicle Brands

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:53 am PDT by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. CarPlay Ultra...
Apple Event Logo

Apple to Release These 15 New Products Later This Year

Friday May 22, 2026 6:36 am PDT by
April and May have been relatively slow months for Apple this year, but there is a lot to look forward to heading into WWDC 2026 and beyond. Apple is expected to release at least 15 more products later this year, with some of them held up until the more personalized version of Siri launches. Beyond the usual annual updates to iPhones and Apple Watches in September, Apple's all-new smart...
imac video apple feature

Apple Released Two New Accessories This Month

Friday May 22, 2026 12:24 pm PDT by
May has been a quiet stretch in terms of new Apple products, but the company did release two accessories on its online store this month. First up was a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. U.S. pricing is set at $49. The band is part of Apple's 2026 Pride Collection, which also includes a new Pride...

Top Rated Comments

klasma Avatar
20 weeks 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)
20 weeks 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)
20 weeks 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
20 weeks 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
20 weeks 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
20 weeks 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)