8BitDo’s FlipPad turns your phone into a pocket Game Boy

At CES 2026, both 8BitDo and GameSir unveiled compact gamepads designed to transform smartphones into Game Boy-style handhelds. While GameSir’s Pocket Taco hit the market months ago, the extended wait for 8BitDo’s FlipPad has proven worthwhile. Though the Pocket Taco may suit certain players and devices better, the FlipPad stands out as a thinner, lighter, cheaper, and smaller option that’s simpler to keep handy for casual phone gaming, eliminating the need to rely on an emulator’s touchscreen controls.

As one of 8BitDo’s most compact gamepads yet, the FlipPad forgoes Bluetooth in favor of a direct USB-C connection to your smartphone. This design choice removes the need for a rechargeable battery, allowing the FlipPad to remain thin enough to stay attached to your phone while sliding into a pocket. The result is a significant upgrade over the clunky experience of using an emulator’s on-screen buttons.

The underside of the FlipPad features a thin rubbery layer that prevents scratches on your phone’s screen while adding grip and stability. However, since the gamepad is only secured via its USB-C connector, it can wiggle about a quarter of an inch during gameplay. The connector itself is not adjustable or extendable, and while it worked fine with OnePlus and Google Pixel phones in thin silicone cases, it failed to connect to my iPhone 16 Pro when inside a thicker folio-style case from Nomad. A hinged design lets you flip the controls down for full access to your phone’s touchscreen without disconnecting the gamepad.

I appreciate not having to charge the FlipPad or navigate Bluetooth settings when switching between phones. The hinged USB-C connector means you can unlock your device or jump between apps without removing the controller. True to 8BitDo’s reputation for excellent hardware, the FlipPad feels premium, with etched button labels on most keys. Yet, while 8BitDo confirmed the D-pad and ABXY buttons use silicone membranes, they are stiffer and clickier than those on other 8BitDo controllers. The buttons remain responsive but offer less travel,a difference that’s not necessarily bad, just distinct.

What might divide gamers is the placement of the FlipPad’s two pairs of shoulder buttons. Instead of sitting on the top edge, they line up along the front as a single row of four round buttons. This seems like a compromise to keep the gamepad thin, but it feels awkward. Using your index fingers for these buttons while your thumbs manage the rest is unnatural.

The FlipPad is limited to smartphone games played vertically, and you may need to adjust on-screen positioning to avoid obstruction. I tested it with Game Boy, GBA, Super Nintendo, and Sega Genesis titles using Delta and RetroArch emulators on my iPhone. Delta centers games vertically when a controller is connected, but they get partially obscured by the FlipPad. Enabling touch controls and selecting a skin that moves the game higher on the screen solves this easily.

Available for preorder now through 8BitDo’s online store and Amazon, the FlipPad is expected to ship on July 30th. It costs $29.99 and comes in all-black or a version inspired by the original Game Boy’s color scheme.

At a price slightly lower than the $34.99 Pocket Taco, the FlipPad might seem the obvious choice, but the Pocket Taco excels in several areas. I prefer the FlipPad’s slim design, but I’m a casual gamer focused on classic Game Boy titles. Others may favor the Pocket Taco’s larger, softer D-pad and buttons, or its shoulder buttons positioned on the back of the phone for easier index finger access. The Pocket Taco’s clamping mechanism feels more secure, accommodates thicker cases, and its rechargeable battery won’t drain your phone. It also works as a standalone wireless controller for devices like the Switch. For just $5 more, the Pocket Taco still makes a compelling argument.