Your iPhone is about to be turned into a flip phone for a great reason – to play retro games

Controller manufacturer 8BitDo teases the FlipPad, which will also attach to Android devices

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8BitDo FlipPad controller on an iPhone
(Image credit: 8BitDo)
Quick Summary

8BitDo has teased a flip-style accessory for iPhone and Android handsets that adds retro gamepad controls.

It connects via USB-C, but we're still waiting to hear more about its full featureset.

This year's CES hasn't even kicked off fully yet, but there have already been some tantalising product teases. And as well as the big TV announcements and smart home gadgetry, there's something for gamers and retro gaming fans this year.

As well as a so-far unnamed pro controller, the brand has revealed a mobile gaming accessory that turns an iPhone or Android handset into a Game Boy style retro console. And unlike others on the market, it does so with an interesting flip-style form factor.

We don't know a hell of a lot about it at present, but 8BitDo has posted a teaser video for the FlipPad on its X feed, stating that it is officially approved my Apple.

It will officially launch the add-on at the show itself, but has also revealed that it's planned for a summer 2026 release.

What we can gather from the clip is that it'll attach via USB-C, so will be a powered device and control codes will be transmitted rather than use the capacitive touchscreen of the phone (like some recent rivals).

8BitDo FlipPad controller on an iPhone

(Image credit: 8BitDo)

The retro colour scheme is very Game Boy-esque and it's also obviously best suited for emulation thanks to only sporting a D-pad – there are no thumbsticks, so anything above the PSOne will be difficult to control. Plus, as it takes up the lower half of your screen, games will run best in 4:3, 10:9 and 3:2 aspect ratios, I'd imagine.

I'm also not sure why the underside of the FlipPad looks like a screen itself, rather than a soft pad to avoid damaging your phone's display. Maybe there's an extra trick up its sleeve?

We'll find out for sure when CES 2026 kicks off fully on Tuesday 6 January. Make sure you check back with T3 often.

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Rik Henderson
Rik Henderson
News Editor

Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.

Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.

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