For vertical players: New gamepad for the iPhone
Gaming specialist 8Bitdo has shown a new compact controller for iOS devices that can be mounted on the bottom edge of the device.
FlipPad by 8Bitdo, shown here as a vertical video screenshot.
(Image: 8Bitdo)
Usually, you turn your iPhone horizontally when you want to game – action-packed games are played in landscape mode, unlike the ubiquitous „Vertical Videos“ on Instagram, TikTok & Co. But there is an exception: Retro titles in 4:3 are actually suitable for playback in portrait mode. The controller and gaming accessory specialist 8Bitdo now sees it that way too: The company is now releasing its own gamepad for smartphones to match.
Clamshell Controller
The 8BitDo FlipPad currently has no dedicated website yet, but it has already been announced with a video on X. Colored in a Gameboy look (grey with a black D-pad and cherry red buttons), the device is attached to the bottom edge of an iPhone – and certain compatible Android devices. The FlipPad is foldable: thanks to the integrated USB-C connector, it is connected directly to the phone and then folded over.
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It then covers part of the screen, but this is not a problem for retro titles, as they only occupy the upper part of the screen in portrait mode. According to 8Bitdo, they have "official support from Apple," and the device likely has "Made for iPhone" certification.
Many freely assignable buttons
The use of USB-C is helpful as it avoids latency. The "flip-style gamepad designed for mobile gaming" comes with plenty of buttons. In addition to the D-pad and ABXY buttons, as well as Start and Select, there are a total of six additional buttons that can be freely assigned. How this will be handled in terms of software is still unclear. 8Bitdo has also not yet announced a price, and delivery is not expected until summer.
There are already several compatible games/emulators that support the FlipPad's format. Apple has – after considerable annoyance for developers – relaxed its guidelines in the meantime, and in the EU, alternative distribution channels like the AltStore are available. 8Bitdo is currently showcasing the FlipPad at CES in Las Vegas. This ends today, Friday.
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