- 8BitDo has announced the mobile FlipPad controller
- It’s designed with retro gaming on your phone in mind
- It will be compatible with iPhone and Android devices and will launch this year
Controller manufacturer 8BitDo has just announced a brand new gamepad that is tailored for your smartphone.
Known as the 8BitDo FlipPad, it was revealed by the brand on its official X / Twitter account via a short teaser video.
Compatible with iPhone and Android smartphones, the FlipPad is inserted into your phone’s USB-C port. You can then move its pivot to magnetically attach the controller to the bottom of your device’s screen.
8BitDo says the FlipPad will launch in “Summer 2026” — so likely somewhere between the months of June and September — and will be shown for the first time at CES 2026, which takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 6 – 9.
Where mobile gaming unfolds. Introducing the 8BitDo FlipPad – a flip-style gamepad designed for mobile gaming. Compatible with iOS and Android devices. Officially supported by Apple.Coming Summer 2026.Experience it first at @CES 2026.LVCC Central Hall · Booth #15641#FlipPad… pic.twitter.com/snddY5OaMx4 January 2026
The FlipPad appears to be a fairly simple controller, offering a d-pad, four primary face buttons, home and select buttons, as well as six auxiliary buttons, which will likely be for screenshots, quick menu access, or customizable secondary inputs.
The lack of thumbsticks of any kind positions the FlipPad as a retro-centric controller. As such, you’ll probably want emulation apps like Delta to get the most out of it.
There’s no word on pricing yet, but some of the brand’s best gamepads, like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, are trending at an affordable mid-range price. It seems reasonable to expect something similar for the FlipPad, although we’ll have to wait and see there.
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