8BitDo Teases FlipPad Controller at CES 2026

Gaming peripheral maker 8BitDo unveiled a teaser for its new FlipPad controller at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 4, 2026, introducing a compact accessory designed to transform smartphones into retro-style gaming devices.

The FlipPad connects directly to the USB-C port on the bottom of compatible iPhone and Android phones, allowing users to flip the controller upward so it covers the lower portion of the screen. This setup positions the device's controls in a portrait orientation, mimicking the vertical layout of Nintendo's classic Game Boy handheld. The controller features a directional pad, four face buttons arranged in an A-B-X-Y configuration, Start and Select buttons, and additional customizable buttons positioned along the top and sides, which function similarly to shoulder buttons on traditional controllers. A silicone backing on the controller's surface protects the phone's display from scratches during use.

By attaching to the phone, the FlipPad pushes game content to the upper half of the screen, optimizing visibility for titles in portrait mode. This design caters particularly to retro gaming enthusiasts using emulators, as the absence of analog...