A new controller from 8BitDo has been announced for smartphones, and this add-on will make your phone resemble a next-gen Game Boy. At CES 2026, 8BitDo showed off the FlipPad, a gamepad that connects to a smartphone via its USB-C port. Details on the FlipPad are scarce for now, but 8BitDo says it will support both iOS and Android devices.
Where mobile play unfolds.
Introducing 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/snddY5OaMx— 8BitDo (@8BitDo) January 4, 2026
A closer look at the FlipPad reveals a few Nintendo-inspired design choices. The controller has a classic D-pad on the left and 12 face buttons, including the traditional four-button layout found on modern controllers. This could make the FlipPad ideal for retro-inspired games and emulators, and 8BitDo says it’ll reveal more details ahead of its Summer 2026 release.
This isn’t the company’s first dive into smartphone controllers; it currently sells the Xbox-licensed 8BitDdo Ultimate Mobile controller for Android and iOS. Similar to its Ultimate controllers for PC and console, these smartphone controller cradles are officially licensed and offer an impressive amount of features for their budget-friendly price.
These have Hall Effect sticks, face buttons, a retro-style D-pad, and contoured tactile handles. As you’d expect, you can also customize them through 8BitDo’s software, and they fit smartphones measuring 100-170mm (3.93-6.69in) in length. You can grab the white Xbox model for $46 or the black version for its standard price of $50.
It can connect wirelessly to your device via Bluetooth, so you can also use it with Android tablets, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and even the Apple Vision Pro. As for battery life, 8BitDo claims the 300 mAh battery can deliver up to 13 hours on a full charge.
