8BitDo announced the FlipPad, a USB-C gaming controller that connects to the USB-C port of iPhones (and Android phones). The controller has a control pad and face buttons (ABXY), as well as buttons that would typically serve as shoulder buttons on a typical handheld controller.
The FlipPad has a unique design reminiscent of Nintendo's Game Boy. It's very small and compact and seems designed for long-term use as the flip feature allows you to use the phone's entire screen when not in use. However, the design also forces you to play games in portrait mode, unlike most other iPhone gamepads.
While you're gaming, the FlipPad covers the bottom of your iPhone's display, causing content to move to the top of the display, taking up a much smaller area than if you were holding the phone in landscape mode. It's unclear whether games will automatically change or whether developers will need to specifically support the accessory. We also don't know if the USB-C connector has enough clearance to work with an iPhone in a case, although 8BitDo claims it's “officially supported by Apple.”
8BitDo is showing off the FlipPad at the Consumer Electronics Show currently taking place in Las Vegas. The company is located in booth 15641 in Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. FlipPad will be available this summer.
