8BitDo’s FlipPad is the most pocketable way to turn your phone into a Game Boy

I like not having to charge the FlipPad or dig into Bluetooth settings to re-pair it when moving the gamepad between multiple phones, and its USB-C connector is hinged so when connected to your device the controls can be flipped out of the way, giving you complete access to your smartphone’s touchscreen. You don’t need to disconnect the FlipPad to unlock your device or jump between apps.

8BitDo has long been known for its excellent hardware, and the FlipPad looks and feels as premium as its most expensive console controllers, with button labels etched onto most of the buttons themselves. However, while 8BitDo confirmed that the FlipPad’s D-pad and ABXY buttons use silicone membranes, they’re stiffer and have more of a clicky feel than you’ll get with the company’s other controllers.

The buttons still feel very responsive but have much less travel. It’s not necessarily bad, just different. What could prove more divisive to gamers is the FlipPad’s two pairs of shoulder buttons that aren’t located on its top edge. You’ll instead find them lined up along the top of the front of the gamepad as a single row of four round buttons. It feels like a workaround to help keep the gamepad thin, but not a good one. Using your index fingers to press the FlipPad’s shoulder buttons while your thumbs handle the rest feels awkward and unnatural.

You’ll also want to be mindful of the controller’s limitations. You can only use it with games you play vertically and that won’t be blocked while the controls cover nearly half of your phone’s screen. I tested 8BitDo’s FlipPad with Game Boy, GBA, Super Nintendo, and Sega Genesis games using the Delta and RetroArch emulators on my iPhone. Delta centers games vertically when you’re using a controller and they get partially obscured by the FlipPad, but it’s easily fixed by turning on touch controls and using a skin that positions the game closer to the top of the screen.

Preorders for the FlipPad are now available through 8BitDo’s online store and Amazon, and the gamepad is expected to release on July 30th. It’s available for $29.99 in black or a version inspired by the original Game Boy’s colors.

With a price that’s slightly cheaper than the $34.99 Pocket Taco , the FlipPad may seem like the obvious better option, but there are a few things the Pocket Taco does better. While I prefer the FlipPad’s slim design, I’m also more of a casual gamer who doesn’t chase high scores and sticks to classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles. Others may prefer the larger D-pad and buttons on the Pocket Taco, which have more of a soft and squishy feel, or its shoulder buttons, which are positioned on the back of your phone where your index fingers can more comfortably reach them.

8BitDo FlipPad

The Pocket Taco’s design makes it larger and heavier than the FlipPad, but its clamping mechanism feels more secure when attached to your phone, and it opens wide enough to accommodate devices inside a thick case. The Pocket Taco’s rechargeable battery also means it won’t drain your phone’s battery while you play, and it can function as a standalone wireless controller for a myriad of devices, including the Switch. As much as I like the FlipPad, for an extra $5 the Pocket Taco still makes a strong case for itself.