If you are a person who uses your phone a lot iPhone to playwhether it's a basic title like Candy Crush, or something more technical like Minecraft or even LOL, now you can do it much easier, thanks to the new controller that this company has designed.
It is true that it will not work for all games, and some, like those mentioned, run horizontally, so for these, there are already other options on the market. 8bitDo has opted for something different, designed for vertical games.
New vertical controller for iPhone
8BitDo, a well-known brand among those who play with controls and emulators, has shown a rather curious accessory for the mobile. It is not the typical controller that clips to the phone horizontally, but something designed to play with the iPhone vertically, just as you normally use it for social networks or messaging.
The invention is called FlipPad and, at first glance, it reminds us a little of those old mobile phones with a cover. It connects directly to the phone's USB-C port and sits just below the screen. The idea is simple: instead of touching the screen with your fingers, you use physical buttons while holding the phone vertically.
The controller includes a classic crosshead, A, B, X and Y buttons, plus Start and Select. It also has several additional keys whose exact use is not entirely clear yet, but which could serve for special functions or to adapt to different games. Everything is designed to make it comfortable to play without covering the screen with your fingers or depending on imprecise touch controls.
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
January 4, 2026 • 17:00
The interesting thing is that this format is not common. Most mobile controllers are designed for horizontal games, but many popular games continue to work vertically, especially more casual titles or titles designed for quick games. That's where the FlipPad may make sense, especially for those who play a lot on their phone and are looking for something more comfortable. In my case, console emulators like the Game Boy are usually vertical, due to the screen that these consoles had, so it is ideal if you are a classic gamer.
8BitDo has confirmed that the controller will be compatible with both iPhone and Android, and that in the case of Apple it will have official support, which should avoid rare compatibility problems, something that remains to be seen on Android. Even so, there are still many questions in the air, such as which games will best take advantage of this format or if it will end up being something really useful, or just a curious project.
For now there is no information on the price, but depending on the brand, we could see it in summer of this 2026that is, there would not be much left to reveal more information. Other controls are also expected, so we will be attentive to them.
In short, it is not an accessory for everyone, but it is a different idea. A controller designed to play vertically may seem strange at first, but for certain games and for those who spend many hours playing on their mobile, it can end up making a lot of sense.
