8BitDo will show off its FlipPad mobile controller at CES 2026, and it

(Image credit: 8BitDo)

8BitDo announced the FlipPad mobile controller
It’s designed for retro gaming on your phone
It will be compatible with iPhone and Android devices and will launch this year

Controller maker 8BitDo has just announced a brand new game controller tailor-made for your smartphone.

Known as the 8BitDo FlipPad, it was unveiled by the brand on its official X/Twitter account via a short teaser video.

Compatible with iPhone and Android smartphones, the FlipPad fits into your phone’s USB-C port. You can then move its pivot to magnetically attach the controller to the bottom of your device’s screen.

8BitDo says the FlipPad will launch in “summer 2026” – so likely between June and September – and will be on display for the first time at CES 2026, which will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 6-9.

Where mobile gaming happens.Introducing the 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 for the first time at @CES 2026. LVCC Central Hall · Booth #15641 #FlipPad… pic.twitter.com/snddY5OaMx January 4, 2026

The FlipPad appears to be a fairly simple controller, comprising a directional pad, four main buttons, start and select buttons, and six auxiliary buttons, which will likely be for screenshots, quick menu access, or remappable secondary inputs.

The lack of controllers of any kind positions the FlipPad as a retro-centric controller. As such, you’ll probably want emulator apps like Delta to make the most of it.

There’s no word on pricing yet, but some of the brand’s best gamepads, like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, tend toward affordable mid-range pricing. It seems reasonable to expect something similar for the FlipPad, although we’ll have to wait and see there.

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Rhys is TRG’s Hardware Editor and has been part of the TechRadar team for over four years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, Rhys strives to provide informative, easy-to-read coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. When it comes to the games themselves, Rhys is particularly interested in fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.

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