With smartphones capable of running console classics, accessory makers are racing to offer more tactile control options. At CES 2026, 8BitDo unveiled its FlipPad, a clamshell-style controller that plugs into the USB‑C port of a compatible phone and folds open to reveal a proper D‑pad, four face buttons and six secondary buttons. Noticeably absent are analogue sticks; the FlipPad is aimed squarely at retro titles and 2D platformers rather than modern shooters. When closed, it protects its own buttons and the phone screen, and its compact form makes it easy to toss in a bag.

8BitDo hasn’t announced pricing yet, but the company says the FlipPad will hit the market in summer 2026. The controller has a built‑in battery but draws minimal power from the host phone and supports 8BitDo’s app for button mapping. Colour options and final specs will be detailed closer to launch. For now, the FlipPad stands out by embracing retro simplicity in a space crowded with thumbstick-laden controllers.

See our coverage of the Pro 2 Bluetooth controller for a look at 8BitDo’s other designs, and keep an eye on 8BitDo’s website for official FlipPad launch information.

As mobile gaming continues to mature, accessories like this promise to turn your smartphone into a pocket‑sized retro console.