I'm hyped for 8Bitdo's mobile controller, but Gamesir has already Game Boy-ified my phone

As a proud parent to numerous retro handhelds, the last thing I need is a controller that'll turn my phone into a Game Boy. Yet, I'll be testing two gamepads set on transforming my doomscrolling device into a Pokémon machine this year, as 8Bitdo just announced a retro rival to a GameSir pad that's already on my desk.

Set to arrive this Summer, 8Bitdo's new "FlipPad" is available to try out at CES 2026. It's effectively a hinged USB-C mobile controller that blends the look of the OG Game Boy with a GBA SP layout, adding physical controls to your emulator of choice. Normally, I'd be pretty excited for a gadget like this, but the fact that GameSir's similar "Pocket Taco" pad is already available dampens the annoucement.

It is worth noting that physical Game Boy buttons for your gaming phone aren't a remotely new concept. Back in 2027, Hyperkin released the Smart Boy, an attachment that actually added a cartridge slot and inputs, but its unwieldy, chonky design and finicky ROM dumping kept it from becoming a must-try accessory.

Fast forward to 2026, and both 8Bitdo and GameSir have an opportunity to make physical Game Boy phone buttons a proper thing. For what it's worth, both controller makers are taking slightly different approaches, particularly when it comes to connectivity. For starters, the FlipPad connects to the bottom of your phone via USB-C, whereas the Pocket Taco uses Bluetooth.

Rather upsettingly, this means if you use the Asus ROG Phone 9, our current best gaming phone pick, then you'll have a hard time using the FlipPad due to the device's offset USB-C port. Whether 8Bitdo will perhaps include an adapter to accommodate weirdo handheld designs is unclear, but it is an automatic reason to go for the Pocket Taco instead. It is compatible with both Android and iOS, though, so you won't have any phone allegiance woes to deal with.

Details are admittedly a bit light on the 8Bitdo FlipPad right now, and while I suspect it doesn't boast a built-in battery or Bluetooth for wireless play, I'm still waiting on full specs and a price. For what it's worth, using a direct connection means you won't have to deal with potential Bluetooth input latency, but I suspect that won't be a huge issue for casual players just looking for a Pokémon fix.

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What I will say is that the thinner, hinge-based design of the FlipPad will likely feel sleeker attached to your phone than the Pocket Taco. As the name suggests, your phone essentially acts like a filling, sandwiched between the face and the rear. All the junk is in the trunk, like the battery, USB charging, and additional shoulder buttons, and the extra bulk does make it easier to hold when using it with other consoles (looking at you, docked Analogue Pocket).

While Gamesir has sort of beaten 8Bitdo to the chase with its Game Boy controller, I do think both will serve specific purposes. I'll be comparing both side by side to see if they feel just as nice as Ninty's original handheld, and the former will have a price fight on its hands if it doesn't come with wireless support. I'm also testing the Pocket Taco as we speak, so I'll be sharing a full rundown of the already available gamepad ASAP.

• More retro controllers at Amazon
• More retro handhelds at Amazon

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