Updated

Updated · The Verge · Jul 16

8BitDo Opens $30 FlipPad Preorders, Shipping July 30 as It Undercuts GameSir’s $35 Pocket Taco

Updated

Updated · The Verge · Jul 16

8BitDo Opens $30 FlipPad Preorders, Shipping July 30 as It Undercuts GameSir’s $35 Pocket Taco

Q: Has 8BitDo's quest for a pocket-sized controller created a fatal flaw for most phone case users?

Yes — for many users with thicker phone cases, the FlipPad’s compact design creates a real compatibility problem, though it is not a deal-breaker for everyone. The issue stems from the controller’s fixed, non-adjustable USB-C connector. That direct plug-in design helps keep the FlipPad thin, light and inexpensive at $29.99, but reviewers say it often struggles with phones in thicker, rugged or folio-style cases, especially when the case has a deep cutout around the USB-C port. In those situations, users may have to remove the case entirely to connect the controller. That means 8BitDo’s push for pocketability comes with a clear trade-off. Slim silicone cases appear more likely to work, and 8BitDo says the FlipPad supports most phone cases, but hands-on reports suggest that claim is more reliable for thin cases than for bulkier protective ones. One reviewer specifically found it worked with some Android phones in slim cases but not with an iPhone in a thicker folio case. For buyers, the practical takeaway is simple: check how recessed your phone’s USB-C port is before ordering. If you use a heavy-duty or wallet-style case, the FlipPad may be inconvenient or incompatible. If you use a thin case or no case, the design is much less likely to be a problem. So the flaw is significant, but not universal: it affects a large share of case users, especially those who prioritize protection over minimal bulk.

3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Jul 16

$29.99 FlipPad preorders are live through 8BitDo’s store and Amazon, with the USB-C smartphone gamepad scheduled to ship on July 30 in black and a Game Boy-inspired colorway.
USB-C connectivity lets the controller draw power directly from the phone, avoiding Bluetooth pairing and a built-in battery while staying thin enough to remain attached when pocketed.
8BitDo positions the FlipPad as a smaller, lighter and cheaper rival to GameSir’s $34.99 Pocket Taco, making it better suited to casual vertical retro gaming on phones.
The slim design brings trade-offs: the controller can wobble on the USB-C port, may not fit thicker cases, covers nearly half the screen, and uses awkward front-mounted shoulder buttons.
For buyers weighing the extra $5, GameSir’s Pocket Taco still offers a more secure clamp, more comfortable controls, broader case compatibility and a standalone wireless mode.