The 8Bitdo FlipPad isn't my absolute favorite way to play Game Boy games, but it could win me over this time next week

Off the back of my full 8Bitdo FlipPad review, I've been weighing up whether a discount could help it thrive. It's already one of the best retro controllers for Game Boy games on your phone in my eyes, but with Prime Day sneaking up fast, it could end up at a no-brainer price, especially if you're not into buying a standalone handheld in 2026.

There's room to argue that the 8Bitdo FlipPad is already pretty good value at $29.99, as it's $5 cheaper than its main rival, the GameSir Pocket Taco. That latter, chunkier controller usually goes for $34.99 on an ordinary day, although it does pack Bluetooth connectivity and shoulder buttons into its bulkier shell.

The short of it is that the 8Bitdo FlipPad is a sleeker, less obtrusive set of buttons for your phone for quick, casual sessions. Its excellent hinge mechanism lets your modern-day doomscroller almost cosplay as a 2000s flip phone, all while letting you flick the panel out of the way for when you actually have to do things on your phone. It also hooks up directly via USB-C, so you'll never need to worry about battery life or power issues getting in the way of your Pokemon sessions.

In contrast, the Pocket Taco turns your phone into its namesake, clamping onto your device at the bottom. Again, it's Bluetooth, so it will actually work with your Switch or even a docked Analogue Pocket should you prefer your Game Boy games on a bigger screen, but it's main goal is to give you something that feels like Ninty's brick to grip onto on your travels.

Both mobile controllers serve pretty similar roles, and both take opposite approaches in doing so. The Pocket Taco is for those of you who want a fully fledged Game Boy controller that doesn't rely on your phone and will be suited to all games across the Game Boy's expansive library, including GBA games that rely on shoulder buttons. On the flip side, the FlipPad feels more geared towards players with a very standard phone setup, as it'll fit best to a handset with iPhone dimensions and a case that's 2mm in thickness.

The Pocket Taco is for those of you who want a fully fledged Game Boy controller that doesn't rely on your phone and will be suited to all games across the Game Boy's expansive library, including GBA games that rely on shoulder buttons. On the flip side, the FlipPad feels more geared towards players with a very standard phone setup, as it'll fit best to a handset with iPhone dimensions and a case that's 2mm in thickness.

I would crown the FlipPad as the better-feeling controller thanks to its clicky dome buttons and solid feel. The Pocket Taco comparatively feels a bit cheaper, but it does mimic the plastics of an OG Game Boy in a more authentic way while packing more features than just plain USB-C connectivity.

Ultimately, I'd keep an eye out for both during Prime Day on October 6 and 7 (don't you dare say it), but I have a funny feeling 8Bitdo will include the FlipPad in its usual wave of nifty discounts, and failing that, Black Friday retro deals are set to arrive in November as a backup.

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