8Bitdo FlipPad: The Retro Controller That Could Steal Prime Day

Are you still on the fence about the 8Bitdo FlipPad? You're not alone. After spending time with it, our reviewer calls it one of the best retro controllers for Game Boy games on your phone—but with Prime Day sneaking up fast, the real question is whether a discount could make it irresistible.

At $29.99, the FlipPad is already $5 cheaper than its main rival, the GameSir Pocket Taco. That chunkier controller usually goes for $34.99 and packs Bluetooth and shoulder buttons into its bulkier shell. But if you're looking for a no-brainer price, waiting for the FlipPad to hit around $20 during Prime Day this October feels like the smart move. That's in line with 8Bitdo's typical sale discounts, and it puts the controller in small-gift territory ahead of the holidays.

So why consider the FlipPad? It's a sleeker, less obtrusive set of buttons for your phone—perfect for quick, casual sessions. Its excellent hinge mechanism lets your modern-day doomscroller almost cosplay as a 2000s flip phone, and you can flick the panel out of the way when you actually need to use your phone. It hooks up directly via USB-C, so you never have to worry about battery life or power issues interrupting your Pokémon sessions.

In contrast, the Pocket Taco clamps onto the bottom of your device and turns your phone into its namesake. It's Bluetooth, so it works with your Switch or even a docked Analogue Pocket if you prefer your Game Boy games on a bigger screen. But its main goal is to give you something that feels like Nintendo's brick to grip onto during travels.

Both controllers serve similar roles but take opposite approaches. The Pocket Taco is for those who want a fully fledged Game Boy controller that doesn't rely on your phone and suits all games across the expansive library—including GBA titles that need shoulder buttons. The FlipPad, on the other hand, feels more geared toward players with a very standard phone setup. It fits best with a handset with iPhone dimensions and a case that's 2mm thick.

In terms of feel, the FlipPad wins with its clicky dome buttons and solid build. The Pocket Taco comparatively feels a bit cheaper, though it does mimic the plastics of an OG Game Boy more authentically and packs more features than just plain USB-C connectivity.

Ultimately, keep an eye on both during Prime Day on October 6 and 7. But there's a funny feeling that 8Bitdo will include the FlipPad in its usual wave of nifty discounts. And if not, Black Friday retro deals in November are a solid backup. Will you be picking up the FlipPad if it drops to $20?