detachable protective case ‘gamebaby’ turns iPhone 15 and 16 pro max into a retro console

Iphone 15 and 16 pro max becomes a retro console with gamebaby

Bitmo Lab brings back the retro days of handheld consoles with its reversible and detachable protective case, GameBaby. Just in time for the release of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the detachable casing both protects the device and transforms it into a controller for smartphone games. It’s ideal for both the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro Max, and so far, these are the only models the case caters to.

There are no announcements yet on whether Bitmo Lab plans to expand the case to other models. GameBaby has two parts: the upper part is immobile, while the lower half contains the physical buttons. Users simply pull the lower part, flip it, position it where the charging port is, and plug it into the front of the iPhone 15 or 16 to start using it.

all images courtesy of Bitmo Lab, with video stills via Instagram

detachable protective case reminiscent of 16-bit controllers

iPhones seem to be a favorite device for case designers. In the past, Clicks’ keyboard for iPhone brought back tactile typing à la BlackBerry. Now, it’s GameBaby’s turn. The reversible and detachable protective case features a D-pad controller with two buttons and two bumpers. Bitmo Lab says it’s reminiscent of the classic 16-bit controllers from the early 1990s. ‘Once you’re done gaming, you can easily return it to its original form, safeguarding your phone from external hazards and occasional scratches,’ says the lab’s team.

GameBaby is also on pre-sale. The first 1,000 customers can purchase it at an early bird price of 19.99 USD. After the pre-sale units are sold, another wave of pilot units will be available at 24.99 USD. Once these are gone, the retail and online store price will be 39.99 USD. Customers can get their own GameBaby protective case for their iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models, including Pro and Pro Max. The lab says delivery begins around November 2024.

Bitmo Lab brings back the retro consoles with its detachable protective case, GameBaby

Lower part that users can pull out and flip

Yellow may be a catchy color and a fitting one for something as playful as the GameBaby protective case. The buttons aren’t too protruding, just enough for users to feel a tactile sense while playing smartphone games. When users pull out the lower part to use the controller, the rear of their iPhone 15 or 16 Pro Max is temporarily exposed. There’s no other layer, at least in the pilot design of the case. Bitmo Lab has yet to share the materials they’ve used for the buttons and frame of the case.

By the looks of it, the surface appears soft and plush, similar to silicone. It may make sense since the buttons touch the screen, so a hard or shelled material may be damaging. The rubbery feel can also add a premium touch and complement the soft-looking design. The buttons are complete with a select and start button below, as well as a ‘switch’ button on the right side. The Bitmo Lab team reminds users that games aren’t included in the purchase. ‘You must own the games you play, as Bitmo Lab does not support piracy,’ they say.

the detachable case protects the device and transforms it into a controller for smartphone games