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Yes, the 8Bitdo FlipPad can turn a Razer Edge into an improvised portrait-orientation Game Boy-style machine for vertical shooters—but only if your USB-C port and case line up. The result looks absurdly long, feels top-heavy, and is surprisingly effective for TATE games such as Truxton.
What the “Long Boi” setup actually is
The build is simple: plug the 8Bitdo FlipPad into the Razer Edge’s bottom USB-C port, rotate the Edge so its 20:9 screen is vertical, and launch a game that supports TATE (vertical display orientation). The FlipPad is a hinged, wired mobile controller. Its hinge lets the controls sit away from the display instead of covering the phone or handheld screen, which is the key to making this improvised arrangement possible.
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Viewed side-on, the Edge and FlipPad form an unusually elongated rectangle. An unnamed friend of Phil Hayton summed up the first impression perfectly: “Game Boy? Looks more like a Long Boi.” The joke is accurate, but it also points to the setup’s central trade-off: the extra height is awkward for ordinary horizontal games and useful for a particular class of arcade games.
This is a hands-on account and a personal judgment, not an independently verified performance test. The appeal is the geometry of the display and controls, not a claim that the combination is a universally comfortable replacement for a dedicated handheld.
#1 Best Overall
- Weighs 24.8 grams featuring 16 buttons. Ultra-portable and versatile.
- Made for 2D games
Why portrait mode works for vertical shooters
A tall image gives TATE games room to breathe
The Razer Edge used here has a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, a reported 2400 × 1080 resolution and 144 Hz capability. Those specifications are attributed to the feature’s description of the device. Rotating its 20:9 panel vertically produces a narrow, tall play area. In the author’s view, the active image looks like an approximately four-inch Game Boy-style window, and the author considers that window favorably comparable in size with an Analogue Pocket. That is a visual characterization, not a measured head-to-head display test.
Vertical shoot-’em-ups are designed around this shape. In a game such as Truxton, the playfield extends upward and downward rather than spreading across a wide landscape rectangle. A portrait Edge therefore uses its long dimension for the game’s scrolling space instead of wasting much of the panel on unused side margins. The setup makes the “wrong-way” orientation feel intentional: you see more of the vertical battlefield while keeping physical controls below the image.
What the extra length does not solve
The Edge does not become a purpose-built arcade cabinet simply because it is rotated. Android game support, emulator configuration and each game’s own orientation settings still determine whether TATE works correctly. Some titles may stretch, pillarbox or ignore the system orientation. The FlipPad provides input; it does not change a game’s aspect-ratio handling.
The large screen also extends well beyond the controller. The author estimates that roughly five inches of the Edge project above the FlipPad. Holding the combination by the buttons makes the weight distribution feel unbalanced, and the author compares the handling to flipping a pancake. That sensation matters more during long sessions than the novelty of the silhouette.
How to assemble the portrait setup
- Check the port first. The Edge needs a bottom-mounted USB-C port positioned so the FlipPad’s plug can enter without the controller colliding with the chassis.
- Remove or test the case. A thick case can stop the hinge from closing around the device, leaving a gap or allowing the Edge to pivot. Test the bare handheld if the fit feels loose.
- Insert the FlipPad directly. It uses direct USB-C input rather than Bluetooth pairing. Push the connector in squarely; do not force an offset port or twist the hinge to compensate.
- Open the hinge and rotate the Edge. Set the Edge in portrait orientation with the controls below the display. Adjust the hinge so the screen is stable before starting a game.
- Enable portrait or TATE mode in software. Use the game’s own display option where available. In an emulator, select vertical orientation and check that the image is not being cropped.
- Map controls before playing. Confirm the d-pad, face buttons and any required L/R functions. The FlipPad puts L/R on the face, so games expecting conventional shoulder buttons may need a different layout.
- Support the upper half for extended play. A second hand behind the Edge, a stand or a grip can reduce the top-heavy feeling. Avoid carrying the assembled unit by the controller alone.
FlipPad hardware: slim, wired and deliberately simple
The FlipPad’s folding design is its defining feature. Its controls hinge away from the display, allowing a USB-C phone or handheld to sit above them. The GamesRadar+ review reports a 19.7 mm thickness and 31.5 g weight, measurements that explain why the accessory itself disappears beneath a much larger Edge.
Rank #2
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Input is wired through USB-C, so there is no Bluetooth pairing step, wireless battery or latency claim to evaluate here. The review describes clicky dome-contact switches and a slim profile. Those are design descriptions rather than a universal ranking of feel: some players prefer a crisp dome switch, while others prefer the softer travel of a membrane controller.
The face-mounted L/R limitation
Unlike a conventional console pad, the FlipPad places L and R controls on the face. That arrangement is workable for many retro games, but it can be awkward when a title expects frequent shoulder-button use while the thumb is also moving the d-pad. A separate comparison describes the controller as lacking rear shoulder buttons and retaining the dome-contact button design.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFor TATE shooters, this is less damaging if the game mainly uses directional movement and two fire buttons. It becomes more noticeable in action games that assign dash, weapon swap or camera functions to shoulder inputs. Before buying, check the control demands of the games you actually intend to play rather than assuming every Android title will feel natural.
Compatibility is conditional, not universal
USB-C position can make or break the fit
The FlipPad is not a generic clamp that accepts every USB-C handset. The author tried an Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro and found that its offset USB-C port prevented the expected arrangement. A connector can be electrically compatible yet physically unusable when the port is not centered or sits at the wrong edge.
Case clearance is another variable. The review describes a Pixel 7 fitted with a case developing a gap and pivot. That movement can make the screen wobble and put leverage on the USB-C connector. A case that is harmless with a charging cable may still be too thick for a hinged controller.
Rank #3
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
A practical fit checklist
- The USB-C socket is on the bottom edge in the orientation required by the controller.
- The socket is close enough to the centerline for the plug and hinge to sit squarely.
- The phone or handheld body does not have a camera bump, lip or case edge that blocks the hinge.
- The connector reaches fully without being bent sideways.
- The assembled device stays stable when the display is rotated vertically.
If any item fails, do not solve it by applying more pressure. An offset plug or forced hinge can stress the port. Removing the case is a reasonable diagnostic step; changing the handset is the only real solution when the port itself is in the wrong place.
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Handling the screen-overhang problem
In horizontal play, a controller normally supports the mass of the display from both sides. Here, the FlipPad supports only the bottom section while the Edge rises far above it. The author reports about five inches of screen extending past the controls, making the unit feel unbalanced when held by the buttons.
That balance changes how the setup should be used. It is comfortable to place the lower edge in your palms or rest the upper portion against a support. It is less comfortable to hold one-handed, lift by the controller, or make rapid movements while the top of the Edge acts as a lever. A small stand can turn the arrangement into a desk-friendly TATE station, while a case or grip that adds bulk may worsen the USB-C fit.
The physical oddity is part of the charm, but it should not be confused with ergonomic refinement. The Edge/FlipPad combination is best understood as an improvised specialist setup for a particular library, not an all-purpose replacement for a balanced gamepad.
How it compares with other compact options
The relevant comparison is not simply which controller has the “best” buttons. Each option solves a different problem: the FlipPad maximizes portability and direct connection, the GameSir Pocket Taco offers more conventional shoulder controls, and the Evercade EXP-R is designed around TATE play.
Rank #4
- Officially licensed by Xbox. Bluetooth connection. Supports Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Officially supported by Apple. Compatible with Apple and Android devices. Stretchable design fits most phones (100–170mm in length).
- Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers - Upgraded. Robust and long-lasting. Offering higher precision and sensitivity.
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad, 2 Pro back paddle buttons, Xbox button, and wear-resistant metal joystick rings for more ways to play.
- Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 on mobile.
| Option | Connection | Control layout and feel | Portrait-use implications | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8Bitdo FlipPad | Direct USB-C | Face-mounted L/R; clicky dome-contact switches; slim folding body | Can form the improvised vertical Edge setup described here | Fit depends on port position and case clearance; the Edge overhang is top-heavy |
| GameSir Pocket Taco | Bluetooth and wired input | Rear shoulder buttons; chunkier body; membrane controls | More conventional for games that use shoulder inputs | Bulkier design and a different button feel |
| Evercade EXP-R | Dedicated handheld platform | Includes alternate A and B buttons for its TATE orientation | Purpose-built TATE mode; optional grip available | It is a separate handheld rather than a controller for an existing Android device |
The Pocket Taco is the more natural alternative when rear shoulder buttons matter or when you want Bluetooth as well as a cable. Its chunkier membrane design is a reported construction difference, not proof that it is more comfortable for every player.
The Evercade EXP-R takes the opposite approach from the improvised Edge. Its dedicated TATE mode and alternate A/B buttons are designed for vertical play, and an optional grip can address handling. That makes it the cleaner choice for someone shopping specifically for a TATE-focused handheld rather than experimenting with a device already in their collection.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price, availability and what to verify
The feature reported an Amazon price of $29.99 for the FlipPad on August 20, 2026. That was a dated observation, not a guaranteed current price, stock level or regional listing. Check the live listing for your country before ordering; prices and availability can change.
The same caution applies to the Edge, alternative controllers and optional grips. The available information does not establish a current affiliate arrangement, commission or tracked-link program, so a purchase decision should be based on fit and controls rather than an assumed promotion.
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Who should try this setup?
It makes sense if you already own the Edge
If you have a Razer Edge with a centered bottom USB-C port, play vertical arcade shooters and enjoy unusual hardware projects, the FlipPad is a compact way to test TATE without buying another handheld. The portrait image, low accessory weight and wired connection make the experiment easy to set up.
Best Value
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Look elsewhere if you need universal phone support
The FlipPad is a poor bet when your phone has an offset port, a permanently thick case or games that rely heavily on shoulder buttons. In those situations, a controller with a more forgiving mounting system or rear controls will save frustration.
Choose a dedicated TATE device for a polished experience
If your priority is stable balance, purpose-built vertical controls and minimal tinkering, the EXP-R’s dedicated TATE features are a better match than the elongated Edge arrangement. The FlipPad setup wins on reuse and novelty; it does not eliminate the compromises caused by the Edge’s size.
Verdict: a ridiculous shape with a real arcade use
The “Long Boi” nickname lands because the Razer Edge and FlipPad look comically elongated when the Edge is turned upright. Yet the same extra length that makes the unit awkward for ordinary play gives vertical shooters a convincing portrait canvas. In my hands-on judgment, that makes Truxton-style TATE games the strongest reason to try it.
Buy or borrow the FlipPad only after checking the USB-C position and case clearance. Expect face-mounted L/R controls, a five-inch-or-so screen overhang and a top-heavy grip. Accept those limits, and this $29.99-at-publication accessory becomes an entertaining, genuinely useful way to repurpose an Edge into a vertical retro machine.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
