{"id":310471,"date":"2025-12-11T09:13:22","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T09:13:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/310471\/"},"modified":"2025-12-11T09:13:22","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T09:13:22","slug":"this-iphone-case-turns-your-phone-into-a-retro-console-with-buttons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/310471\/","title":{"rendered":"This iPhone case turns your phone into a retro console with buttons"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Back in the day, I remember needing to jailbreak my iPhone to access apps like GBA4iOS and play my classic Game Boy Color games. But last year, Apple finally opened up the App Store and allowed developers to release emulators. It was easily one of the best things Apple could have done. I immediately downloaded Delta<\/a> and started running through all my old Pok\u00e9mon games. And while Delta\u2019s haptics and software button layouts are great, nothing beats clicking real, physical buttons. That\u2019s why the GAMEBABY case caught my eye. I reviewed the original version last year and loved it, so when the new model arrived for the iPhone 17 series, I had to test it again. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n

Be sure to catch our video on how to get everything set up!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

The design of the case is what really draws you in. The case is a two-piece design that snaps together. A regular protective case on top with a camera plateau cut out and a camera lip, and a flip-to-play button panel on the bottom. As a standard case, it\u2019s completely normal. The case is slim, lightweight, and surprisingly durable, even though it\u2019s made of plastic. When you use it as a case, it just looks like a fun, playful, and retro-inspired one. It has all the necessary cutouts for the speaker grills, the USB-C port, and the Camera Control button as well. <\/p>\n

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The function of the new case remains the same, but everything feels a tad bit tighter. Buttons are more clicky, there are fewer accidental misses or presses when in use, and the way the two pieces clip together is more confidence-inducing. The best part is that since there is no battery or Bluetooth, the case remains extremely lightweight. So how does this work?<\/p>\n

How it works<\/p>\n

As I stated above, this case has no electronics in it: no battery, Bluetooth, WiFi, or anything else. This works with capacitive button caps. If you have ever used one of those pens or styluses that have that black squishy capacitive material, then you will know what this is. So underneath each of the buttons on the cases, there is this material. Every time you tap the button, it just mimics the touch of a finger, so your iPhone thinks you are using your hands, but in reality, you are using the buttons on the case. It is so simple, but genius.<\/p>\n

What is great is that you can see the year-over-year improvements made to the case. Buttons are firmer and more precise, and everything is just more dialed in. So when you are ready to start playing out, slide the bitton of the case off, flip it over, and slide it back on. No need to turn a switch on or worry about anything. It just works. <\/p>\n

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Of course, to play, you will need an emulator. I am not sure if GAMEBABY<\/a> and Delta have any real affiliation or if GAMEBABY<\/a> just chose Delta because it\u2019s the best emulator, but it works great. If you have ever used Delta, then you are familiar with the classic controller layout it offers. But if you use that classic controller layout, some of the buttons won\u2019t work. The Delta emulator allows you to upload your own custom controller layout and skin. In the GAMEBABY<\/a> packaging, you scan a provided QR code, and it walks you through how to install the GAMEBABY<\/a> controller skin. So the physical buttons line up perfectly with the digital buttons. Once all of this is installed, you can then use the physical buttons and play to your heart\u2019s content. <\/p>\n

One small thing to note about this case is that, due to the buttons and layout, it does not support MagSafe. So, if you need to use Maagsde for any reason, you must remove the case. Other than that, there are no real sacrifices to the case itself.<\/p>\n

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Pricing and availability <\/p>\n

The GAMEBABY <\/a>is available in two colors. They have their original one, which features a beige and yellow color combination, and then this year, they released a retro version in white and grey, mimicking the look of a Super Nintendo. I like the new look! It is available for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. I have been using it for the 17 Pro, and the size is fantastic. They are available today for $39.99.<\/a><\/p>\n

Final thoughts<\/p>\n

This is one of those few products that gets an instant recommendation from me. It\u2019s simple, easy to use, multi-purpose, and just fun. They also don\u2019t charge you an arm and a leg for this. Of course, there are others out there that are Bluetooth-enabled or add battery, but I think there is beauty in simplicity with this one. If you have someone who loves retro gaming, I believe this is the perfect gift. My only complaint is that I wish they made it for my iPhone models!<\/p>\n

What do you think? Would you use the GAMEBABY<\/a> case?<\/p>\n

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FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.<\/a><\/p>\n

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