GameBaby from Bitmo Lab is each an iPhone case and a sport controller. Mixed with the Delta retro sport emulator, the accent’s intelligent design means that you can play traditional video games in your cellphone with actual buttons. And there’s nothing incorrect with a brand new technique to have enjoyable.
For my GameBaby evaluation, I examined it with my iPhone 16 Professional Max, and it’s the closest factor to a Sport Boy I’ve performed in a lot too lengthy.
Plus, it’s out there at an enormous low cost proper now — 38% off. However the deal solely lasts a couple of extra days.
Bitmo Lab GameBaby evaluation
For a few years, Apple prohibited builders from itemizing retro sport emulators for obtain on the iPhone App Retailer, however that modified in 2024. A rush of such functions resulted, together with Riley Testut’s Delta.
I play a few of my favorites on Delta, however as sensible because the app is, it will probably’t give my iPhone bodily buttons like a Sport Boy. And with out them, enjoying Legend of Zelda or DigDug simply isn’t the identical. My fingers drift off the digital, on-screen buttons, limiting how a lot I benefit from the video games.
If that is you too, then you definately want a GameBaby from Bitmo Lab.
Desk of contents: GameBaby evaluation
Case/controller transforms iPhone into Sport Boy
Ordinarily, GameBaby is an ordinary iPhone case with what seems just like the D-pad and buttons from a Sport Boy on the again. However when it’s time to play a retro sport, slide off the underside half of the accent, then flip the underside half round so it covers half the iPhone’s touchscreen and the buttons face you.
Now, if you press any of these buttons, the again of the button comes into contact with the touchscreen. Voilà! It’s such as you touched the display together with your finger.
In fact, the buttons constructed into the controller should line up with the digital ones within the Delta retro sport emulator. To make sure this occurs, Bitmo Lab created controller skins to be added to Delta. There are ones for Sport Boy Advance, Sport Boy Shade, and the Nintendo Leisure System — although you would possibly know these higher as GBA, GBC and NES.
It’s important to set up these skins in Delta, however as I found whereas scripting this GameBaby evaluation, the method isn’t any extra sophisticated than including sport ROMs to the emulator. If you are able to do one, you are able to do the opposite. Particularly as Bitmo Lab supplies full directions.
GameBaby evaluation: It actually works
Photograph: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
I put GameBaby on my iPhone 16 Professional Max, fired up Delta, and began enjoying a few of my previous favorites. All the things went like a allure.
As a easy instance, I beloved DigDug after I was a bit of child… principally as a result of it wasn’t very troublesome. I opened the app in Delta, arrange the sport controller and began enjoying. In a second, I forgot in regards to the GameBaby and easily began having fun with the sport. (The push of nostalgia helped.)
Earlier than my testing began, I used to be a bit suspicious that Bitmo Lab’s optimism would exceed their capabilities. I’ve tried comparable merchandise prior to now and by no means been impressed. The distinction this time is that these older merchandise tried to be suitable with any sport, whereas this one is only for Delta.
And the controller skins for GameBaby actually make an enormous distinction. In the event you don’t set up them, the sport controller doesn’t work proper. With them, it really works completely.
To be honest, this isn’t your solely retro gaming possibility. Delta works with any clip-on iPhone sport controller. Earlier than I acquired this one from Bitmo Lab, I used the sensible BackBone One controller with the sport emulator. However that doesn’t have a look at all like a Sport Boy, which is a part of the enjoyable of this case.
Delta retro sport emulator is sensible
Don’t be involved that GameBaby works solely with Delta. This can be a sensible retro sport emulator merely full of options. Learn the Cult of Mac information to Delta to study extra.
I don’t imply to toss rival emulators underneath the bus, however you gained’t undergo by having to make use of Riley Testut’s app to make the most of Bitmo Lab’s controller. It was my most well-liked technique to play traditional video games earlier than this accent was even introduced.
It’s an iPhone case, too
Photograph: Bitmo Lab
Don’t overlook the truth that GameBaby is a case for iPhone 15 Professional Max or iPhone 16 Professional Max along with being a sport controller. It wraps across the sides, corners, and again of the handset, guarding it from little bumps and scratches. However bear in mind, whereas something that wraps your gadget in plastic brings a specific amount of safety, that’s not the main target of this case. It’ll certainly assist your iPhone for those who drop it, however perhaps not a lot.
On the opposite facet of the coin, it’s definitely very cool wanting. It’s simply enjoyable carrying an iPhone that appears like a Sport Boy.
Really, it greater than seems like one. The plain benefit of the GameBaby is that the sport controller stays with the iPhone, able to play at any time, anyplace you go. If you end up unexpectedly caught in a queue, you possibly can flip the underside of the case round and dive into your favourite sport in only some seconds.
Bodily drawbacks
As enjoyable as this sport controller/case combo is, it comes with extra bulk. The case and buttons add noticeably to the thickness of my iPhone 16 Professional Max — elevating it from 0.32 inches to 0.56 inches. I can definitely really feel that after I carry the combo in my pocket.
Additionally, GameBaby blocks MagSafe entry. You gained’t be magnetically charging your iPhone on this case.
The third disadvantage could possibly be the killer for many individuals: the one variations of this case are for iPhone 15 Professional Max and iPhone 16 Professional Max. You probably have one other mannequin, you’re out of luck.
Bitmo Lab GameBaby evaluation: Remaining ideas
Picture: Bitmo Lab
Followers of retro gaming, why are you continue to studying this? Go order a GameBaby proper now! Particularly on the low cost worth.
You would possibly even take into account the sport controller simply so you possibly can higher get pleasure from traditional video games, even for those who don’t wish to use it as your on a regular basis iPhone case. You’ll be able to slip the controller onto your iPhone, open Delta and begin having enjoyable.
On the opposite facet of the coin — and please forgive me for those who suppose it’s apparent — for those who’re not the kind of one that’ll incessantly wish to play retro video games, this isn’t the case for you. Even for those who suppose it seems cool.
★★★★☆
Pricing
Bitmo Lab GameBaby might be purchased now for $24.99 — a tremendous deal. However that worth solely lasts via the tip of April. After that, the fee goes as much as $39.99.
Purchase it from: Bitmo Lab
Bitmo Lab supplied Cult of Mac with a evaluation unit for this text. See our opinions coverage, and take a look at extra in-depth opinions of Apple-related objects.
