I grew up with a Gameboy Color in my hands, playing classics like Pokémon, Ray-Man, and Super Mario until my fingers ached. Therefore, when Apple finally allowed emulator applications like Delta on the App Store last year, I couldn’t resist trying it out. It was fantastic to relive those nostalgic gaming moments on my iPhone. While the app does a commendable job of providing haptic feedback to simulate physical buttons, nothing quite compares to the original experience. So, when I stumbled upon the GAMEBABY at CES this year, I was eager to experience it firsthand.
Don’t forget to check out our hands-on video review below, which showcases how it all operates with a live demonstration.
So, what exactly is the GAMEBABY? At its essence, it’s straightforward. The product consists of a dual-part case for your iPhone. The upper section includes a cutout for the camera, while the lower segment encapsulates all the clever technology. While using it as a standard case, it serves just that—a standard case.
- Vibrant, multi-colored design (Yellow and beige)
- Constructed from durable plastic materials
- Gold accents for the volume rocker, action button, and lock button
- Protective camera bump lip
- Uniquely shaped camera control cut-out
How it operates
Now, how does this work? The first thing to point out is that there’s no digital functionality involved. There’s no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB-C connectivity needed, and the case itself doesn’t require any batteries. So, how does it really function?
Examining the inner section of the lower part of the case reveals several black pieces of material under each button. This is the same type of material used in stylus pens designed for iPhones. This material effectively imitates a finger touch on the screen, allowing the phone to respond to each button press executed.
Delta Emulator & GAMEBABY
The optimal way to utilize this accessory is in conjunction with the Delta Emulator. Check out our video here for more insights on Delta. It’s a free emulator application that supports several consoles, particularly GameBoy Color and GameBoy Advance. Notably, one of Delta’s features allows for custom Gameboy skins, empowering you to personalize the layout and appearance of the buttons. However, if you attempt to use Delta without the GAMEBABY skin, it won’t function properly.
Inside the packaging, you will discover a QR code that leads you to download the GAMEBABY skin. Simply download it, unzip the file via the Delta app, and you will have access to the GAMEBABY skin, which aligns perfectly with the actual button layout.
Once everything is set up, the usage is straightforward. Remove the lower part of the case, turn it around, and slide it back on. Now, you can utilize physical buttons while playing your cherished retro titles. Because the phone interprets each button press as a finger touch, you will still enjoy the fantastic haptic feedback that I adore. I have thoroughly tested this, and my findings indicate a 99% accuracy rate for input recognition, with only a single instance requiring me to re-press a button due to a missed input.
However, it’s worth mentioning that due to the arrangement of the buttons and the two-part design, the case lacks MagSafe compatibility. It’s easy to install and remove, but once the case is on, any MagSafe accessories will not function.
Final thoughts, pricing & availability
For someone like me, this is an easy buy or an excellent gift choice. Whether using it as my daily case or keeping it in my bag, it’s indispensable: during subway rides, commutes, road trips, and flights. It’s usable anywhere, and since it doesn’t rely on electronics or applications, the price remains low—cheaper even than most regular cases.
The GAMEBABY is currently available for pre-order at an introductory price of $24.99. The final retail price will be $39.99, with shipments expected in Q1. At this moment, it’s exclusively available for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max, but more models will likely be supported as demand increases.
What do you think? Is this a beneficial idea? Would you find it useful? I can envision it being a wonderful gift for anyone who cherishes playing retro games.
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