Play retro Nintendo Switch games vertically with the Flip Grip

FLIPPIN ‘ECK

Few consoles are as versatile as the Switch. Want to play on the big screen? Slot it into its dock and you’re off. Want to play in bed? Just attach the Joy-Cons. What about Mario Kart 8 split-screen in the pub? We’re sadly still yet to see it happen, but it couldn’t be easier. If there’s one thing you can’t comfortably do on Nintendo’s machine, though, it’s playing it vertically, even though arcade classics like Donkey Kong (OG), Ikaruga, Galaga and Pac-man support it.

BORN GRIPPY

Enter the Flip Grip, a new accessory that lets you flip the Switch 90 degrees and play these games the proper way. Once the console has clicked into place in the plastic dock, you just slide the Joy-Cons along the rails on either side. It looks a bit odd, but that’s a small price to pay for freeing yourself from unsightly black bars as you chase high scores.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Flip Grip comprises a single piece of durable injection-molded plastic that’s been designed to hold the Switch console when rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. Just slide the Switch in until it clicks into place, then slide the Joy-Cons into the rails on either side just like you would on the console. Easy peasy. The rails have been built to emulate the same rails you find on the console itself, so the entire process will feel rather familiar, because, well, it’s exactly the same.

SAFE AND SOUND

But what about if there’s a mix up and you slide your Switch in the wrong way? Well, you can’t, the inner edge of the Flip Grip has been specially molded to the shape of the Switch, and won’t allow you to slide it in all the way in the wrong direction. That means the clever holster will only accept the Switch when it’s inserted at 90 degrees counterclockwise, because that’s the only orientation exposes the game card and SD card slots, as well as the headphone jack. You needn’t worry about your Switch toppling over during a particularly frantic play session either, as the Flip Group also sports a rubber bump that will hold your console securely in place.

STAND AND DELIVER

The Flip Grip isn’t just for handheld gaming, either. You can use it as a stand for when you’re arms are feeling the weight of an hour-long session on the train, while one of the slots on the back of the unit allows you to use any credit card to prop up the Switch for social play. My word, your friends are going to be jealous.

FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY

The Flip Grip is currently available for $12 over on Kickstarter, and has already being fully funded by close to 5,000 backers. That means the device is already a reality, so if you want one, you just need to head on over to the Fangamer team’s Kickstarter page and throw some dollar their way. We love it when a plan comes together.