In this article, we are reviewing the Bitmo Lab’s Gamebaby case for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This is a unique case that doubles as a game console, allowing you to play retro games on your iPhone with physical controls.
Gamebaby is a cleverly designed case that features a complete controller that features a physical D-pad and all the other essential buttons that you would find on a Nintendo game console controller. While it looks like a normal iPhone case, it can transform your iPhone into a handheld console when you remove its bottom half, flip it over, and then attach it to the front side of your iPhone.
This case allows you to play your favorite emulator games. It supports the popular iPhone game emulator Delta and offers a free skin that makes the emulator fully compatible with its button layout. Thanks to its Delta compatibility, you can play over 7000 classic games with physical controls right on your iPhone.
What makes this case’s design super clever is the fact that it only connects to your iPhone physically and lets you press the physical buttons that interact with the on-screen buttons behind the controller. This means there is no need for connecting the case to the iPhone with Bluetooth, cable, and most importantly, you don’t have to worry about charging the case.
Design
When it comes to design, the Gamebaby looks cool and something gamers would appreciate. Right now it only comes in a single color option, in which its first half is yellow and the bottom half is off white.
The yellow part looks like your typical iPhone case and includes a camera cutout for the triple camera system, volume buttons, action button, and the side button. It features Bitmo Lab and Gamebaby branding as well.
The bottom part is where the real fun happens. Here you get a full-size D-pad, L and R buttons, A & B buttons, Fast Forward button, and menu button with a cutout that gives an illusion of a green light, and buttons for select and start.
Here you can also find cutouts for speakers and the charging port. On iPhone 16 Pro Max, there’s also a convenient cutout for the Camera Control, which gives you easy access to the button.
Removing the bottom half of the case, flipping it, and then sliding it over the front of the device is a smooth process that you can easily perform whenever you want to play games.
When the GameBaby controller is attached to the iPhone, your interaction with the iPhone becomes limited, as you can only effectively use the device when interacting with the Delta emulator. If you receive a phone call or need to open another app during play time, then you will have to remove the controller from your device, otherwise, you would not be able to access the bottom half of the screen.
Gaming Experience
Using the Gamebaby case with the Delta emulator truly transforms your iPhone into a nostalgic handheld gaming console. The moment you snap the controller onto the front of your iPhone, it feels like you’re holding a modern take on the classic Game Boy or Nintendo DS. The physical D-pad and buttons offer a level of tactile feedback that’s completely missing from touchscreen controls, and that alone enhances the gameplay experience significantly.
During my testing, I played classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong Country, and Pokémon FireRed, and I was genuinely impressed with how responsive the controls felt.
The buttons are well-positioned and have a satisfying click, making long gaming sessions surprisingly enjoyable. The L and R shoulder buttons work great in fast-paced platformers and racing games, while the Start and Select buttons are easily accessible during gameplay.
One of the coolest aspects of this setup is how seamless it feels with the Delta emulator. Since Bitmo Lab provides a skin that matches the case layout, the physical buttons perfectly align with the on-screen controls, making everything just work without needing any complicated configuration.
The only drawback I noticed was that because the case doesn’t use Bluetooth or any wireless connection, you’re physically pressing on the screen through the controller shell. While this is a clever solution that avoids the need for batteries or charging, it sometimes requires a firm press for accurate input, especially on older or thick screen protectors.
Overall, the Gamebaby delivers a surprisingly immersive and fun gaming experience for retro game lovers. It’s ideal for quick gaming sessions at home, during travel, or just when you’re in the mood to relive some childhood memories, with the added bonus of physical controls that genuinely make a difference.
Gamebaby as an iPhone case and protection
At the end of the day, you will be using the Gamebaby as a case for your iPhone. So, how does it perform as a case, and does it provide adequate protection to your iPhone? I have been testing the Gamebaby case as my daily iPhone case for over a month now, and I have had many minor and major incidents that tested this case to the fullest.
According to my own testing, I found the gamebaby to be a decent case when it comes to protecting the device from all sides from everyday scratches and bumps. The case features raised lips for both the camera and the display, which stop the device from getting scratches.
However, when it comes to major drops, the GameBaby can do a better job in its future iteration. Currently, when you drop your iPhone from a height of 2 feet or above, chances are the bottom half of the case might detach from the case entirely, leaving 50% of your iPhone fully exposed after the first impact.
This actually happened to me once, and at that time, the bottom half got removed from my iPhone, and the device actually ended up getting a very minor scratch. This could have ended worse with a deeper dent or damage to the screen if the case had touched the ground at a different angle.
For this reason, I would not recommend Gamebaby to be used as a full-time case for someone who drops his or her iPhone a lot or needs to use it in certain compromising situations.
If you own MagSafe accessories, then do keep in mind that this case does not support MagSafe due to the presence of gaming buttons at the back. This includes nightstands, car chargers, desk stands, and other MagSafe accessories. If you end up getting it, then you will have to choose between using GameBaby and your MagSafe accessories.
Final verdict
So, do I recommend Gamebaby to iPhone users? Well, if you are looking for a solid case that doubles as a game controller and can essentially convert your iPhone into a retro game console, then absolutely go for this case.
The gaming experience, the design, and the quality of materials used in this case are top notch, and the fact that it only sells for $24.99 is the icing on the cake. Sure, you would have to replace this case when you need to take your iPhone outdoors or in tough circumstances, but for most of the time, it works pretty great.
The only recommendations that I have for the future versions of Gamebaby include more color options, including a black and white case, as well as a more secure connection so the bottom half does not fall off on impact.
Ratings, Pros, and Cons
BitmoLab Gamebaby for iPhone 16 Pro Max
BitmoLab Gamebaby for iPhone 16 Pro MaxPros
- Unique and fun design
- Solid build quality
- Satisfying button feedback
- Support for Delta Emulator
- Affordable price
Cons
- Mediocre case
- Only one color option
- The bottom half detaches from the case when the iPhone is dropped
Pricing and availability
The GameBaby case is available for iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max only. The case can be purchased from the company’s official website at a price of $24.99. The purchase link is shared in the description of this video.
