I was raised with a Gameboy Color always in my grasp. I spent countless hours immersed in games like Pokémon, Ray-Man, and Super Mario, often until my fingers were sore. So when Apple launched the emulator apps like Delta in the App Store last year, I jumped at the chance. It was a blast revisiting my old favorites on my iPhone. While the app does a fantastic job utilizing haptic feedback to replicate physical buttons, nothing compares to the original experience. That’s why when I discovered the GAMEBABY at CES this year, I was eager to try it out.
Don’t forget to watch our hands-on video review below! It provides a clear demonstration of how everything works and includes a live demo.
So, what exactly is the GAMEBABY? Fundamentally, it’s quite simple. It’s a standard case for your iPhone, consisting of two halves. The top half features a cut-out for the camera, while the bottom half contains all the exciting elements. When used as a regular case, it functions just like any other case.
- Stylish multicolored design (yellow and beige)
- Constructed from durable plastic materials
- Gold accents on the volume rocker, action button, and lock button
- Raised lip to protect the camera bump
- Pill-shaped cut-out for camera controls
How it works
So, how does it function? The first thing you’ll notice is the absence of any digital connectivity. There’s no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB-C involved, and the case doesn’t require batteries. So how is everything enabled to work?
Inside the lower section of the case, you’ll find several black materials positioned under each button. This is the same kind of material found in stylus pens for iPhones. It simulates a finger’s touch on the screen, ensuring that each button press registers accurately.
Delta Emulator & GAMEBABY
The best experience comes from using this in conjunction with the Delta Emulator. Check out our video here for a deeper dive into Delta. This emulator is free and supports a few consoles, most notably GameBoy Color and Gameboy Advance. One of its standout features is the ability to upload custom Gameboy skins, allowing you to modify the layout and aesthetic of the buttons. If you attempt to use Delta Emulator with the GAMEBABY without the GAMEBABY skin,
it simply won’t function properly. Inside the packaging, there’s a QR code leading to the GAMEBABY skin download. Just download it, extract the zip file in the Delta app, and you’ll have the GAMEBABY skin ready to go. This skin aligns the layout with the physical buttons.
Once everything is set up, it’s incredibly straightforward. Remove the bottom part of the case, flip it around, and slide it back on. Now you can enjoy real physical buttons while reliving your favorite retro games. The iPhone interprets each button press as a finger touch, which means you still experience satisfying haptic feedback. My testing shows a 99% success rate, with only one instance requiring a second press due to a missed input.
However, keep in mind that due to the button configuration and the case’s two-part design, there is no MagSafe compatibility. The case is easy to put on and take off, but once it’s on, MagSafe accessories will not work.
Final verdict, pricing & availability
For someone like me, this purchase is a no-brainer, whether for personal use or as a gift. I can see myself relying on it often: during subway rides, commutes, road trips, and flights. The ease of use means it can fit seamlessly into daily life. With no need for batteries or electronic components, it also comes at a lower price point compared to many traditional cases.
The GAMEBABY is currently available for pre-order at an introductory price of $24.99. The final retail price is set at $39.99, with shipments expected in the first quarter. At this moment, it is exclusively available for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max. As demand increases, there are plans to support additional iPhone models.
What are your thoughts? Is this a concept you find appealing? Would you consider using it? I can easily see this as a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys revisiting retro games.
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