Handheld video games have come a long way with the progression of modern technology. Starting back in the 80’s we had the Gameboy, the Atari Lynx, Neo Geo Pocket. Then the Sony PSP and now the Nintendo Switch. But there are some games that are being release as we speak that, when they originally were in the arcade, housed a vertical screen. Punchout, Donkey Kong, Dig Dug, Galaga and even Pac-Man are just a few of the many games that are now being released for the Nintendo Switch. However, one problem that it has created is housing of the screen. Yes you can turn your screen sideways and lean it up against something, or completely turn the system sideways so there is a controller on the top and bottom. But that starts to pose an inconvenience to the player.
But now, thanks to a Kickstarter launch campaign, Retronauts has successfully funded the latest invention to help you enjoy your Nintendo Switch even more. Launched June 21, 2018, the Flip Grip was launched and already funded with over 5000 backers and counting. If you are interested in backing this ingenious product, you have 13 days left to get in on the hype. Here is the best part. If you pledge only $24 or more, you can get 2 Flip Grips and save on the shipping.
Here is what you need to know about the Flip Grip.
On previous consoles, few people could make use of vertical-mode orientation features — it’s hard to turn a television sideways, after all. A few PSP games supported rotation, but playing an intense arcade shooter while you grip the top and bottom of the PSP was far from a great experience.
The Switch changes everything. Because you can remove the Joy-Cons from the system, we can finally play classics like Punch-Out!!, Galaga, and Strikers 1945-II properly in vertical mode.
However, Nintendo never designed the Switch to be used in portable vertical mode. The system’s Joy-Con rails only allow you to hold the Switch in horizontal mode.
Until now, using the Switch in vertical mode required propping up the console sideways on a stand to use as a tabletop system. That’s better than nothing, but it doesn’t get to the heart of what Switch is all about: portability.
The Flip Grip makes portable vertical-mode gaming possible. Simply slide the Switch into the Flip Grip, then attach Joy-Cons, and voila — a handheld system capable of playing vertical-mode games without wasting a single pixel of real estate.
With publishers like SNK and Capcom releasing new classic titles for the Switch, the number of games available to play in vertical mode will only grow. And not just classic games — modern releases like Ikaruga include vertical-mode support, too.
And the Flip Grip is the key to being able to enjoy these releases on-the-go.
The Flip Grip consists of a single piece of durable injection-molded plastic designed to hold the Switch rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. 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. The rails on the Flip Grip are designed to emulate the same rails you find on the Switch itself, so installation and removal of Joy-Cons is easy and familiar.
The Flip Grip has been designed to accept the Switch in only one direction (90 degrees counterclockwise). This orientation exposes the game card and SD card slots, as well as the headphone jack.
You don’t need to worry about inserting the console the wrong way — the inner edge of the Flip Grip is specially molded to the shape of the Switch, and won’t allow you to slide it in all the way in the wrong direction.
The Flip Grip also has a rubber bump on the inside that holds your Switch securely in place to prevent the console from falling out during active play sessions.
The Flip Grip isn’t just for handheld gaming! You can also use it as a stand, too. One of the slots on the back of the Flip Grip allows you to use any credit card to prop up the Switch for social play… or just give your tired arms a break.
For more information and to pledge on the campaign, you have until Monday, July 9, 2018
Visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fangamer/flip-grip?ref=discovery&term=nintendo%20switch
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