Tech and Science News
Nintendo Switch 'Flip Grip' Seeks Kickstarter Funding for Vertical-Mode Gaming
Flipping out right now.
Flip Grip is a new accessory on Kickstarter that's designed to allow the Nintendo Switch to be played in vertical mode while playing the system on the go.
On Kickstarter, accessory and apparel retailer Fangamer has outlined its solution to vertical gaming on the Switch. By flipping the Switch by 90 degrees, a whole host of games become much more accessible to play, including Ikaruga, Gunbird and more.
The project is being helmed by Jeremy Parish of the Retronauts podcast and hardware engineer Mike Choi. Fangamer has finished designing and prototyping the product, but in order to execute manufacturing and ensure a large enough audience exists for the product, they've decided to crowdfund using Kickstarter.
The team has identified many of the potential issues with housing the Switch in a vertical holder, and have designed the Flip Grip around these problems. The Switch is flipped so the headphone jack, game card slot and and micro SD card slots are all exposed.
Naturally, encasing the handheld in this way covers part of the Switch's air-vents, though the grip avoids creating an air-tight seal and allows for adequate breathability. This also blocks the on/off button from being pressed while the grip is locked in.
The Filp Grip is designed to operate only in battery mode, meaning you cannot charge or dock the device. This does, however, keep it from running at full capacity and allows for the temperature to remain properly regulated. Luckily, most of the compatible games are retro titles and aren't particularly taxing on the Switch's battery life.
The list of compatible games includes five titles from the Arcade Archives (Donkey Kong, Heroic Episode, Punch-Out!!, Star Force and Terra Cresta), five titles from Namco Museum (Dig-Dug, Galaga, Galaga '88, Pac-Man and Tower of Druaga), Danmaku Unlimited 3, Gunbarich, Gunbird 1 and 2, Ikaruga, A Normal Lost Phone, Pinball FX 3, Samurai Aces, Stern Pinball Arcade, Strikers 1945 1 and 2.
Upcoming compatible games include Psyvariar Delta, Gain Ground and games in the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection.
By pledging $12 or more to the Kickstarter, patrons will receive one Flip Grip, estimated to deliver in November, while pledging $24 or more will net patrons two Flip Grips. The Kickstarter is set at a $42,500 goal, though they have reached nearly $15,000 already with eighteen days to go.
Editor's note: Jeremy Parish was an IGN employee until 2013 and still occasionally writes for IGN in a freelance capacity.
Colin Stevens is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter - or better yet, follow your dreams.