Flip Grip for Nintendo Switch brings vertical mode orientation

A new Nintendo Switch accessory called Flip Grip brings a vertical orientation to the console. The device is intended for games that are best played in vertical orientation, namely some classic titles that are now available for the Switch but with an aspect ratio option designed for old arcade cabinets. The accessory is currently being funded on Kickstarter.

Nintendo offers a growing number of classic games for the Switch, but some of them, such as Punch-Out!, have a vertical rather than landscape orientation option. When used with the Switch in landscape orientation, the overall game's display size is minuscule with large black bars on either side. You don't have any other choice, however, if you want to use the Switch like a handheld.

Flip Grip is presented as the solution, enabling users to rotate the screen so that it is in vertical orientation. The Joy-Cons can attach to the sides of the Flip Grip accessory, enabling users to play their vertical games while using the Switch as a handheld console. There's a narrow market seeking such abilities, but feedback indicates there are certainly some customers eager for such a device.

Flip Grip is a single device with rails on the side for attaching Joy-Cons, which lock into place, as well as slots on the inside to accommodate the Switch. These emulate the rails found on the Switch console, so using it will feel familiar to owners. The headphone jack, SD card slots, and game card are all accessible while the Switch is in the case.

The device is being funded on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter, where about half of the $45,000 goal has been met with 18 days remaining. Interested Switch owners can get one Flip Grip in exchange for a $12 USD pledge. Shipping to backers is expected to start in November and be available globally.

SOURCE: Retronauts