Bitmo Lab has announced a refreshed version of its GameBaby gaming case, redesigned for the iPhone 17 series and clearly aimed at anyone who secretly wants their phone to double as a little slice of retro handheld heaven.
And honestly, this might just be the kind of Christmas present that causes “Wait… is this actually for you rather than your wife?” questions.
New colours with classic gaming vibes
The updated GameBaby arrives in two flavours. There’s the bright, cheerful GameBaby Color, which leans into that classic yellow-and-white toy aesthetic, and the more nostalgia-charged GameBaby Retro, a grey-and-white shell complete with deep red A and B buttons. If you grew up squinting at a green-tinted screen under a bedside lamp, you already know exactly what they’re referencing.
Improved design for better handheld play
Bitmo Lab hasn’t just reskinned the case — the mechanics have had a tidy tune-up too.
The new mid-frame clasp keeps the two-piece setup tighter and more secure, making the flip-to-play design feel smoother in use. The old D-pad has been swapped for separate directional buttons, which should help avoid those “I definitely pressed left, not up” moments. Even the underlying conductive silicone has been reworked to improve overall button feel, whether or not you’ve got a screen protector stuck on.
In short: it’s still a phone case, but one that behaves more like a tiny handheld than ever.
Price and release window
The GameBaby case launches today at $39.99 for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, direct from the GameBaby website. The standard iPhone 17 version lands a little later, expected around December 10.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max GameBaby and iPhone 15 Pro Max GameBaby cases are still available on Amazon.
If you’re hunting for a playful, practical, retro-friendly gift — the kind of present that quietly becomes your handheld when your partner isn’t looking — this might fit the bill rather neatly.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
