This is a product I have been following for a long time, and I have even been in discussions with their team regarding review samples, but I'll be completely honest: I still don't know how to feel about this product, and I'll explain why. But I know some of our Retro Dodo readers will find this thing interesting, so I want to put a spotlight on it, seeing as it's now officially available to purchase and I know the owner behind it has been hard at work making this a real thing.
The PlayCase is a new phone case for iPhone (and the Samsung Galaxy S26) that adds physical buttons which pair with a range of emulators such as Delta, RetroArch, and more, similar to the GAMEBABY case that we have reviewed in the past.
What's cool is that the controller part of the case is removable and is stored on the back of the case over the cameras; this can then be snapped off and used on the front of the iPhone as buttons. Keen eyes will also see that this has triggers too, which are located on the back. I am still uncertain how these work because the "learn more" button under the triggers part of the website doesn't work, but I believe it uses rubber bands that wrap around the case internally to activate on-screen presses.
My issue here lies in the manufacturing process. This is 3D printed, and from previous experience, these types of 3D printed products feel scratchy, flakey, are flimsy, and lack strength in the overall build, which is needed in a case that's going to protect a $1,000+ smartphone. However, I have yet to try it in person; this is just something I have experience with, as I own and operate GAMENOOK, a collectable accessory company that manufactures plastic products made from 100% recycled plastic handpressed into aluminium moulds. We tried 3D printing, but it lacked strength and overall quality, and I fear this is the same.
If you don't mind that, and are a fan of 3D-printed products like this, then let me tell you more about this quirky device. The main product is the "PlayCase Case", which surrounds your iPhone; this costs $19.99, and you then pair it with a "Faceplate". You have three to choose from: a "Handheld Faceplate" costing $9.99 that features a DPAD and two action buttons; there's a "Dual Screen Faceplate" that gives you most screen real estate for DS emulation and four action buttons for $14.99; and finally the "Classic Faceplate", also $14.99 and offers four action buttons. So a full kit will cost anywhere between $29.98 and $34.98.
There's also decent repairability with it, which is a great feature and one I completely respect. PlayCase offer all of the small bits and parts to be purchased again for a few bucks should you want to tinker or fix your case in the future; from extra buttons to rubber bands to silicone pads, they'll sort you out should anything go wrong.
It's a fun way to add physical buttons to your device that can be snapped on and off easily. If you're willing to accept that you'll see printing lines and that some areas may lack strength, then this could be one to explore if you're looking for more comfortable emulator controls that include working shoulder buttons. It's certainly in a market of high competition too, seeing as the 8BITDO FlipPad has sold well, the GamesirTaco also, and then there's the GAMEBABY Case that does the same and is mass-produced in high-quality materials, though it has no back buttons.
It's worth noting that there is a sprinkling of Gen-AI amongst the website too, which isn't appreciated by the gaming community.
