Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra Could Offer Handheld Console-Like Gaming Experience

Samsung will soon launch the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, and prospective buyers have something extra to be excited about this year. The devices will ship with One UI 9, and that likely means they will come with Google’s new Foldable Gaming Mode out of the box. It’s a new feature for book-style foldables on Android 17, giving users a Nintendo DS-like gaming experience without any extra hardware.

Android 17 brings a dedicated gaming layout for foldables

Foldable smartphones offer large internal displays, but gaming on them has always been a compromise. On-screen controls often cover a significant portion of the game, reducing visibility and making gameplay less immersive. Android 17 aims to solve that problem with Foldable Gaming Mode.

This feature splits the foldable’s internal display into two distinct sections. The top half is reserved entirely for gameplay, while the bottom half transforms into a dynamic virtual gamepad. Instead of overlaying buttons directly on the game, users get a dedicated control area below the hinge. It allows for a cleaner view of the action while providing larger and more comfortable touch controls.

The virtual gamepad isn’t a static collection of buttons. Android 17 can dynamically adjust the control layout based on the game and controller requirements. And because the entire lower display is dedicated to controls, the buttons can be significantly larger than traditional touch overlays, potentially improving accuracy and comfort during long gaming sessions.

Foldable Gaming Mode isn’t the only gaming upgrade in Android 17. Google is also introducing native controller remapping at the system level. Samsung’s One UI 9 update should bring both features to its Fold lineup. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, which launch in late July with One UI 9 onboard, will be one of the first devices to offer these features.

If you are considering buying the new Samsung foldables, our Mystery Box program is for you. We offer free accessories, including a case and a charger, with every eligible pre-order in the US. Sign up here and wait for the official launch.