GameSir Pocket Taco Review: Turn Your Phone into a Retro Handheld
GameSir’s Pocket Taco is a new mobile controller aiming to transform your smartphone into a dedicated retro gaming device. Priced at $34.99, this Bluetooth controller offers a unique approach to mobile gaming, focusing on simplicity and affordability. Unlike more expensive options like the Backbone Pro, the Pocket Taco prioritizes a classic handheld experience for older games.
Design and Comfort
The GameSir Pocket Taco weighs just 62.2 grams, making it highly portable. It includes a carrying case for easy transport and protection. Instead of gripping both sides of the phone like the Backbone Pro, the Pocket Taco uses a hinged mechanism that clamps onto the bottom half of your device. This design allows for a vertical handheld grip, which many users find more comfortable as it positions the screen closer to eye level, reducing strain on the arms and neck during extended play sessions. The hinge expands to accommodate phones with bulky cases, and the open sides can fit devices wider than the controller itself.
The controller features soft silicone pads to grip the phone securely without causing damage. While the ergonomics aren’t comparable to standalone controllers, users report it’s quite comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
Controls and Compatibility
The Pocket Taco features a cushion membrane for face buttons and a D-pad, and tactile switches for shoulder buttons and bumpers. The D-pad has a grippy surface to ensure accurate input tracking, even when pressing along the edges. Notably, the Pocket Taco does not include thumbsticks, making it ideal for 16-bit and older games that don’t require 3D camera control.
The controller is compatible with both iPhone and Android phones, connecting via Bluetooth. It can also connect to a Nintendo Switch or PC, expanding its versatility. This broad compatibility is a key advantage over some other mobile controllers that are limited to specific operating systems.
Performance and User Feedback
Early reviews from Andrew Liszewski of The Verge and ETA Prime have been positive. Liszewski tested the Pocket Taco with Game Boy, Super Nintendo, and GBA titles using Delta and RetroArch on iOS, reporting smooth gameplay. He recommends adjusting emulator skins to position the game screen towards the top of the display to best match the vertical grip.
ETA Prime praised the D-pad’s accuracy, noting that it registers inputs reliably, even when pressed along the edges. The grippy surface prevents the thumb from slipping, making it easy to execute special moves in fighting games.
A Retro-Focused Approach
The GameSir Pocket Taco distinguishes itself by focusing on the retro gaming experience. While it may not compete with high-end mobile controllers for modern games, it excels at providing a comfortable and authentic way to play classic 8-bit and 16-bit titles. Its simplicity, affordability, and focus on a solid D-pad make it a compelling option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
As GamesRadar+ notes, the Pocket Taco “makes for a tasty way to turn your phone into a Game Boy.”