GameSir Pocket Turns Your Phone into a Fun Game Boy Alternative Beyond Just a Mobile Controller

I’ll be honest—I initially thought the GameSir Pocket Taco would be a total flop. After trying numerous “Game Boy” mobile controllers over the years, I often found myself questioning why I wasn’t just using a handheld device instead. However, this quirky little gadget has surprisingly found its place in my gaming setup, proving to be a solid retro gamepad.

At a price point of $26, it’s important to clarify that the GameSir Pocket Taco isn’t claiming to be the ultimate mobile controller, nor is it a contender against most retro gamepads. Its real strength lies in its ability to enhance your experience with Nintendo’s classic titles on either a smartphone or one of the best retro consoles that embrace a 16-bit layout. In short, this compact controller offers more than just a way to play Pokémon on your phone, ensuring it doesn’t fade into obscurity.

Are there superior controllers for Game Boy games? Definitely, but the Pocket Taco excels in specific situations. With features that are often overlooked, like a built-in rechargeable battery and Bluetooth connectivity, GameSir has set a high bar that future competitors, such as the 8BitDo FlipPad, may struggle to meet.

It’s easy to jump to conclusions about controllers before actually trying them, and I had pegged the Pocket Taco as just another clunky phone accessory. I’m not a fan of attaching gamepads to smartphones, as it makes me wonder why I wouldn’t just use a handheld device that’s free from notifications and distractions, with buttons already integrated. Perhaps this frustration stems from my experience with Hyperkin’s Smartboy, which has a bulky design and requires a specific app due to its cartridge slot, resulting in a janky experience.

However, the Pocket Taco aims to feel like a standalone controller rather than merely a phone attachment. The design cleverly positions your device as the filling, sandwiched between a front Game Boy button panel and a back slab with shoulder buttons. The two halves are hinged, allowing it to grip the bottom of your phone, accommodating various thicknesses and case designs.

Importantly, you won’t be plugging anything directly into your phone, as the Pocket Taco connects via Bluetooth by default. There’s a USB-C port on top for charging and wired play, so you could technically connect it, but you won’t be jamming connectors together like with other models. This is a plus if you own an Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro or earlier models, as the offset port means other controllers may not fit properly.

Instead of clamping onto the phone or relying on the USB-C port, the Pocket Taco uses a rubber pad to grip your screen. I was initially skeptical about whether my device would slip out like a messy taco, but the design holds up well, even with a case.

Surprisingly, the Pocket Taco captures the aesthetic of the DMG Game Boy. I was tempted to mock GameSir’s tiny gamepad for resembling a budget emulator, but in this case, it’s a compliment. The d-pad is perfectly sized for the gamepad, feeling reminiscent of a Nintendo controller, while the face buttons offer a satisfying level of clickiness and travel. I wouldn’t mistake it for an actual handheld, but the design details evoke the right nostalgia.

While the Pocket Taco pays homage to the DMG, its layout also nods to the Game Boy Advance, featuring additional face and shoulder buttons. Normally, such a layout can feel cramped, and even some of my favorite devices struggle with comfort. However, GameSir has clearly prioritized playability in the design, providing a comfortable resting area for your thumb.

I did look up the name of the fleshy part at the bottom of my thumb, but the point is that it enhances ergonomics, making it easier to use the top inputs when the Pocket Taco is used as a standalone controller. When attached to your phone, it matches the thickness of a Game Boy Color, indicating that GameSir sees this pad as more than just a mobile accessory.

I’ve already mentioned some of the Pocket Taco’s standout features, like Bluetooth and a 600mAh battery, which are above what most mobile controllers offer. I’m genuinely impressed that there’s a battery packed into the gamepad’s back panel, which is about the same thickness as my phone, and GameSir even included an LED indicator for connectivity status and battery life.

The ability to connect via USB-C is a valuable feature, allowing you to use a patch cable when you want to conserve your phone’s battery. This also means you can use it as a wired PC controller, and Steam will recognize it immediately when connected.

Since we’re discussing a mobile controller, I have to mention the GameSir app. Unfortunately, while it’s necessary for accessing macro and button mapping features, the software doesn’t yet recognize the gamepad as a Pocket Taco. Pre-orders won’t ship until March, so I’ll have to wait for updates to test those features. Just keep in mind that they exist if you have specific plans for them.

I’ve set a few challenges for the Pocket Taco to determine if it’s a hit or miss. The first is whether the controller can remain comfortable during extended play sessions, and I’m not just talking about Pokémon. The second is whether it can maintain a solid Bluetooth connection with minimal latency, as that would undermine the appeal of avoiding a direct USB-C connection.

I’ve already hinted that this controller is surprisingly comfortable for its size, and I can see myself using it for my Game Boy collection. In phone mode, the gamepad extends to provide a good grip, but I do think longer phones create a bit of a see-saw effect. This isn’t necessarily GameSir’s fault, as devices are getting longer, but it’s worth noting if you’re sensitive to weight distribution.

The Pocket Taco features a nice set of shoulder buttons, and while they feel a bit cramped due to the GBA SP vibe, I managed to adapt. If you’re looking for proper triggers, you might want to consider a different gamepad, as GameSir is primarily catering to Game Boy-era games. Sure, many Advance titles utilize all the inputs, but you don’t need anything overly complex for those experiences.

What really impresses me about the Pocket Taco is its versatility as a gamepad. It can serve as a Game Boy controller for your PC, Switch, or even niche setups like a docked Analogue Pocket. It’s particularly well-suited for the latter, providing an authentic d-pad and layout for enjoying Nintendo’s handheld classics, enhancing the experience of using a Game Boy even when connected to a TV.

The Bluetooth functionality also makes it highly portable, and it’s just as compact as the adorable CRKD ATOM. While the latter may look cuter on my carabiner, both controllers are similarly functional in size. The Pocket Taco, true to its name, easily slips into your pocket and could fit snugly in your gaming handheld case as a backup.

Of course, all of this is moot if it can’t maintain a solid Bluetooth connection, but thankfully, it performs well. I only encountered one issue with syncing after attempting to connect a patch cable for wired play. For the record, that method works flawlessly, so even if you’re concerned about potential latency with wireless, you still have a direct option.

To wrap things up, let’s talk about battery life. The 600mAh cell in the Taco is impressive. I haven’t charged the controller since receiving it before Christmas, and it still shows four LEDs of battery life. I suspect this pad will last quite a while before needing a recharge, which is great since it doesn’t drain your phone’s battery by default.

In the realm of mobile controllers, the GameSir Pocket Taco is an excellent way to transform your phone into a Game Boy without breaking the bank. It also doubles as a compact gamepad suitable for a variety of 8 and 16-bit games, and its Bluetooth capabilities mean it works with more than just your smartphone.

I’m genuinely surprised that, at least until the 8BitDo FlipPad arrives, the Pocket Taco stands alone in this niche market. It’s already making waves since it doesn’t rely on USB-C, and unless its competitor delivers exceptional build quality, you’re likely better off with GameSir’s version. I’ll determine the ultimate winner once I can test both side by side, but the odds seem to favor Sir Taco.

If there’s one area where the Pocket Taco could improve, it’s the app. Product images suggest a comprehensive hub that might support emulators, complete with a GameSir-branded bezel, but it’s not available yet. For casual players seeking an easy way to enjoy their classic games and explore different emulation options, this is something the controller maker needs to nail to earn full marks.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve used the GameSir Pocket Taco to play Game Boy games on the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro while also testing it with a PC and a docked Analogue Pocket. To thoroughly evaluate connectivity, I used both Bluetooth and wired options across all devices, comparing latency and responsiveness. Additionally, I paid close attention to ergonomics to ensure that the gamepad’s compact design doesn’t compromise comfort.