Transform Your Phone into a Game Boy with the Pocket Taco

My ongoing mission to transform my iPhone into one of my all-time favorite gaming consoles has led me to a uniquely named controller: the GameSir Pocket Taco. While it’s not exactly pocket-sized and lacks any actual taco fillings, at $35, it’s a fantastic and straightforward way to convert your phone into a Game Boy-style handheld for retro gaming that doesn’t require thumbsticks.

Unlike the Abxylute M4, which uses magnets to attach to your phone, or the Backbone Pro that clamps your device between two halves of a gamepad, the Pocket Taco employs a hinged design that, for lack of a better term, bites onto the bottom of your smartphone.

Inside the Pocket Taco, soft silicone pads on either side grip your device securely without scratching or leaving marks. The hold is reassuringly firm, and while my iPhone could shift slightly from side to side, it never felt like it was in danger of falling out.

The hinge of the Pocket Taco opens wide enough to fit smartphones even when they’re in bulky cases, and its open sides can accommodate devices wider than the controller itself. You could even use it with an iPad Mini, although I didn’t get to test how comfortable that setup would be.

8BitDo recently unveiled a similar Game Boy-style controller for smartphones at CES 2026, featuring a front panel that can fully flip down. Initially, I didn’t see the appeal of that feature, but after a week with the Pocket Taco, I understand why 8BitDo opted for that design.

The front panel of the Pocket Taco only hinges outward about 45 degrees, which blocks part of your smartphone’s screen while attached. In contrast, 8BitDo’s FlipPad allows full access to your phone’s screen and UI while connected. I often found myself needing to completely detach the Pocket Taco just to switch apps or unlock my phone.

I haven’t tried the USB-C 8BitDo FlipPad yet, but a significant advantage of the Pocket Taco is its Bluetooth connectivity and its own 600mAh rechargeable battery, which won’t drain your phone. Opening the Pocket Taco powers it on and automatically pairs it with the last device used — in my case, an iPhone 16 Pro. Although GameSir doesn’t officially support iOS, I was able to connect it, and my iPhone recognized it as a “DualShock 4 Wireless Controller.”

The Pocket Taco powers off automatically when removed from your phone, but it reconnects quickly, making the occasional need to detach it for screen access a minor inconvenience.

The Pocket Taco’s home button can also be used to power it on and off when not attached, allowing it to function as a standalone Bluetooth controller. Pairing it with the Switch 2 was a breeze.

The controller’s four face buttons and D-pad provide a satisfying click when pressed, and despite being slightly narrower than the original Game Boy, I found the Pocket Taco very comfortable to use, even with larger hands. The double shoulder buttons on the back are easy to reach, and the rounded edges don’t dig into my fingers while supporting the controller and my phone.

When choosing games to play, keep in mind that GameSir didn’t include thumbsticks or sliding joysticks on the Pocket Taco. It’s best suited for retro games from the 16-bit era and earlier that don’t involve 3D environments with camera controls.

I primarily tested the Pocket Taco with Game Boy, Super Nintendo, and GBA games using the Delta emulator and RetroArch on iOS. It performed well with both, but make sure to use an app with skins or layout options that position the game closer to the top of your device’s screen. Initially, I turned off the emulator’s default skin to eliminate on-screen controls, which caused the game to be vertically centered and partially obscured by the Pocket Taco. It was an easy fix, but note that the controller can only be used in a vertical orientation.

While 8BitDo hasn’t revealed pricing or a release date for its FlipPad yet, I’m curious how effective that smaller accessory will be at turning my smartphone into a handheld console, given its limitations. The Pocket Taco is expected to ship in March 2026, and for $35, it offers excellent controls, solid ergonomics, reliable Bluetooth connectivity, nearly universal smartphone compatibility, and the option to use it as a standalone wireless gamepad.