Transform Your Phone into a Retro Gaming Powerhouse with the Pocket Taco
For enthusiasts yearning to relive the golden age of handheld gaming, GameSir presents a compelling solution: the Pocket Taco. This ingeniously designed controller, priced at an accessible $35, promises to convert your modern smartphone into a nostalgic Game Boy-inspired device, perfect for a curated library of retro titles that don’t demand analog sticks.
Andrew Liszewski, a seasoned tech reporter with a passion for gadgets spanning decades, embarked on a personal quest to imbue his iPhone with the spirit of his beloved classic consoles. His journey led him to this curiously named peripheral, which, despite its moniker, offers a surprisingly robust and comfortable gaming experience.
Ingenious Design and Secure Grip
Unlike many contemporary mobile controllers that rely on magnets or sandwich designs, the Pocket Taco employs a unique hinged mechanism that securely “bites” onto the bottom half of your smartphone. Inside, soft silicone pads cradle your device, ensuring a firm grip without any risk of scratches or damage. While a slight lateral shift might occur, the phone remains satisfyingly secure, never feeling precarious.
One of the Pocket Taco’s standout features is its adaptability. The hinge expands generously, accommodating smartphones even when encased in bulky protective covers. Its open sides also mean it can comfortably attach to devices wider than the controller itself, theoretically extending its utility to tablets like the iPad Mini, though specific ergonomics for such setups remain untested.
Connectivity, Battery, and a Minor Quirk
The Pocket Taco distinguishes itself with Bluetooth connectivity and an integrated 600mAh rechargeable battery, ensuring your phone’s power isn’t drained during extended play sessions. Powering on is seamless: simply open the controller, and it automatically pairs with the last connected device. While GameSir officially lists Android support, our testing confirmed flawless compatibility with an iPhone 16 Pro, which recognized it as a “DualShock 4 Wireless Controller.” The controller also powers down automatically upon removal from the phone, yet reconnects swiftly when reattached.
However, the design isn’t without a minor compromise. The front panel hinges outward only about 45 degrees, partially obstructing the lower portion of your smartphone’s screen. This means frequently needing to remove the controller to access other apps or unlock your phone. This contrasts with upcoming competitors, such as 8BitDo’s FlipPad, which promises full screen access while attached—a feature now understood to be highly desirable after experiencing the Pocket Taco.
For charging, a passthrough hole on the bottom allows for a power cable, provided your device’s charging port is centrally located. A hard plastic carrying case is included, though the controller’s thickness might make it less than ideal for true pocketability.
Authentic Controls and Comfortable Play
The Pocket Taco’s controls evoke the classic Game Boy aesthetic, albeit with a few modern additions. The four face buttons and D-pad deliver a satisfyingly tactile click, providing precise input crucial for retro gaming. Despite being slightly narrower than the original Game Boy, the controller proved exceptionally comfortable even for larger hands. Dual shoulder buttons on the back are easily accessible, and the rounded edges prevent any discomfort during prolonged use.
It’s important to note a key design choice: the Pocket Taco intentionally omits thumbsticks or sliding joysticks. This makes it an ideal companion for classic 2D platformers, RPGs, and puzzle games, but less suited for titles demanding analog input. This focused design reinforces its identity as a dedicated retro gaming accessory.
Beyond the Phone: Standalone Versatility
Adding to its appeal, the Pocket Taco isn’t limited to phone-clamping. Its home button allows for manual power control, enabling its use as a standalone rechargeable Bluetooth gamepad. This versatility was demonstrated by its effortless pairing with a Switch 2, expanding its utility beyond its primary function.
In conclusion, the GameSir Pocket Taco offers an excellent, affordable gateway to mobile retro gaming. While its screen obstruction is a minor inconvenience, its secure grip, comfortable controls, and standalone capabilities make it a highly recommended accessory for any nostalgic gamer looking to transform their smartphone into a portal to the past.
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