I’ve gone around the sun 36 times now, and in that time, I like to think I have matured. But sometimes my juvenile side comes out, and that’s exactly what happened when I read about the latest device from GameSir.
I messaged two of my editors to make sure I wasn’t the only one to think the “Pocket Taco” name of GameSir’s newest controller sounds a bit suggestive.
Pocket Taco specs
- Dimensions: 78×70.9×20.7 mm
- Weight: 62.2 g
- Connectivity: Bluetooth or USB-C
- Platforms: “Android and other compatible devices”
Regardless of whether the name makes you pause, the Pocket Taco looks like an emulator’s dream and an excellent device for playing games from certain genres.
The Pocket Taco is a vertical mobile controller inspired by the Game Boy — it’s even available in classic Game Boy colors.
You can open the Pocket Taco and slot your phone inside. The device features friction grips that rely on rubber pads resting against your smartphone rather than a physical anchor or a pinching mechanism.
You can connect the Pocket Taco to your phone through Bluetooth or USB-C. GameSir’s website mentions support for “Android and other compatible devices,” but iOS is not mentioned by name.
The controller features ABXY and D-pad inputs. It also has tactile switch bumpers and triggers on its back.
You can customize the controls of the Pocket Taco through the GameSir app, including remapping buttons.
GameSir’s new controller looks quite different from the best mobile controllers, but it’s designed for a different type of gaming. While devices like the Razer Kishi Ultra and GameSir X2s are designed for more hardcore gaming in a landscape orientation, the Pocket Taco is for retro gaming in a vertical orientation.
The Pocket Taco is available to order now for $34.99 through early bird pricing on Kickstarter. Those who back the device should expect to receive it in April. Kickstarter backers have the exclusive option to order the Atom Purple version of the controller.
You can also pre-order the Pocket Taco through GameSir’s website.
GameSir Pocket Taco review highlights
Our colleagues at GamesRadar+ already went hands-on with the Pocket Taco. Hardware Editor Phil Hayton chose to go with more food-related puns, proving he is more mature than I am.
Jokes and puns aside, the Pocket Taco earned a 4.5/5 in that review and received praise for its built-in battery, d-pad, and comfort.
“The GameSir Pocket Taco makes for a tasty way to turn your phone into a Game Boy, and it also doubles up as a Bluetooth controller for other devices,” said Hayton.
“While there are certainly better mobile gamepads out there for playing anything outside the realm of Nintendo’s handheld back catalogue, this one is both a space saver and a surprisingly comfortable and authentic tribute to a classic handheld.”
Considering I played the original Game Boy and was practically attached to my special Pikachu edition Game Boy Color, I’m drawn to an accessory like the Pocket Taco. Maybe if it’s popular, we’ll see some more color options.
What was your first portable console? Let us know in the comments!
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