The Pocket Taco is the best way to turn your phone into a Game Boy

GameSir Pocket Taco Review: The Best Way to Turn Your Phone Into a Retro Handheld

My quest to transform my iPhone into a portable gaming powerhouse has led me to a uniquely named accessory: GameSir’s Pocket Taco. Despite its misleading name (it’s neither pocketable nor taco-shaped), this $35 controller is a game-changer for retro gaming enthusiasts who want to relive the glory days of 16-bit consoles and earlier.

Unlike magnetic controllers like the Abxylute M4 or split designs like the Backbone Pro, the Pocket Taco uses a clever hinged mechanism that “bites” onto the bottom half of your smartphone. This design choice creates a Game Boy-inspired form factor that feels surprisingly natural in hand, even for those with larger palms.

The controller’s internal silicone pads grip your device securely without scratching or leaving marks. My iPhone had slight side-to-side movement inside, but I never worried about it falling out during intense gaming sessions. The hinge expands wide enough to accommodate phones with bulky cases, and the open sides can even fit devices wider than the controller itself—you could theoretically use it with an iPad Mini, though I haven’t tested that setup.

The Pocket Taco’s front panel only hinges outward about 45 degrees, which blocks the lower portion of your smartphone’s screen. This design quirk means you’ll frequently need to remove the controller to access your phone’s UI or switch between apps. 8BitDo’s upcoming FlipPad takes a different approach with a fully-flippable front panel, giving you complete screen access while attached. However, the Pocket Taco’s Bluetooth connectivity and 600mAh rechargeable battery mean it won’t drain your phone’s power during extended gaming sessions.

Setting up the Pocket Taco is effortless. It powers on automatically when attached to your device and pairs instantly with the last connected device—in my case, an iPhone 16 Pro. While GameSir doesn’t officially list iOS support, my iPhone recognized it as a “DualShock 4 Wireless Controller.” The controller turns off automatically when removed but reconnects quickly, making the occasional removal to access your screen a minor inconvenience rather than a deal-breaker.

The Pocket Taco also functions as a standalone Bluetooth controller. You can manually power it on using the home button and pair it with other devices, including the Nintendo Switch 2, which I successfully tested.

The controls are where the Pocket Taco truly shines. The four face buttons and D-pad feel excellent with satisfying tactile feedback. The double set of shoulder buttons on the back are easily accessible, and the rounded edges don’t dig into your supporting fingers during long gaming sessions. The overall ergonomics are impressive, especially considering the controller’s compact size.

However, there are some limitations to consider. GameSir made no attempt to include thumbsticks or sliding joysticks, so the Pocket Taco is best suited for retro games from the 16-bit era and earlier. Games with 3D environments and camera controls aren’t ideal candidates. Additionally, you’ll want to use apps or emulators that allow you to position games toward the top of your screen, as the controller can block lower portions of the display.

I primarily tested the Pocket Taco with Game Boy, Super Nintendo, and GBA games through the Delta emulator and RetroArch on iOS. It worked flawlessly with both, though I had to adjust the game positioning to avoid screen obstruction. The controller can only be used in vertical orientation, which is worth noting for games that support landscape mode.

8BitDo hasn’t announced pricing or release dates for its FlipPad yet, so the Pocket Taco remains the most accessible option for turning your smartphone into a retro handheld. With a March 2026 shipping date and a $35 price tag, it offers excellent value for the features it provides: quality controls, solid ergonomics, reliable Bluetooth connectivity, universal smartphone compatibility, and standalone functionality.

The Pocket Taco isn’t perfect—the limited screen access and lack of thumbsticks are notable drawbacks. But for $35, it delivers an authentic retro gaming experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer looking to revisit childhood favorites or someone who wants a portable gaming solution without carrying multiple devices, the Pocket Taco is worth considering.

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