GameSir Pocket Taco review: features, specs, price

The GameSir Pocket Taco is an interesting, single-purpose game controller built for retro gaming on iPhone via emulation. Its low price makes its tradeoffs worth it for nostalgia seekers.

Since Apple enabled the use of emulators on iPhone, the search for the perfect emulation controller began. We’ve seen many mounts, attachments, and standard controllers, but the Pocket Taco takes a different approach.

Instead of simply being a capacitive set of buttons like Gamebaby, the GameSir Pocket Taco is a full Bluetooth game controller that slips onto your iPhone. Of the two options, I like GameSir’s approach better since I don’t always want my iPhone to have a controller attached.

That said, there are some limitations to this style of controller. In spite of its imperfections, the Pocket Taco is an excellent gadget that does a lot of things well for a very affordable price.

GameSir Pocket Taco review: design and features

In a world filled with amazing game controller experiences, I can say the Pocket Taco is middling at best. That isn’t to slam the product from GameSir, but the form factor itself.

GameSir Pocket Taco review: nostalgic but cramped

The Game Boy that the Pocket Taco is emulating is an amazing console for children. It’s less great for adult-sized hands, though I understand why they went with this form factor.

It is a time-tested controller layout that worked great for several consoles. I even still use this layout on some occasions thanks to the Analogue Pocket.

However, be ready for some hand cramps after any lengthy play session. The good thing is that you probably shouldn’t be playing games on your phone for too long, even when some demand it.

Emulation is a funny thing. It brings games that were never intended for your device, be it a smartphone or tablet, and makes them run in a virtualized environment.

GameSir Pocket Taco review: the closest thing to a Game Boy experience on iPhone

That means games with 40+ hour storylines meant for dedicated outlets and CRTs are suddenly thrust into a device with a limited battery life. The funny thing is that many older games actually fit the modern play style of dropping in for minutes at a time.

The premise of the Pocket Taco’s design is simple: you’re waiting in a doctor’s office when you get the urge for some Super Mario Bros.. Simply grab your phone from one pocket, the Pocket Taco from the other, and you’re off to the Mushroom Kingdom.

Emulators make things easy too, since you can just tap a button for an instant save state, save points be damned.

GameSir Pocket Taco review: a simple clamp with extra features

The controller attaches via a clever clamping mechanism that wakes it up when opened. Remove the controller and it disconnects from Bluetooth in a few seconds.

That means GameSir expects you’ll only be using the Pocket Taco with it attached to the iPhone. No, don’t try to clip it to your iPad mini or force it open for Bluetooth use on other devices.

This is a product with a very specific use case, which I appreciate. We need more companies to take the time to make cool and weird niche products without trying to hit every single use case.

GameSir Pocket Taco review: enough battery for your play sessions

It’s got a 600mAh battery, which is useless information really. I’ve never had an issue with the battery running out, just charge it between play sessions and you’re good to go.

There’s also a cutout in the base that lets you charge the iPhone while using the controller.

Gaming with the GameSir Pocket Taco

You’re going to want to stick to games with simple control schemes. In terms of emulators, that’s games like those made for Nintendo DS, Game Boy, Game Boy Advanced, NES, and SNES.

GameSir Pocket Taco review: Pokemon is simple enough for the controller layout

Some PlayStation One games will work with the Pocket Taco, but only those that don’t need analog sticks. I played Digimon World 3 without any issue.

That’s also where the L2 and R2 buttons are actually used, though they’re not the easiest buttons to press.

It isn’t as if other games or emulators will ignore the controller, but you’ll be missing necessary buttons for them to work. While you can probably get by with some N64 games, I recommend sticking with the other consoles.

GameSir Pocket Taco review: reliving a classic play style

The best part of most emulators is the fanbase working on various skins, especially for the Delta emulator. All you have to do is search for “Pocket Taco Delta skins” and you’ll find some good options.

The biggest problem you’ll run into with the Pocket Taco is that it is only useful for a game that has already launched. Don’t bother attaching it until you’ve navigated your emulator app and launched the game.

If you want to swap games, you’ll have to remove the Pocket Taco, navigate the menus, then reattach it when the new game has launched.

GameSir Pocket Taco review: the game pad obscures the bottom of the display

Beyond emulation, there really aren’t any good gaming choices. There might be the rare exception where an iPhone game has a virtual controller in the lower half of the display, but I don’t have any games like that.

Most iPhone games are full screen and rely on touch controls or external controllers. They don’t expect a controller that will take up half the display.

If you want a more tactile experience while playing emulated games, the GameSir Pocket Taco provides an authentic experience, for better or worse.

A nostalgic gadget

If you like emulation, gadgets, and nostalgia, the GameSir Pocket Taco was made just for you. It is the perfect little throwback accessory that transforms your iPhone into a Game Boy-like experience.

GameSir Pocket Taco review: a perfect retro experience on iPhone

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It is far from the perfect gaming experience, but it isn’t meant to be. The GameSir Pocket Taco is a throwback to the Game Boy and it does a good job of capturing that form factor.

It is small and easy to carry, so it wouldn’t be far-fetched to toss this into a mesh pocket in your bag, even if you bring a full-sized controller too. It enables an authentic experience for the Game Boy and Game Boy Advanced while enabling tactile gaming for other emulators.

And seriously, you can’t beat that price.

GameSir Pocket Taco review – pros

• Nostalgic design and clicky buttons
• Simple sleep/wake function tied to the hinge opening
• Emulator-specific controller with skins available for some emulators
• Low enough price to justify in spite of its limited use

GameSir Pocket Taco review – cons

• Cramped layout, but can’t be helped
• Blocks the display so must be removed when navigating apps
• Only useful for emulators, not regular iPhone games

Rating: 4 out of 5

The price and novelty of this controller could make this a 5 out of 5 if it weren’t for the limitations presented by the form factor. It has an excellent build quality and does the job, but it certainly isn’t for everyone.

Also, I can’t ignore the fact that this is a controller that only works on specific emulation tools.

Where to buy the GameSir Pocket Taco

Get the GameSir Pocket Taco from Amazon for $34.99, which is a 22% discount from the listed $44.99 price. It is only available in the single color and fits any iPhone with a standard case.