GameSirs Pocket Taco Controller Turns Your Phone into a Classic Game Boy
The most common commitment to mobile gaming is a commitment towards mobile games. Modern power and the tactile controls that are much more accurate than those of a controller, have players torn between these two devices. With its new Kickstarter project the Pocket Taco, GameSir is hoping to bridge that gap with its latest Kickstarter campaign. But this vertical mobile controller aims to replicate the traditional handheld experience without using an exclusive retro console.
GameSir’s Pocket Taco is the most portable vertical mobile controller of 2026
Its form factor is your first impression on the Pocket Taco, which you notice about its . There is a familiar horizontal “sandwich” design that has been used by most mobile controllers out there. In the meantime, this one uses a vertical clamp on its . It immediately looks like a classic Game Boy or an old arcade machine when you snap your phone in.
This is clearly designed to be the accessory for people who are always on the move. The weight of is just over 600 grams and when folded it measures about 78mm. And so is a little size enough to fit into’jacket pocket or small bag’, as in s? In order to keep things simple, GameSir added a smart power feature when you unfold the clamp and powers down the moment you close it on its own, the device automatically turns on itself. This prevents that frustrating situation where you go to your controller for the battery drained and only find the power out of it.
Tactile feel and modern perks
It’s a design that is old-school, but the hardware under the hood is modern. Bluetooth is used for connecting to Android devices and other compatible platforms by it, such as the phraser pictured. GameSir opted for the buttons to use a mix of textures and phrases. It provides soft, “mushy” retro feel you get membrane inputs for the D-pad and ABXY buttons–which are cushioned to your core. The triggers and bumpers also have tactile clicky switches for you’ll find to ensure that the is responsive.
A particularly thoughtful detail is the “hollow-bottom” style of . A lot of the controllers block your phone’s charging port, so you have to stop playing when the battery is low. It leaves that area open, so you can keep your phone plugged in during long sessions when the Pocket Taco keeps those areas open. Additionally, the inside of the clamp is lined with silicone pads so you don’t have to worry about the plastic scratching your phone’s finish.
Availability and pricing
Most of us can buy the Pocket Taco in a classic Gray for most people. But Kickstarter supporters can also receive their hands on an exclusive “Atom Purple” variant. It is about $34 for early bird prices to start with s. 99 is a pretty cheap entry for anyone who wants to add spice to their mobile gaming system. The program is scheduled to run until March 14, 2026, when the first units are expected for shipment to gamers in April.
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