After three enjoyable weeks with the Spine Professional, I bought interested in GameSir’s Pocket Taco. This clamp-on telephone controller prices a few fifth of the Spine Professional. That $34.99 value may sound low, however maintain your requirements excessive.
In my GameSir Pocket Taco preview, I break down how this little gadget turns your telephone right into a vertical retro handheld. Should you lean towards old-school video games like I do, it’s possible you’ll wish to maintain this one in your shortlist.
GameSir Pocket Taco
Bluetooth cellular controller for retro gaming
Design
GameSir retains issues small and light-weight right here. The Pocket Taco weighs 62.2 g, so you possibly can toss it in a bag and head out. That appears like a win, because the G8 Plus from GameSir can really feel heavy in hand. You additionally get a PP storage field, which makes journey easy and retains the controller protected.
In contrast to the Spine Professional, which grips either side of your telephone like a cut up pad, the Pocket Taco makes use of a hinge that clamps onto the underside half of your machine. I like vertical handhelds as a result of the display screen sits nearer to eye degree. I don’t have to raise my arms excessive to see the motion. After I lie in mattress or sink into the sofa, that setup saves my arms from pressure.
Associated: Spine Professional hands-on overview: 3 weeks in—my ideas on who it’s for
The hinge opens extensive sufficient to suit telephones with thick circumstances. Open sides let it deal with gadgets wider than the controller physique, so that you don’t have to strip your case off every time.
Up entrance, the face buttons and D-pad sit on a cushion membrane. Round again, shoulder buttons and bumpers use tactile switches. I just like the D-pad loads. It has a grippy floor, so your thumb stays in place. Customers say it tracks inputs with strong accuracy.
GameSir skips thumbsticks right here. You gained’t discover sliding joysticks both. That selection is sensible for 16-bit and older video games that skip 3D digital camera management. Assume traditional side-scrollers and fighters, not fashionable open worlds.
Compatibility
The Pocket Taco pairs with iPhone and Android telephones. It connects over Bluetooth, so you possibly can hyperlink it to a Nintendo Swap or perhaps a PC. That extensive assist provides worth.
I felt hype for a cellular controller from ASUS at one level, however that pale as soon as I noticed it really works with Android solely and leaves out iPhone assist, even USB-C fashions.
Efficiency
Andrew Liszewski from The Verge and ETA Prime each hung out with the Pocket Taco. Their suggestions paints a strong image.
Liszewski ran Sport Boy, Tremendous Nintendo, and GBA titles by Delta and RetroArch on iOS. He stories easy play throughout each apps. He additionally notes that you must choose emulator skins or layouts that push the sport display screen towards the highest of your show to match the vertical grip.
ETA Prime praises the D-pad accuracy. You possibly can press alongside the sides with no concern. The middle takes extra effort, however the pad feels tight and strong. That grippy floor retains your thumb from sliding off. Pulling off particular strikes in preventing video games feels pure, and participant management stays sharp.
Earlier than you go
GameSir Pocket Taco
Bluetooth cellular controller for retro gaming
Yeah, I do know what you’re pondering. GameSir took a web page from 8BitDo and constructed a controller that turns your iPhone or Android telephone right into a Sport Boy-style retro handheld. I had the identical thought at first.
After digging in, I see the enchantment. I like how the Pocket Taco leans into that vertical format and retains issues easy. No sticks, no additional bulk, no sky-high value. It focuses on what issues for traditional video games: a strong D-pad, clicky buttons, and a type issue that feels pure for 8-bit and 16-bit titles. For me, that focus makes extra sense than chasing each fashionable characteristic.
Grigor Baklajyan is a copywriter masking expertise at Gadget Circulate. His contributions embrace product evaluations, shopping for guides, how-to articles, and extra.
