GameSir Pocket Taco preview

After three enjoyable weeks with the Backbone Pro, I obtained interested in GameSir’s Pocket Taco. This clamp-on telephone controller prices a few fifth of the Backbone Pro. That $34.99 worth may sound low, however hold 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. If you lean towards old-school video games like I do, you could need to hold this one in your shortlist.

Design

GameSir retains issues small and lightweight right here. The Pocket Taco weighs 62.2 g, so you’ll be able to 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 secure.

Unlike the Backbone Pro, 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 gadget. I like vertical handhelds as a result of the display screen sits nearer to eye degree. I don’t must raise my arms excessive to see the motion. When I lie in mattress or sink into the sofa, that setup saves my arms from pressure.

Related: Backbone Pro hands-on overview: 3 weeks in—my ideas on who it’s for

The hinge opens huge sufficient to suit telephones with thick circumstances. Open sides let it deal with gadgets wider than the controller physique, so that you don’t must strip your case off every time.

Up entrance, the face buttons and D-pad sit on a cushion membrane. Around again, shoulder buttons and bumpers use tactile switches. I just like the D-pad rather a lot. It has a grippy floor, so your thumb stays in place. Users say it tracks inputs with stable accuracy.

GameSir skips thumbsticks right here. You gained’t discover sliding joysticks both. That alternative is sensible for 16-bit and older video games that skip 3D digicam management. Think basic side-scrollers and fighters, not fashionable open worlds.

Compatibility

The Pocket Taco pairs with iPhone and Android telephones. It connects over Bluetooth, so you’ll be able to hyperlink it to a Nintendo Switch or perhaps a PC. That huge assist provides worth.

I felt hype for a mobile controller from ASUS at one level, however that light as soon as I noticed it really works with Android solely and leaves out iPhone assist, even USB-C fashions.

Performance

Andrew Liszewski from The Verge and ETA Prime each frolicked with the Pocket Taco. Their suggestions paints a stable image.

Liszewski ran Game Boy, Super Nintendo, and GBA titles via Delta and RetroArch on iOS. He studies easy play throughout each apps. He additionally notes that it is best to 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 can press alongside the sides with no problem. The heart takes extra effort, however the pad feels tight and stable. That grippy floor retains your thumb from sliding off. Pulling off particular strikes in preventing video games feels pure, and participant management stays sharp.

Before you go

Yeah, I do know what you’re considering. GameSir took a web page from 8BitDo and constructed a controller that turns your iPhone or Android telephone right into a Game Boy-style retro handheld. I had the identical thought at first.

After digging in, I see the attraction. I like how the Pocket Taco leans into that vertical format and retains issues easy. No sticks, no additional bulk, no sky-high worth. It focuses on what issues for traditional video games: a stable 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 know-how at Gadget Flow. His contributions embrace product evaluations, shopping for guides, how-to articles, and extra.