GameSir has been steadily expanding its lineup of mobile gaming accessories, and two of the company’s recent controllers passed through the AndroidGuys office over the past few months. While both aim to improve the smartphone gaming experience, they approach the idea from very different directions.
The GameSir Pocket Taco leans heavily into nostalgia and portability, recreating the feel of a classic handheld system. The GameSir G8+ takes the opposite route, offering a full-sized controller experience designed to bring console-style controls to phones and small tablets. Together, they highlight just how wide the spectrum of mobile gaming accessories has become.
GameSir Pocket Taco: A Retro-Inspired Take on Mobile Gaming
The GameSir Pocket Taco is a cool accessory that catches attention right away. This compact Bluetooth controller attaches to the bottom of a smartphone in portrait mode, transforming the device into a modern twist on a Game Boy-style handheld.
Weighing only 62.2 grams, the Pocket Taco is super portable. It’s small enough to fit in your bag or pocket easily, making it perfect for commuting, traveling, or quick gaming breaks. Its gray body with retro purple buttons gives a nod to the classic 1989 Game Boy, appealing to nostalgic gamers.
The controller has a straightforward design. There’s a responsive D-pad on the left and ABXY buttons on the right that feel like a traditional handheld. Four tactile triggers on the top edge provide enough controls for most mobile games.
Some smart design features make the Pocket Taco feel more refined than you’d expect. The clamp-style mount holds the phone securely, while soft silicone pads prevent slips and scratches. Plus, there’s a spot at the bottom for charging while you play, which is handy for longer gaming sessions.
Battery life is impressive; the 600mAh battery lasts up to thirty hours on a single charge. You can even charge it while using it, so you won’t have to stop playing if the battery runs low.
GameSir offers customization through a companion app, letting users remap buttons and activate modes like G-Touch and V-Touch. There’s even a keyboard mode for more versatile controls.
The Pocket Taco connects via Bluetooth and works with Android devices and other compatible platforms. It also has turbo functionality for some buttons, great for games that need quick inputs.
It comes with a protective PP storage case that also acts as a charging station, further emphasizing its travel-friendly design.
However, it does have some drawbacks. Since the controller only has digital inputs and no analog sticks, it’s not ideal for games that need precise camera movement. It’s best for retro titles, arcade games, and mobile games designed for portrait mode.
At $34.99, the Pocket Taco isn’t a full controller replacement but a fun and portable accessory. It offers a convenient way to enjoy casual gaming or retro-inspired titles.
GameSir G8+: Console-Style Control for Mobile Devices
If the Pocket Taco is all about being portable and nostalgic, the GameSir G8+ is the complete opposite. It’s a big, telescopic controller that makes mobile gaming feel more like console gaming.
The G8+ has a bridge-style design that stretches from 120mm to 215mm, so it can hold everything from regular smartphones to mini tablets like the iPad mini. It even has enough space for phones with large camera bumps, which many mobile controllers often overlook.
When you put it together, the controller is 230 by 107 by 55 millimeters and weighs about 314 grams. This might seem heavy compared to smaller mobile controllers, but it makes the G8+ feel solid and premium. The grips are designed for comfort, perfect for longer gaming sessions.
The button layout is similar to what you’d find on modern console controllers, with full-sized analog sticks in a familiar configuration. You also get responsive face buttons, a traditional D-pad, and all the triggers and bumpers you need.
One cool feature of the G8+ ($80) is its Hall Effect technology for the analog sticks and triggers. Rather than using old-school mechanical contacts, these sensors use magnetic fields to detect movement. This helps avoid stick drift problems that many controllers have and makes for smoother inputs over time.
The triggers also have a mode that lets you switch between full analog travel and hair trigger mode. Full analog is great for racing games, while hair trigger mode makes shooting games more responsive.
You connect it mainly via Bluetooth 5.0, so it works with a variety of devices like Android phones, iOS devices, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PCs. Switching between devices is easy with simple button combos.
The G8+ also has a built-in 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls, making it ideal for Nintendo Switch games that utilize this feature. Plus, it has a one-press wake function for the Switch.
Customization is a strong point for the G8+. You can swap out the ABXY button layout or change analog stick caps without any tools. It also has two programmable back buttons for extra shortcuts.
Using the GameSir app, you can remap buttons, create custom profiles, and adjust the controller for specific games. Dual asymmetric motors provide haptic feedback during gameplay, adding more immersion.
The controller has a combined 1000mAh battery split between its halves, which is enough for long gaming sessions.
Two Controllers, Two Very Different Gaming Styles
Seeing the Pocket Taco and the G8+ side by side shows that GameSir is aiming at two different sides of mobile gaming.
The Pocket Taco is small, light, and fun, designed for people who love retro games and want an easy way to turn their phone into a handheld gaming device.
GameSir’s latest controllers show just how flexible mobile gaming has become, whether you lean toward pocketable nostalgia or a full-on console-style experience in your hands.
In contrast, the G8+ is for gamers who want a controller that feels more like a console. It has full-sized buttons, Hall Effect technology, and a telescopic design, making it better for serious mobile games or cloud gaming.
Both controllers have their own strengths. The Pocket Taco is great for quick, on-the-go gaming, while the G8+ is ideal for longer gaming sessions that need precise controls.
Having both in the office reminds us that mobile gaming is evolving in different ways. Whether you like a retro-style device or a more traditional controller, there are now options to fit both styles.
