gamesir's pocket taco converts your smartphone into a retro-style handheld console

pocket taco: the nostalgic handheld console reimagined

At CES 2026, GameSir unveiled its Pocket Taco, a device that feels familiar at first glance. The compact controller’s proportions echo early handheld gaming consoles while adapting to the dimensions of a smartphone. Held upright, the device frames the screen vertically to mimic the experience of a classic arcade format, leaning on 8-bit nostalgia through its posture and scale.

That familiarity extends to the way the Pocket Taco asks to be used. A smartphone snaps into a clamp-style grip, thus transforming into a self-contained handheld. Once seated, the screen sits close to the controls to create a focused playing field which nods to the gameboy-like consoles of decades past.

image via GameSir

gamesir’s intuitive layout

GameSir designs its Pocket Taco with a straightforward control layout. ABXY buttons, a d-pad, and shoulder controls sit within easy reach. The spacing encourages relaxed grip positions, allowing thumbs to move naturally without stretching across the surface. While it’s capable for longer play, the experience favors immediacy so that it’s accessible for first-time users.

Power comes from an internal battery, allowing the Pocket Taco to operate independently from the phone. A hollowed base keeps the charging port accessible, so play can continue even while the phone charges.

images via GameSir

designed to move with you

At pocket scale, the Pocket Taco emphasizes mobility. Its low weight and compact footprint make it easy to carry, supported by a simple storage case that protects the controller between sessions. Folded down, it slips easily into a jacket or bag, reinforcing its role as something meant to travel rather than stay docked at home.

In use, that portability translates into flexibility. The controller can be taken out, set up, and put away with little effort, fitting into short breaks or longer commutes alike. The experience feels casual and repeatable, shaped around moments rather than extended setups.

image via GameSir

restrained colors and surface materials

Color and material choices reinforce the Pocket Taco’s calm presence. A soft gray body and muted buttons reference arcade hardware without relying on overt decoration. The vintage influence comes through proportion and texture, allowing the controller to feel contemporary while carrying visual cues from earlier eras.

Details stay understated. Buttons, d-pad, and triggers sit flush with the shell, offering clear tactile feedback without visual noise. No single element dominates, allowing the overall form to remain cohesive and quiet.

The clamp area introduces a softer note through silicone padding. This layer protects the phone while also adding comfort, balancing the harder geometry of the shell. It acknowledges that the controller shares space with a device already marked by daily use, aligning the Pocket Taco with that same rhythm.

image via GameSir