Disclaimer: I used an AI tool (DeepSeek) to polish grammar and wording only. All opinions, testing, and conclusions in this review are my own.
Recently got the GameSir “Taco” — overseas price is around $35, but I used a coupon in China and paid $15 (retail price $21). I didn’t expect much, but after testing it, here’s an objective review.
What it is
GBA SP size, 62g. Instead of stretching sideways like most phone controllers, it clips your phone vertically. Yes, it blocks part of the screen – a deliberate trade-off for portability and that GB-like feel.
Retro games that fit this format (d-pad only, no analog stick needed):
GBA: Metroid Fusion, Castlevania, Pokemon – set screen to 1:1 or original ratio
DS: DraStic emulator with dual screens stacked – physical buttons plus touchscreen
Arcade vertical shooters (TATE mode): Dodonpachi, Raiden, 1942 – mini TATE setup
GB/GBC: Native ratio, no stretching
NES/SNES/Genesis: Works fine, but black bars on sides
Specs
Bluetooth, 600mAh (claims 30h), wake-up support
D-pad and ABXY rubber membrane, shoulder buttons metal dome
Works as regular Bluetooth gamepad without phone
Comes with protective case, charging cutout
No headphone jack
Downsides
Ergonomics: Modern phones are heavy. Top-heavy, shoulder buttons easy to mis-press. Hand fatigue after an hour.
Software: Their app is clunky. Screen scaling is manual to avoid blocking content.
Charging: Use ≤30W chargers – fast chargers might damage it.
Build quality okay, not premium. 3-month exchange policy (China only? Not sure).
Summary At $14–21, if you have a spare phone, just buy it without hesitation. At $35? That depends on how dedicated you are to playing vertical emulators with physical buttons. Is it worth buying from China? That depends on how badly you want physical buttons for vertical emulators — just keep in mind that the warranty may not be transferable.
But for $35 I can get a r3x variant which has a screen, why would someone choose this over that?
This would be used on your phone, for all of the advantages that may come with. From customization, battery life, portability, bigger screen, screen quality, or whatever else. It’s a device you are going to have with you anyway
I had a whole thing typed out about why this thing feels inferior to a standalone. Then I realized it could be used for games developed for mobile, not just emulators. I get it now lol