Mobile gaming controllers are arriving at a rapid pace as smartphone emulation and on-the-go gaming continue to grow. What was once a market dominated by a handful of options has expanded to include dozens of retro-inspired accessories aimed at phone-based play.
At CES 2026, GameSir announced a new portable controller called the Pocket Taco, designed to turn a smartphone into a compact handheld while adding an extra layer of protection.
Unlike snap-on or magnetic controllers that attach to the outside of a phone, the Pocket Taco fully docks the device inside a rigid shell. The design supports phones of varying thicknesses and provides protection on both the front and back, rather than relying on a single connection point.
Pocket Taco docks your phone inside a protective shell
GameSir shared a short demo video showing the Pocket Taco working with multiple phones and highlighting features such as cushioned membrane buttons and an enclosed docking system. The controller is designed for use with emulators such as Delta, as well as standard mobile games.
Aesthetically, the Pocket Taco uses a gray color scheme inspired by the original Game Boy DMG. Its layout includes traditional face buttons and shoulder buttons sized for portable play, while the controls sit close to the casing to keep the overall profile compact when carried.
The Pocket Taco is not intended to function as a permanent phone case. Instead, it acts as a dedicated controller shell that phones can be inserted into when gaming and removed afterward.
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