The best retro handheld alternative
Android 8.0 or above Bluetooth
Switch/Switch 2 Bluetooth
| Status | description |
|---|---|
| Power On | Pull the controller open, or press and hold the Home button for 3 seconds while closed to power on. |
| Power Off | Close the controller for 5 seconds, or press and hold the Home button for 5 seconds while powered on to power off. |
| Standby | The controller will automatically power off if there is no operation for 10 minutes while connected. |
| Charging | The controller can be charged via the data cable. When charging while powered off, the indicator will show the charging progress with a breathing light effect. |
| Battery Level | The current battery level is indicated by the number of indicator lights. |
| Check Mode | Press and hold the M button to check the current mode of the controller via the indicator light pattern. |
| Status | Indicator | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connected | Solid | The device is successfully connected. |
| Pairing | Flash Rapidly | In pairing status, it can be discovered and connected by a new device. |
| Reconnecting | Flash Slowly | In reconnecting status, it automatically connects to the last successfully connected device. Press and hold the M and Home buttons for 2 seconds to force the controller into pairing mode. |





Press and hold the Home and Start buttons for 3 seconds to restore the controller’s custom functions to their default settings.



Press and hold the M and B buttons for 2 seconds to swap button values of A-B and X-Y.

Press and hold the M button and L2 for 5 seconds to swap the functions of L1 and L2.

Press and hold the M button and R2 for 5 seconds to swap the functions of R1 and R2.


Press and hold the M button and D-Pad Left for 5 seconds to switch the D-Pad function to Left Stick function.

Press and hold the M button and D-Pad Right for 5 seconds to switch the D-Pad function to Right Stick function.

Press and hold the M button and D-Pad Up for 5 seconds, or repeat the D-pad switching combination, to restore the D-pad to its original function.

It’s compatible with Android and other supported devices.
Yes, it uses a Bluetooth connection for wireless gameplay.
The Pocket Taco is optimized for phones with a thickness of 5.6-11 mm, providing the most secure and stable grip within this range. Phones thicker than 11 mm can still be used, but grip stability may be reduced. For best results, we recommend using thicker phones in relatively stationary scenarios.
Yes. The Pocket Taco supports software customization through the GameSir app. You can switch the ABXY layout, toggle keyboard mode, remap button values, enable D-pad diagonal lock, swap D-pad and stick functions, adjust the auto-sleep interval, switch trigger and bumper functions, and enjoy full G-Touch and V-Touch support. Some settings can also be adjusted via on-the-fly button combinations, ensuring seamless adjustments during gameplay.
Yes. The Pocket Taco is powered by a built-in 600 mAh battery and requires charging for use.
No. The clamp area is equipped with soft silicone pads to protect your phone from scratches and damage while keeping it securely in place during gameplay.
For Android users, enable the mapping function in the game list of the GameSir World app by following the G-Touch tutorial shown in the screenshot: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2241/8433/files/425a96df4bff7114defc1670fd28eb2b.png?v=1739350140
Once mapping is enabled, launch your game through the app. An in-game floating controller icon will appear on the screen: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2241/8433/files/92293cb8ae788980fcb6b0e048f236b1.png?v=1739350148
If you encounter issues activating V-Touch mode, refer to the official tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqP2za4QfUY
Full PC activation guide for V-Touch: https://gamesir.com/pages/gamesir-activation-tutorial?_pos=1&_sid=a0bf37aff&_ss=r
Notes: Touch Mapping functions (G-Touch / V-Touch) are unavailable on iOS devices including iPhone and iPad due to system restrictions. However, most natively controller-supported iOS titles such as Genshin Impact support plug-and-play without extra mapping activation. Compared with Android, iOS features broader native controller compatibility across most mobile games.
We do not sell separate spare parts such as controller internal components, replacement buttons, USB ports, standalone receivers, or other internal repair parts. All original bundled accessories included with controllers are not available for individual purchase.
The following items are the only official accessories sold separately:
You can browse all separately sold official accessories via this link: https://gamesir.com/collections/gamesir-accessories
This issue is triggered by iOS’s Shared Gestures function for game controllers.
To disable Shared Gestures and prevent unintended screenshots when using your controller with iPhone or iPad, follow the steps below:
If you are using a Gmail account for login, try switching to an alternative email address if available.
Important reminder: An account is only required for cloud backup of screen mappings. Login is not mandatory if you encounter persistent login difficulties.
If you cannot activate screen touch and controller input simultaneously, confirm that you are using V-Touch Mode and turn on Intensive Mapping.
HID Mode (the foundation of G-Touch) has inherent limitations imposed by its connection protocol. As a result, its performance is marginally inferior to other modes, and this behavior is normal. If this leads to in-game issues, we recommend switching to V-Touch mapping enabled.
For iPhone and iOS users: Apple restricted custom mapping features starting from iOS 13.4. Accordingly, the game library and mapping functions are no longer supported. When gaming on iOS, pair the controller following the recommended procedure and launch your game directly without opening the GameSir app. The GameSir app can still be used solely for firmware updates and controller configuration adjustments.
To roll back firmware: Click the Other Version link on the firmware update page and select the previous stable firmware version.
Detailed operation path within the GameSir app:
iOS imposes specific compatibility requirements. Controllers require either an MFi license or Bluetooth connectivity to achieve full functionality. Most GameSir controllers do not carry MFi certification and therefore lack full access under iOS. The X3 Pro serves as an exception. As a premium model, it supports Bluetooth connection to enable complete compatibility with iOS.
Enable Pro Controller Wired Communication following the steps below:
G-Touch supports mapping configuration without persistent auxiliary apps. You can connect and play mobile games directly after setup!
Connecting gaming peripherals to smart devices often involves complicated operations due to system limitations, resulting in poor user experience. GameSir has continuously developed and upgraded technologies to resolve such troubles. You can understand G-Touch as follows: G-Touch direct-connect technology simulates a virtual touch peripheral on your phone or tablet. Commands sent by the GameSir controller are identified as native system input signals, which means all controller operations act as direct screen touches.
Controller operation = physical touch operation (no overlay mapping)
In this mode, the GameSir controller runs in an invisible state on the device. The advantages are listed below:
G-Touch direct-connect technology works with Android devices for the following controllers released after 2023: G8 Galileo / G8+, X3 Pro, X2 Bluetooth / Type-C, X2s Bluetooth / Type-C, G4 PRO Wireless Controller, and more.
Notes: Apple blocks third-party mapping functions. Therefore, G-Touch cannot be used on iPhones and iPads. iOS devices only support games with native controller support. If you need controller compatibility for a game, please reach out to the game developer.
G-Touch activation & button mapping tutorial for Android phones and tablets: https://youtu.be/aZ-rVEQDcYc?si=M6F6co_M5GNS8RZM
Controllers equipped with a gyroscope are listed below:
Xbox Controllers (Gyro function only available on PC): G7 Pro, G7 Pro Wuchang, G7 Pro Zenless Zone Zero, Tarantula Pro Xbox, T7 Pro Sugar Whirl.
PC Controllers: SuperNova, Cyclone 2, Tarantula Pro, Tarantula Pro 8K, Nova, G7 Pro 8K.
Mobile Controllers: G8+, X5S, X3 Pro, G8+ MFi (Android only)
G-Touch vs V-Touch Explanation In short, G-Touch directly transmits touch signals to the screen. When mapped, it behaves identically to physical finger contact. V-Touch is a system-level virtual simulation of screen touches.
We recommend using G-Touch whenever available for broader game compatibility.
V-Touch Mapping Activation Guide for GameSir X4 Aileron Video walkthrough: https://youtu.be/vqP2za4QfUY?t=38
Software Mapping (V-Touch) requires activation via either a PC tool or Wireless Debugging on a shared Wi-Fi network; it cannot function without completing one of these two activation workflows.
Overview of Available Functions
Recommended Solution Access preset configurations created and shared by other users. You may also share your custom setups after logging into the GameSir app.
Add Button Map the joysticks, individual buttons, or even multi-button combinations.
Additional Functionality Inside the layout editor, select any mapped element. Tap the ⚙️ icon to assign extra features to that binding.
Click Mode
Turbo Mode Generates rapid repeated screen taps. The turbo speed can be adjusted.
Skill Wheel Mode Link the assigned button to the left or right joystick (or both) to operate a skill wheel.
Cast Cancel Mode Designed for MOBA games that support drag-to-cast cancellation. Map this function to the cancel zone to interrupt attacks or skills.
One-button Macro Trigger a sequence of timed screen taps automatically. Ideal for executing high-DPS combos in gacha games.
Gesture Mode Record touch inputs, swipes and other motions, then bind the recorded gesture to a controller button. The placement of the virtual button does not impact gesture playback.
Cloned Mode Duplicates the mapped function. Both outputs activate simultaneously on button press or release.
Sliding Mode Set directional sliding gestures with customizable movement speed; looping is supported.
Click Range Mode Configure a button to cover and activate a broad region instead of a single small spot on screen.
More Settings
Configure Generic Controller in Steam
Important tip: When prompted to press the Home/Guide button and Share/Capture button during device input setup, skip these prompts by pressing the A button.
Microsoft imposes certain restrictions, so XInput functionality is unavailable via Bluetooth connection.
For PC gaming, we recommend using the official USB wireless receiver included with the controller. This supports wireless XInput mode while maintaining low latency. If you prefer to stay in Bluetooth Mode, launch your games through Steam to utilize Steam’s built-in controller mapping features.
No worries, all GameSir controllers are equipped with overcharging protection, whether used with a charging dock or not. Charging will automatically stop once the controller reaches full battery. Normally, the indicator light turns off upon full charge.
Let us know if you found this helpful or if you need more information.
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