GameSir is expanding its mobile controller lineup with a new option built specifically for portrait gaming. Called the GameSir Pocket 1 Vertical, this compact wireless controller is designed for retro gaming on the go and gives your smartphone a classic handheld feel—think Game Boy-style controls, with your phone’s screen acting as the display.
Instead of stretching across a phone for landscape play like most telescopic mobile controllers, the Pocket 1 Vertical clips onto the bottom half of your device and is meant to be used only in vertical orientation. GameSir first previewed the idea at the Tokyo Game Show back in September, and it’s now arriving as a budget-friendly controller priced at $29.99.
The design leans hard into nostalgia. It comes in a classic gray finish and features a traditional D-pad, ABXY buttons, plus Start and Select buttons that mirror the old-school handheld layout. GameSir also includes shoulder buttons on the back—tactile triggers and bumpers—giving it more flexibility than some portrait-focused alternatives that skip shoulder controls entirely.
Despite its small size, the Pocket 1 Vertical is built to be practical for everyday use. The controller expands to fit different smartphones and uses a secure clamp to keep everything steady while you play. It connects over Bluetooth, and GameSir says it works with Android phones along with other “compatible smartphones,” which suggests it may also support iPhones depending on device compatibility.
A thoughtful touch is the charging cutout at the bottom, allowing you to plug in your phone while gaming without removing the controller. Inside, there’s a 600 mAh rechargeable battery for the controller itself. It’s also lightweight and travel-friendly, weighing 62.2 g and measuring 3.07 x 2.79 x 0.81 inches—small enough to toss in a pocket or bag for quick gaming sessions anywhere.
Customization is another highlight. Using the GameSir app, players can remap buttons to match different games and play styles, and there’s also a keyboard mode available. Additional features include turbo support, plus full G-Touch and V-Touch support for broader gameplay control options.
The GameSir Pocket 1 Vertical is available for preorder now for $29.99 from GameSir. For anyone who enjoys portrait retro gaming—or just wants a smartphone controller that feels like a true classic handheld—this is shaping up to be one of the most affordable and pocketable options in its category.
