If you’re a gamer, I’m sure you’ve tried vertical arcade games on your phone and didn’t like the experience. A modder has come up with a new Tate mode mini controller which tries to provide a solution to the age-old issue. But the question is: does it really solve the problem?
Most controllers are actually made for playing in landscape mode, like on a Switch or Steam Deck. However, we all know that most old-school vertical shooters or retro gems demand holding your phone like you’re checking Instagram.
So, a modder named Max Kern decided to get creative. He has built a tiny USB-C gamepad designed specifically for portrait-mode gaming, sometimes called Tate mode. It plugs straight into your phone’s USB-C port. So, you don’t need Bluetooth, charging or extra batteries.
Max built the Tate Mode mini controller using a Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip and 3D-printed the case and buttons through JLCPCB. You can also recreate it using his tutorial that is up on his YouTube channel.
Watch Max Kern’s YouTube video on the Tate Mode mini controller here.
What’s Your Opinion on This Tate Mode Mini Controller?
It uses the GP2040-CE firmware and acts as a regular HID controller, so it works across Android, iOS, Windows and Mac. It’s pretty versatile for such a compact setup.
However, the setup does look like it puts a bit of strain on the USB-C port, since the gamepad ends up carrying part of the phone’s weight. So, you’d need to support both the phone and the controller when you’re holding it as there’s a risk of bending the connector over time.
Over on Reddit, reactions are a mix of admiration and concern for hand cramps. Some people are saying it looks uncomfortable, while some are a bit more accepting about this product.
Although calling it a product might not be correct since it’s more of a DIY project. Max has put up all the firmware and print files up on Thingiverse and Github. What do you think about this tiny gamepad? Comment and let us know!
Before leaving, read our news on Zombie Survival Shooting RPG Darkest Days on Android.
