If you're an avid gamer, you've likely encountered the challenge of playing vertical arcade games on your smartphone and found the experience less than ideal. A creative solution has emerged from modder Max Kern in the form of a new Tate mode mini controller, designed to tackle this persistent issue head-on. But does it truly resolve the problem?
Traditional controllers are engineered for landscape mode gameplay, akin to using a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. Yet, we all recognize that classic vertical shooters and retro games require us to hold our phones vertically, much like scrolling through social media.
Enter Max Kern, who took innovation into his own hands. He's crafted a compact USB-C gamepad tailored specifically for portrait-mode gaming, known as Tate mode. This ingenious device plugs directly into your phone's USB-C port, eliminating the need for Bluetooth connectivity, charging, or additional batteries.
Max constructed the Tate Mode mini controller with a Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip and 3D-printed the case and buttons via JLCPCB. If you're feeling crafty, you can even follow his detailed tutorial on his YouTube channel to build one yourself.
Check out Max Kern's YouTube video on the Tate Mode mini controller to see it in action:
What's Your Opinion on This Tate Mode Mini Controller?
The controller utilizes the GP2040-CE firmware and functions as a standard HID controller, ensuring compatibility with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. This versatility is impressive for such a small device.
However, concerns have been raised about the strain it might place on the USB-C port. The gamepad's design means it partially supports the phone's weight, which could lead to bending the connector over time. Therefore, you'd need to carefully manage both the phone and the controller during use.
Reactions on Reddit are mixed, with some expressing admiration for the innovation, while others worry about potential hand cramps and overall comfort. It's worth noting that labeling it as a "product" might be a stretch, as it's more of a DIY project. Max has generously shared all the necessary firmware and print files on Thingiverse and Github, inviting enthusiasts to join in and create their own.
What are your thoughts on this innovative little gamepad? Share your comments and let us know!
Before you go, don't miss out on our latest coverage of the Zombie Survival Shooting RPG, Darkest Days, now available on Android.
