If you're a gamer, you've likely encountered the frustration of playing vertical arcade games on your phone in portrait mode. It's an issue as old as mobile gaming itself. Enter Max Kern, a modder who's crafted a novel solution: the Tate Mode mini controller. But does it truly address the problem?
Traditional controllers are designed for landscape gaming, much like those used on a Switch or Steam Deck. Yet, classic vertical shooters and retro games often require you to hold your phone in a portrait orientation, akin to scrolling through Instagram.
Max Kern's innovative approach is a compact USB-C gamepad, tailored specifically for portrait-mode, or Tate mode, gaming. This tiny controller plugs directly into your phone’s USB-C port, eliminating the need for Bluetooth connectivity, charging, or additional batteries.
Max engineered the Tate Mode mini controller using a Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip, and he 3D-printed the case and buttons via JLCPCB. If you're interested in building your own, Max provides a detailed tutorial on his YouTube channel.
Watch Max Kern’s YouTube video on the Tate Mode mini controller here.
The controller employs the GP2040-CE firmware and functions as a standard HID controller, making it compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices. This versatility is impressive for such a small device.
However, there are some concerns. The setup might strain the USB-C port because the gamepad partially supports the phone's weight. This means you'll need to hold both the phone and the controller carefully to avoid damaging the connector over time.
On platforms like Reddit, opinions are split. While some users admire the ingenuity, others worry about potential hand cramps and discomfort. It's worth noting that this isn't a commercial product but rather a DIY project. Max has generously shared all the necessary firmware and print files on Thingiverse and GitHub.
What are your thoughts on this innovative Tate Mode mini controller? We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments!
Before you go, don't forget to check out our coverage on the Zombie Survival Shooting RPG Darkest Days, now available on Android.
