Play Games in Portrait Mode with New Mini Controller!

If you're a gamer, you've likely experienced the frustration of playing vertical arcade games on your phone in landscape mode. A modder named Max Kern has introduced an innovative solution with his Tate Mode mini controller, designed to enhance the gaming experience in portrait mode. But does it truly address the issue?

Traditional controllers are optimized for landscape gaming, similar to what you'd find on a Switch or Steam Deck. Yet, classic vertical shooters and retro games often require you to hold your phone vertically, much like scrolling through Instagram.

Max Kern's creative solution is a compact USB-C gamepad specifically tailored for portrait-mode gaming, or Tate mode. This controller connects directly to your phone's USB-C port, eliminating the need for Bluetooth, charging, or additional batteries.

The Tate Mode mini controller was crafted using a Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip, with the case and buttons 3D-printed via JLCPCB. If you're interested in making one yourself, Max provides a detailed tutorial on his YouTube channel.

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Max's controller utilizes the GP2040-CE firmware, functioning as a standard HID controller, making it compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. This versatility is impressive for such a small device.

However, there are concerns about the strain it might place on the USB-C port. The gamepad's weight could potentially cause the connector to bend over time, requiring you to support both the phone and the controller during use.

Feedback on Reddit shows a mix of admiration and apprehension. Some users worry about potential hand cramps and the overall comfort of the device, while others are more open to embracing this DIY project.

It's important to note that the Tate Mode mini controller is not a commercial product but a DIY endeavor. Max has shared all the necessary firmware and print files on Thingiverse and Github, inviting enthusiasts to explore and possibly replicate his creation.

What are your thoughts on this innovative tiny gamepad? Share your comments below!

Before you go, don't miss our coverage on the Zombie Survival Shooting RPG Darkest Days, now available on Android.