New Mini Controller Enables Portrait Mode Gaming!

If you're a gamer who's tried playing vertical arcade games on your phone, you might have found the experience less than ideal. Enter Max Kern, a modder who's crafted a novel solution: the Tate Mode mini controller. This innovative device aims to tackle the longstanding issue of playing portrait-mode games on mobile devices. But does it truly address the problem?

Traditional controllers are designed for landscape mode, akin to what you'd use on a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. Yet, many classic vertical shooters and retro games require you to hold your phone in a portrait orientation, similar to scrolling through Instagram.

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

To construct the Tate Mode mini controller, Max utilized a Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip and 3D-printed the case and buttons through JLCPCB. For those interested in building their own, Max offers a comprehensive 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, functioning as a standard HID controller, making it compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac platforms. This versatility is impressive for such a small device.

However, there's a potential downside to consider. The setup might exert some strain on the USB-C port, as the gamepad supports part of the phone's weight. This could lead to the need to support both the phone and the controller during use, with a risk of bending the connector over time.

Reactions on Reddit are mixed, with some users expressing admiration for the innovation, while others raise concerns about potential hand cramps and the comfort of the setup. It's important to note 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 tiny gamepad? We'd love to hear your comments!

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