Play Games in Portrait Mode with New Tate Mode Mini Controller!

If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably encountered the challenge of playing vertical arcade games on your phone and found the experience less than ideal. A modder named Max Kern has come up with an innovative solution—the Tate mode mini controller—aiming to address this long-standing issue. But does it truly solve the problem?

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

Max Kern, a creative modder, has developed a compact USB-C gamepad specifically for portrait-mode gaming, which is also known as Tate mode. This tiny controller connects directly to your phone’s USB-C port, eliminating the need for Bluetooth, additional charging, or batteries.

Max crafted the Tate Mode mini controller using a Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip and utilized 3D printing for the case and buttons, facilitated by 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.

What’s Your Opinion on This Tate Mode Mini Controller?

The controller employs the GP2040-CE firmware and functions 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 put on the USB-C port, as the gamepad supports part of the phone’s weight. This could lead to bending the connector over time, necessitating careful handling to support both the phone and the controller.

On Reddit, opinions are mixed. Some users admire the ingenuity but worry about potential hand cramps, while others find the design somewhat uncomfortable. It's worth noting that this isn't a commercial product but 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 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.