If you're a gamer, you've likely faced the challenge of playing vertical arcade games on your phone and found the experience less than ideal. A modder named Max Kern has introduced a novel solution: the Tate Mode mini controller, designed to tackle this long-standing issue. But does it truly solve the problem?

Traditional controllers are typically crafted for landscape gaming, akin to what you'd use on a Switch or Steam Deck. Yet, many classic vertical shooters and retro games require holding your phone in portrait mode, much like scrolling through Instagram.

Max Kern, a creative modder, has developed a compact USB-C gamepad specifically for portrait-mode gaming, also known as Tate mode. This innovative controller plugs directly into your phone's USB-C port, eliminating the need for Bluetooth connectivity, charging, or extra batteries.

The Tate Mode mini controller is powered by a Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip, with its case and buttons 3D-printed via JLCPCB. If you're inspired to build your own, Max has shared 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 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's a potential downside: the setup might strain the USB-C port, as the gamepad supports part of the phone's weight. Users would need to hold both the phone and the controller carefully to avoid risking damage to the connector over time.

Feedback on Reddit is mixed, with some expressing concerns about hand cramps and discomfort, while others are more open to embracing this DIY innovation. It's important to note that this isn't a commercial product but a DIY project. Max has made the firmware and print files available on Thingiverse and GitHub, inviting enthusiasts to explore and possibly replicate his creation.

What are your thoughts on this tiny gamepad? Share your opinions in the comments below!

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