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

If you're a gamer, you've likely experienced the frustration of playing vertical arcade games on your phone in landscape mode. It's an issue that's been around for ages, but a modder named Max Kern has come up with a potential solution: the Tate Mode mini controller. The big question is: does it really solve the problem?

Traditional controllers are designed for landscape mode, much like those used 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 tiny USB-C gamepad specifically for portrait-mode gaming, also known as Tate mode. This compact controller plugs directly into your phone's USB-C port, eliminating the need for Bluetooth, charging, or extra batteries.

Max constructed the Tate Mode mini controller using a Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip and 3D-printed the case and buttons through JLCPCB. If you're interested in building your own, Max has provided a detailed tutorial on his YouTube channel.

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

The controller utilizes 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, so you'd need to hold both the phone and the controller carefully.

On Reddit, opinions are mixed. Some users admire the innovation but worry about potential hand cramps, while others find it uncomfortable. It's worth noting that this isn't a commercial product but a DIY project. Max has shared all the necessary firmware and print files on Thingiverse and Github, inviting enthusiasts to try it out for themselves.

What do you think about this tiny gamepad? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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