If you're into mobile gaming, you've probably struggled with vertical arcade titles - grabbing your phone sideways never feels quite right. One creative modder thinks he might have cracked the code with an ingenious Tate mode mini controller, but does it actually deliver?
Let's face it - most controllers are built for landscape gaming sessions on devices like the Switch or Steam Deck. Meanwhile, countless classic vertical shmups and retro games stubbornly demand we hold our phones vertically like we're doomscrolling.
A Clever DIY Solution Emerges
Enter modder Max Kern with his brilliant USB-C pocket controller specifically engineered for portrait gaming. The beauty? No Bluetooth headaches or battery frustrations - it plugs directly into your phone's charging port.
Max crafted this innovative controller using a Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip, with the sleek case and responsive buttons 3D-printed through JLCPCB. Want to build your own? He's generously shared step-by-step instructions on his YouTube channel.
See It In Action
Get the full breakdown straight from the creator:
The Big Question
Running on GP2040-CE firmware, this plug-and-play marvel works seamlessly across Android, iOS, Windows and Mac. But the internet raises valid concerns - that USB-C port looks like it's bearing considerable stress.
The Reddit community's divided. Some gamers foresee hand cramps staring at portrait screens for hours, while others applaud the ingenuity of making vertical gaming comfortable.
It's worth noting this isn't a commercial product (yet) - Max has open-sourced everything from firmware to 3D print files on Thingiverse and GitHub. What's your take on this vertical gaming revolution? Sound off below!
Before you go, catch our latest on the adrenaline-pumping zombie shooter Darkest Days hitting Android.
