Gaming enthusiasts worldwide are already familiar with the `Asus Republic of Gamers` and their bounty of amazing tech products across the gaming landscape. If you can think of it there is likely a ROG product that will help you gain that competitive edge, from the very best in gaming PCs, handhelds, peripherals, and even mobile phones. Our good friends at ROG have done it again and bolstered their lineup even further with their latest mobile controller the ROG Tessen.

One of my biggest loves for everything tech-related is innovation and seeing how far these new ideas can make a product perform more effectively. I would never have spared a thought for the humble package to be considered innovative. ROG has taught me the valuable lesson that innovation is everywhere. Not only does the packaging keep the product safe and secure, but it also doubles as a convenient controller stand.

In the box, you’ll find a quick start guide, warranty card, and the ROG Tessen controller folded neatly underneath the documentation. With the controller unboxed and unfolded, it was time to take the visual tour. In the centre, you will notice the all-too-familiar ROG logo emblazoned onto the rubber pad that prevents your phone from moving around when connected to the controller. Also aiding in this slip prevention are rubber strips that you will install under the inner lip on each side.

The top surface of the controller is a smooth, semi-gloss black plastic with a gloss ROG pattern that stretches diagonally from the top left to the bottom right. The underside feels grippy with its combination of rubber and textured finish. No ROG is complete without RGB, which you’ll find running down the outer edge of the controller.

One of the issues I’ve had with mobile controllers like the Backbone is that inserting and removing my phone felt cumbersome and put stress on my USB C port. Eventually, this stress on the USB C port will lead to breakage, so when I saw that the ROG Tessen featured a unique foldable design, I felt an instant relief. Not only does this folding design make it easier to plug in my phone, but it also adds some extra portability. Being able to fold it up and pop it into my bag has made me even think twice about bringing my Nintendo Switch when out and about.

The extended USB C connector allows a wide range of phones with protective cases to be used with the controller. I tend to drop my phone frequently, so I have a 12mm thick protective case on it and had no issues connecting to the controller. The USB C port on the bottom of the controller will keep you playing without the fear of the dreaded low-battery notification, thanks to its 18W fast pass-through charging. Being able to play ranked matches on Bloodstrike without interruption was a Godsend.

Face buttons and D-pad have a wonderfully tactile feel. Clearly built to last thanks to the high-quality mechanical switches. In games where button timing was most crucial, the insane rapid response of these buttons and 500hz polling rate benefited me greatly, making it much easier to nail the timing.

The thumbsticks and shoulder buttons share a satisfying audible click. The concave of the thumbstick feels very similar to an Xbox controller, though they are a little smaller in surface area.

Standing at 18mm in height made the thumbsticks feel precise while making the transition from stick to button smooth and comfortable without the stress on the old thumbs. Trigger buttons feel almost identical to the Dualshock 4, with a great balance of tension, rebound, and performance.

The rear aluminium paddles on the back of the controller are aimed squarely at the competitive gamer. These paddles are pre-assigned to the A and B buttons out of the box but can be assigned to any button. You can assign on the fly by simply holding the ROG button and the paddle you wish to assign, then press the button you wish to assign to the paddle. Paddle buttons can also be assigned within the Armoury Crate app. Unlike the clicky sound of the shoulder buttons, the rear paddles have more of a soft touch activation. They may have a soft activation but pulling off complex movement goes just as hard.

I might not be the biggest fan of RGB lighting though I can’t deny the flair and personality it provides. Expecting to suffer a similar battery drain on my device as I had with the ROG Delta S USB C headset. I was pleasantly surprised by how little the RGB lighting impacted battery life. So now that the controller was looking cool it was time to give it my personal touch with the Armoury Crate app.

The Armoury Crate app is just as easy to use as its PC counterpart. With the app running and the controller connected you can truly make the Tessen your own. Spice up your RGB, select from 1 of 7 effects, customise colours and you’ll be looking slick in no time. Map your buttons or even processes like taking screenshots.

On top of being able to customise your controller, you will also be able to update the firmware. I was most excited by the ability to update the firmware, hopefully, an update will allow me to use the controller with COD Mobile, the only game I couldn’t seem to get the controller to work with.

Overall the ROG Tessen is the must-have controller for any mobile gamer. There is a lot to love about this controller, it is comfortable, looks incredible, and innovates where others have failed. The foldable design adds portability and gives me peace of mind knowing I’m less likely to break my USB C port. Pass-through charging will keep you gaming for extended periods. The mappable back paddles will have you pulling off some wicked moves just like the pros.

I’m going to have the hardest time now choosing to bring my switch out and about with me. If you’re looking for a mobile controller that is sure to give you that competitive edge then the ROG Tessen is for you.

Written by: Gary Nielsen