The mobile gaming market continues to expand rapidly. High-performance smartphones are now capable of running full console game ports, while cloud gaming services attract users with their versatility. Unsurprisingly, a wide range of accessories has emerged to make mobile gaming more convenient. Among these is the ASUS ROG Tessen controller, designed to transform a standard smartphone into a portable gaming console.
Positioning and price
The ASUS ROG Tessen is a portable gaming controller with a telescopic mechanism designed to accommodate smartphones of various sizes. Priced at $110, it aligns visually and in cost with competitors like the Razer Kishi V2 ($100) and Backbone One ($80). However, it stands out due to its unique dual-hinge mechanism at the center, allowing the left and right sides to fold outward at a 90-degree angle. Unlike inward-folding designs, this outward-folding mechanism leaves the front-facing controls exposed, offering less protection for the buttons during transport.
Features and equipment of ASUS ROG Tessen
The controller comes in a compact, square box made of sturdy cardboard. The packaging is designed with a clever mechanism: when you slide off the lid, all four sides unfold simultaneously, providing easy access to the controller and its accessories nestled inside.
The package includes:
- Seven rubber support pads (four left, two center and one right)
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
The ASUS ROG Tessen is an excellent mobile controller, particularly suited for FPS games, despite a few minor drawbacks. I was particularly impressed by its design, which features robust metal rear paddles and a unique folding mechanism that adds convenience for portability. However, one aspect I found disappointing was the lack of iPhone support. While I’m sure there’s a technical reason behind this decision, it still feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering that the iPhone 15 (and soon the iPhone 16) now uses the standard USB-C connector.
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Connection and usage
The ROG Tessen offers only wired connectivity and is compatible exclusively with Android smartphones equipped with a USB-C port. For charging the phone during gameplay, there’s a passthrough USB-C port located at the bottom of the right controller. It supports power delivery of up to 18W (9V|2A or 5V|1A). However, it does not allow data transfer or audio output to headphones. Unfortunately, a 3.5mm audio jack is not included either.
For more precise customization, you can use the Armoury Crate app, available on Google Play but not on the App Store, as the controller only supports Android smartphones.
In Armoury Crate, you can easily remap all mappable buttons, except for three: Options, Home, and Menu. The software also allows detailed customization of the lighting and all seven available effects, providing an extra layer of personalization for your gaming experience.
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ASUS ROG Tessen design
The controller’s body is made of matte plastic with sections of textured engraving, enhancing grip. Small rubber inserts on the back prevent the parts of the controller from rubbing against each other when folded.
True to ASUS style, the ROG Tessen features RGB lighting, elegantly incorporated as sleek lines that trace the bottom and side edges of the grips, adding a touch of flair to the design.
The shape of the “Joy-Cons” is fairly standard. Despite their relatively narrow width, they fit comfortably in the hands, with index fingers naturally resting on the bumpers and triggers.
The controller weighs 138 g, with an additional 10 g when rubber pads are attached. These pads allow for fine-tuning the fit, accommodating the thickness of the smartphone, protruding camera blocks, and cases.
The maximum phone thickness should not exceed 14.5 mm, ensuring compatibility even with models featuring very large camera modules. The telescopic mechanism allows for devices up to 180 mm in height to be securely placed inside.
In the ROG Tessen, the manufacturer opted for an asymmetrical layout (similar to Microsoft and Nintendo). The analog sticks are made of glossy plastic with concave caps covered in soft rubber. Visually, they resemble Xbox sticks but are 1.5–2 times smaller.
The sticks tilt up to 22 degrees, with the left stick being 18 mm taller than its right counterpart. During testing, no dead zones were detected—movements are registered with precision and smoothness, and in Game Tester, it’s even possible to draw circles with slight tilts. However, the L3 and R3 button functions are not supported when pressing down on the sticks.
The monolithic D-pad is positioned under the left analog stick, offering accurate input in all eight directions, thanks to the mechanical switches. Each press is accompanied by a distinct click and satisfying tactile feedback.
The ABXY buttons feature similar switches as the D-pad and are further enhanced with foam pads to reduce noise. When pressed, the actuation distance is 0.5 mm, providing a satisfying return feedback.
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Application
The software setup is straightforward with no complex configurations. You simply download the Armory Crate app, connect the controller to your phone, and you’re ready to go. However, the software isn’t as feature-rich as alternatives like the Razer Nexus app.
It seems like ASUS still has a lot to improve in this area. For example, one of the buttons — the one with the ROG logo — currently doesn’t seem to do anything. I pressed it in several games, but nothing happened. After checking other reviews, it appears to be a software oversight.
Experience of use
The ASUS ROG Tessen is well-suited for fast-paced games, especially first-person shooters. I was impressed by its quick response in Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile. The wired connection also eliminates any potential latency and makes passthrough charging easier.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the performance of the sticks, which have more than enough travel for making sharp turns in Asphalt 9: Legends.
As mentioned, the d-pad is quite small, which can make it somewhat stiff on your fingers if you’re playing d-pad-focused games. In addition to mobile games, the ROG Tessen performed well in cloud gaming, fully supporting services like Amazon Luna and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
My only real issue with the gamepad is its slightly awkward grip shape, which might feel uncomfortable for some during long gaming sessions. After several extended gaming sessions with the controller, I found that the grips start to dig into my palms after just a few hours. This won’t be a problem if you’re planning to play in shorter bursts.
Conclusions
The ASUS ROG Tessen is a solid option for mobile gaming and cloud services. It features mechanical switches for the main buttons, programmable triggers, and precise analog sticks.
The wide telescopic mount is compatible with any modern Android smartphone that has a USB-C port, and the unique folding design helps save space, making it ideal for even small bags.
It’s also worth noting that despite all these advantages, the price remains on par with similar products from competitors.
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