The Tessen Gaming Controller for Android is the latest mobile controller solution from ASUS. This compact, RGB-enabled controller aims to replace many of the bulky, cumbersome controller options on the market. With an interesting foldable design and specifically engineered to accommodate many cases, the Tessen offers some interesting features not typically present on a mobile controller. With so many options on the market, though, one wonders if there is enough to set the ROG Tessen apart from the rest.
Weighing 136g, the ROG Tessen is an incredibly light controller. Its unique folding design allows it to compress down to a mere 94mm L x 92mm W x 85mm thick, making it ideal for small bags, purses, or, dare I say, even fanny packs (not an endorsement).
When expanded, the ROG Tessen easily fits the latest Pixel 8 Pro. Even with the case still on, my Poco 6 had no issue fitting in place, thanks to the included rubber pads that can be slotted into place to accommodate said case. My only critique is the wear and tear of folding and unfolding the controller over time. At the moment when folded, the controller feels tight and securely in place. However, with time, I am not sure how well the tension system will hold up.
The controller is comprised of hardened plastic and aluminum. The result is an impressively sturdy, lightweight controller. This helps it stand out from many of the mobile controllers I’ve tested. Most opt for less expensive, thinner plastic designs, which, while lightweight, do tend to feel flimsy. The Tessen, by contrast, feels rugged and sturdy while still managing the aforementioned lightweight.
As for the controls, ASUS has included mechanical switches for the face buttons and D-pad, which results in a solid, tactile experience. Triggers and the programmable backpaddle button, likewise, feel great and offer the same tactile, punchy result I would want in a premium controller. The latter are comprised of aluminum, which I didn’t know I needed, but now I question why you would want anything else.
The analog sticks on the ROG Tessen are also quite impressive, offering a 22° range of motion. This translates to an impressively sensitive experience that feels more like a console controller experience than a mobile one. The thumb pads, likewise, feel in line with what I expect from an Xbox controller and are quite comfortable to use even after a long play session of Star Wars: Hunters.
“The Tessen also includes a wrap-around Aura RGB lighting strip, which draws power from the phone.”
The ROG Tessen also includes a wrap-around Aura RGB lighting strip. The strip wraps around each of the hand grips and draws power from the phone. While I do appreciate the RGB lighting, which at this point is a staple of most gaming peripherals, it does drain the battery a bit faster than I would like. It’s not a major issue, but I did find that despite liking the effect, I tended to simply turn it off to conserve battery.
Thankfully, the Tessen does offer 18W fast charge passthrough. The USB Type-C port is strategically placed as well, making it easy to charge and play simultaneously. Again, ASUS has worked hard to design the ideal controller for longer mobile play sessions, and port placement on the bottom of the grip is one way they achieved this.
Another way that ASUS worked to create a more comfortable controller experience was to opt for a bit thicker grip that feels quite comfortable in my bear paw hands. Many mobile controllers tend to thin out the grip to be in line with the more compact design of most mobile controllers. While this might be a fine design for people with smaller hands than mine, it tends to leave me with sore hands after a while. The Tessen, by contrast, never caused any pain in my hands and was wonderful to use, even for a couple of hours at a time.
“ASUS has included mechanical switches for the face buttons and D-pad, which results in a solid, tactile experience.”
Circling back to the RGB lighting and programmable back paddles, the mobile version of ROG Armoury Crate (available on iOS and Android) allows users to easily remap buttons and control the RGB lighting effects. The user interface is straightforward to use and navigate and offers enough customization to cater to mobile gaming needs.
In testing, the ROG Tessen performed exceptionally well. ARPG’s such as Diablo Immortal recognized the controller immediately and responded exceptionally fast to inputs. Likewise, FPS titles such as the aforementioned Star Wars: Hunters made me want to invest time and energy into mobile FPS, which is something I tend to stay away from since touch controls and FPS’ don’t mix well. However, with the Tessen attached, FPS titles took on a whole new level of play. It felt like playing on a console, and thanks to the USB Type-C connection, it was just as responsive.
The ASUS ROG Tessen Mobile Controller for Android is an impressive piece of tech. Its unique design, lighter weight and premium build all culminate in an excellent offering from ASUS.While there is some concern about long-term wear and tear on the folding components of the Tessen, it nonetheless feels sturdy and durable to use. It is also quite comfortable to use over long gaming sessions, making it one of the better mobile controllers I’ve tested. Priced at 139.99 CND, the ASUS ROG Tessen Moblie Controller is a great option for mobile gaming.
- Portable design: Foldable design enables ultimate portability, easily slipping into any bag
- One size fits all: Includes support pads of varying thickness to accommodate phones and cases of all sizes
