The CRKD Atom Plus offers a remarkably compact design for gamers seeking a highly portable alternative to standard controllers. Measuring approximately 3.5 inches wide and priced at $29.99, the mini gamepad packs an impressive array of features despite its tiny footprint.
Features and Design Compromises
The $29.99 Atom Plus is about a half-inch smaller than the 8BitDo Zero 2 while squeezing in considerably more functionality. The device includes a pair of symmetrical analog thumbsticks equipped with anti-drift tunneling magnetoresistance technology. Users also receive shoulder buttons, triggers, rumble feedback, a dedicated home button, motion controls, and customization options through a mobile app.
Like many third-party controllers, the Atom Plus connects to multiple platforms, including PCs, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and Nintendo’s Switch consoles. Pairing requires holding the home button alongside a specific D-pad direction at power-up. While straightforward, remembering the exact combination can prove difficult without checking a manual or searching online, prompting a wish for pairing instructions etched onto the back alongside other technical data.
Testing primarily with the Nintendo Switch 2 as a travel accessory, the thumbsticks matched the size of original Switch Joy-Con sticks, making them smaller than the Switch 2’s built-in sticks. Although an asymmetrical layout is preferred, the sticks performed very well with added tension that aids precision movements despite limited travel.
The compact footprint introduces some ergonomic challenges. Front action buttons and the D-pad feel nice and squishy, but the controls feel crowded. Pressing down or right on the D-pad regularly causes thumbs to bump the left thumbstick, creating a minor distraction during gameplay.
Shoulder buttons and digital triggers utilize microswitches, meaning the triggers cannot support analog acceleration for racing games. While the two sets of top-edge buttons sit at slightly different heights, greater differentiation would prevent occasional accidental presses of the triggers when aiming for the shoulder buttons.
Customizability and Portability
App-based customizability stands out as an impressive aspect of the Atom Plus. Connecting to the accompanying mobile application allows users to monitor battery charge, disable rumble feedback, view a unique product number via an internal NFC chip, and remap controls. Remapping extends to dual-function shortcut levers that replicate the Switch’s plus, minus, and screenshot buttons.
These levers move up and down to successfully reduce front button crowding, though they feel rather small, reflecting the controller’s overarching theme. The tiny gamepad suits travel or everyday carry bags exceptionally well, though it likely will not replace a primary full-size controller for daily home sessions. Players must accept occasional ergonomic compromises for one of the smallest fully featured controllers available.
A dual-stick controller can hardly shrink any further without introducing excessive ergonomic hurdles. While CRKD achieves a careful balance for a portable, affordable, and capable controller, comparison arises with Microsoft’s larger Xbox Nano controller. Costing $20 more, the Xbox Nano offers analog triggers, a more spacious layout, and stubby grips that accommodate larger hands more comfortably.
