Asus ROG Tessen Review: A Contender in the Mobile Gaming Arena or Just Another Controller?

In the fast-changing landscape of gaming innovation, mobile gaming has taken a front seat for fans who are constantly on the go. As someone who cherishes gaming yet finds my time dwindled due to work and life commitments, I've increasingly turned to mobile solutions. Enter the Asus ROG Tessen, a gaming controller designed to provide on-the-go gaming convenience and performance. Priced at $109/£109, it aims to compete against strong contenders from brands like Scuf, GameSir, and Razer. So, how does the Asus ROG Tessen hold up in the ever-competitive mobile gaming landscape? This piece thoroughly examines the characteristics, effectiveness, and general attractiveness of this intriguing device, with a focus on whether it can truly enhance your mobile gaming experience.

First Impressions Matter

The moment I unboxed the Asus ROG Tessen, I was struck by its design. The controller is crafted from textured plastic and is surprisingly lightweight, a crucial aspect for long gaming sessions. This thoughtful design feature means that hours of playtime won’t leave your hands or wrists aching.

Ergonomics at Its Best

Comfort is paramount when selecting a mobile controller, and the Asus ROG Tessen delivers. The shape of the grips is excellent, allowing for a natural hold, which I found particularly impressive given its smaller dimensions compared to other controllers I've tested. While I’ve often leaned towards larger models like the Scuf Nomad, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable this smaller controller felt in my hands.

Offset Thumbstick Layout

True to many contemporary consoles, the thumbstick configuration is designed with the classic offset layout in mind. This setup features the left thumbstick positioned above a D-pad, while the right side hosts the action buttons accompanied by another thumbstick. This familiar arrangement makes adaptation seamless for those used to console gaming.

The Missing Hall-Effect Sticks

One jarring absence is the lack of hall-effect sticks, which have become a favorite for many controllers due to their resistance to stick-drift. Unfortunately, the ROG Tessen does not include these, which raises concerns about longevity and overall performance over time.

Paddles for Enhanced Gameplay

A defining characteristic of the Asus ROG Tessen is its dual programmable rear paddles made of aluminum. This feature is uncommon in mobile controllers, usually dominated by plastic buttons. I found these paddles to be a highlight, providing critical functionality that significantly enhanced my gameplay experience.

Tactile Button Response

The buttons on the ROG Tessen offer a satisfying tactile response, creating an immersive gaming experience. However, the clicky nature of the D-pad became a mild annoyance; it’s worth noting that while it adds feedback, it can also disrupt the quiet environment at home.

Innovative Hinge Design

Unlike typical mobile controllers that use a bridging mechanism, the ROG Tessen incorporates a unique hinge design. This innovation allows for effortless folding, making transportation simpler and safeguarding the connectors. While the controller connects seamlessly via a USB-C port, it's essential to acknowledge that compatibility is limited to Android devices, excluding a wide segment of users on iPhone.

Convenient Passthrough Charging

Battery life concerns are a common issue in mobile gaming, so the passthrough charging port located on the device alleviates worries about running out of power mid-game. This feature enables upkeep of extended play times without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Mapping Controls with Ease

The remapping of the rear paddles couldn’t be simpler, thanks to a function button situated conveniently on the front. Whether you prefer doing it on-the-fly through the controller or through the Asus Armoury app, flexibility is paramount in configuring your ideal setup.

Performance You Can Count On

In terms of gameplay, the paddles truly elevate the user experience, making them especially beneficial in fast-paced games like first-person shooters. Assigning tasks to these paddles allows for quicker response times, crucial during heated moments.

Thumbstick Comfort

While the thumbsticks serve their function, they fall short compared to larger, more premium models. For gamers with larger hands, the smaller thumbsticks can lead to discomfort over prolonged periods, making extended sessions challenging.

Minimal Latency with USB-C

The controller’s USB-C connection significantly reduces latency issues often experienced in Bluetooth devices. During gameplay, I found the performance consistent, allowing for a smooth experience irrespective of the titles I played.

Gameplay Experiences

My experience with the ROG Tessen spanned across multiple gaming sessions filled with various titles, both native and cloud-based. I engaged with popular games like Call of Duty and utilized services like GeForce Now and XCloud, which allowed me to assess the controller under varied conditions. While the controller mostly sufficed, there were moments where it failed to recognize commands initially, especially in demanding games.

Comparative Analysis with Other Controllers

When juxtaposed with other top mobile controllers, the Asus ROG Tessen does not quite hold its ground. The significant advantage lies in the rear paddles, but the overall construction and usability didn’t consistently surpass alternatives like the Scuf Nomad or GameSir models. Indeed, the ROG Tessen is commendable but also appears late to an already populated market.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

If you are just starting to explore the realm of mobile gaming, the ROG Tessen could serve as a commendable entry bridge—especially if you can find it at a discounted price. However, for seasoned gamers already well-versed in mobile controllers, exploring options like GameSir Galileo G8 or the Razer Kishi Ultra may yield a more gratifying experience. Ultimately, personal preference will play a pivotal role in finding the controller that perfectly fits your gaming style.

Concluding Thoughts

Reflecting on my time with the Asus ROG Tessen, its comfortable design and innovative features, particularly the back paddles, warrant recognition. However, considering its hefty price tag and the existing competition, I find myself hesitant to recommend it unequivocally. If you prioritize paddles and a lightweight design, it could be worth your consideration. However, in the broad realm of mobile gaming, options abound, and you may find more value in models from other brands that deliver improved performance in various areas.