One of the coolest things we saw during this year’s COMPUTEX is ROG’s new Tessen mobile controller. Sure it’s not exactly new (it was announced back in CES but without local pricing) but it’s still a compelling product enough to warrant a mention and a quick hands-on during our time at COMPUTEX 2024.
In a nutshell, the ROG Tessen is essentially a mobile phone gaming controller that attaches to your phone via its USB-C connector. That by itself isn’t that revolutionary, but what’s cool here is that ASUS made it so that the Tessen can attach to your phone without having to remove your case.
That requirement was one of the most annoying things about using other mobile gaming controllers, and ASUS has gotten around that by using an extended USB-C port that’ll clear most phone’s cases, as well as using a sturdy, telescoping aluminum bridge to keep it in place while you’re gaming.
Like other gaming controllers, the Tessen folds up neatly when not in place, though it’s not exactly what you’d call portable when it’s folded. You’re going to have to use the included pouch with this thing when you’re traveling, though that’s to be expected with most game controllers like this.
In exchange for that bit of bulk, you’re getting what is essentially a console-grade controller that you can use with your phone. The Tessen uses mechanical keys on the main buttons as well as the d-pad to give you that console gaming feel, as well as two, customizable aluminum paddles on the back. You can also customize some of the keys and RGB lighting on the controller via ASUS’ downloadable Armoury Crate App.
The controller gives you better precision when you’re gaming, which makes the Tessen especially desirable for people who like to play with the sweatiest of friends in ranked mode. That amount of precision isn’t going to come cheap though, as ASUS has priced the ROG Tessen at $110, or around Php 6,466.35 with our current, terrible exchange rate. Take note that that price is liable to change when the Tessen finally arrives in the Philippines.
