Pocket Power Meets Gaming Performance

I'll admit it: I'm not the sort of gamer who streams live gameplay, hunts Achievements, or hosts marathon sessions. My gaming habits are decidedly casual — perfect for flights, hotel downtime, or a quick distraction between work breaks. My aim is purely to relax and have fun, not competitive play. That said, give me a flight to Hong Kong or a quiet hotel room with a turn-based strategy game or shooter, and I'll happily press buttons to unwind.

I've never been one to splurge on high-end gaming gear; most of my controllers cost under SGD 50. However, everything changed after I discovered the ASUS ROG Tessen.

A Premium Gaming Companion on the Go

The first time I spotted the Tessen was on board a flight. I noticed a fellow passenger engrossed in his mobile game, wielding a sleek, foldable controller I hadn't seen before. It felt premium and sleek and came with that unmistakable ROG flair. My older BSP N02 felt bulky in comparison.

Once I landed, I scoured the internet, comparing it to Razer Kishi V2, Backbone One and GameSir X3 Pro. Ultimately, the aesthetics, premium feel, and console-like vibe compelled me to take a risk and splurge on a mobile controller priced above SGD 150.

Fast forward several weeks of testing — including FPS, action-adventure, and competitive cloud gaming — the ASUS ROG Tessen has undeniably proven itself as one of the best mobile controllers on the market. In this first-person deep dive, I'll share why it stands out, what holds it back, and whether it's a worthwhile investment for casual and serious gamers.

Why does the ROG Tessen appeal to Me?

The ROG Tessen appeals to me because it perfectly bridges my love for gaming and my need for travel convenience. As someone who games casually rather than competitively, ASUS ROG Tessen's compact folding design allows me to stow it in my travel bag or even slip it into a jacket pocket without fuss. Its mechanical buttons and programmable rear paddles lend a premium feel, transforming my smartphone into a pocket console without compromising performance. The zero-latency USB-C wired connection eliminates concerns about Bluetooth lag, and the passthrough charging ensures that my gaming doesn't interrupt my phone's other functions. While I don't often sink hours into gaming marathons, the ROG Tessen slots neatly into my lifestyle, making every quick gaming session on a flight or hotel room feel much more special.

Unboxing and First Impressions of the ASUS ROG Tessen

The Unboxing Experience

Unboxing the ASUS ROG Tessen was nothing short of impressive. From the moment I looked at the packaging, I could tell it was a premium product. The box itself was sleek, sturdy, and carefully designed, embodying the same quality level as the controller. Inside, the controller sat securely nestled among various rubber support pads tailored for different phone sizes, indicating ASUS's meticulous attention to detail. Cleverly, part of the box's inner compartment even doubled as a reusable stand for the controller, which I found practical and indicative of the brand's thoughtful design approach.

• ROG Tessen: A premium foldable mobile gaming controller designed for Android users, offering console-level performance in a compact form.
• Rubber Support Pads: Customisable inserts that ensure a secure and snug fit for various phone sizes and cases.
• Reusable Controller Stand: A cleverly designed fold-out compartment from the box that doubles as a stable stand for the ROG Tessen during rest or display.
• Quick Start Guide: A handy booklet providing essential setup instructions and an overview of the controller's features.
• Warranty Card: Official documentation that outlines the product’s warranty coverage and support information.

Initial Thoughts on Design and Build Quality

Holding the folded ROG Tessen for the first time was an instant “ah, this is nice” moment. Measuring just under 100 × 95 × 85 mm and weighing only 136 grams, it felt surprisingly lighter than the water bottle I carry daily. Its build quality impressed me, too. Crafted from textured matte plastic, the controller is reinforced with aluminium wherever it folds and flexes, ensuring it's robust enough for travel without adding unnecessary bulk.

The Tessen's distinctive design instantly identifies it as part of the ASUS ROG family. With angular contours, subtle asymmetries, and a sleek RGB lighting strip, it has all the hallmarks of ROG's cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic — one that gamers have come to adore. However, beyond the visual flair, this design embodies an innovative and functional approach to the longstanding challenge of mobile controllers: striking a balance between practicality and portability.

Ergonomics and Usage Comfort

Pocketability and Portability

Unlike competing products such as the  Razer Kishi V2, Backbone One and GameSir X3 Pro, the ASUS ROG Tessen distinguishes itself with a clever folding design that halves its length when stowed. In its folded state, it's just about pocketable, though realistically, only if you wear cargo trousers or shorts with large side pockets. It'll create a noticeable bulge for most other clothing, and the analogue sticks tend to snag on the fabric when you're trying to retrieve it.

However, for those like me who often carry a small waist pack or crossbody bag for essentials like keys, wallet, smartphone and a pocket knife, the ROG Tessen slots in far better than your average, non-folding telescopic controller. It's compact without compromising build integrity and fits more naturally into an everyday carry setup.

Setup and Fit on a Variety of Devices

When unfolded, the ASUS ROG Tessen functions like any other mobile controller. It uses a reliable spring mechanism that allows both sides of the controller to extend and clamp firmly onto your USB‑C Android device. The spring provides a reassuring grip, and ASUS includes removable rubber inserts to fine-tune the fit depending on your phone and case thickness — a welcome touch for those using heavier-duty cases.

I tested the Tessen with my ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, both with relatively thick cases. The controller held both devices securely, even without the support pads or additional inserts. This makes the setup process fuss-free and straightforward, especially for those who don't want to strip their phone of its case every time they game.

Comfort and Control During Gameplay

Ergonomically, the ASUS ROG Tessen gets most things right. It's designed with sloped sides that widen towards the base, making it easier to hold securely over longer sessions. The textured surface on the grips and back of the controller adds to the tactile comfort and provides a reliable grip even during more intense gameplay.

Despite its compact dimensions, the controller fits my small hands comfortably. The Face buttons, D-pad, and shoulder buttons (L1/R1) are pleasantly clicky without feeling overly stiff. Their layout is intuitive and natural, allowing for seamless navigation and precise input. Their tactile feedback contributes significantly to responsiveness, especially in fast-paced games.

Rear Paddles: Effortless Precision

What truly elevated the overall comfort for me was the back paddle design. The ROG Tessen features two programmable aluminium rear paddles that are nothing short of excellent. Their positioning is spot on — my middle fingers naturally rested on them, and the actuation was smooth, gentle, and incredibly satisfying. Unlike other brands' rear buttons which can feel stiff, awkward, or prone to accidental input, ROG Tessen's paddles are discreet and tactile.

In shooter and action titles, I quickly configured them for quick reloads and ability triggers. The result was faster reaction time and more efficient hand positioning — no finger stretching or awkward contortions needed. It added a console-like finesse to mobile gaming that I hadn't experienced with other controllers at this price point.

Customisation and Control: Exploring the Armoury Crate Experience

Controller Configuration

The ASUS Armoury Crate app allows you to customise the controls of the ROG Tessen to suit your personal preferences. You can remap buttons and adjust specific inputs to enhance your gameplay experience. This is particularly helpful if you favour specific control layouts across different genres or titles.

Limitations in Software Features

However, Armoury Crate feels rather basic in its current form compared to other brands' companion apps. It lacks features like game-specific profiles, curated recommendations, or even a dedicated launcher to streamline access to your favourite titles. More notably, it doesn't offer the ability to map controller buttons to on-screen touch controls, which means it cannot support games that don't offer native controller compatibility. This limits its versatility in more casual or mobile-first gaming titles.

RGB Lighting Personalisation

On the plus side, Armoury Crate allows straightforward personalisation of the controller's RGB lighting. You can choose from several lighting modes, select your preferred colour, or turn the lighting off entirely to save power or maintain a more minimal aesthetic. It's a subtle yet appreciated touch for those who enjoy customising their gear to match their style or setup.

Editor's Final Thoughts: ASUS ROG Tessen — Mobile Gaming on the Go

A Change in Perspective

After several weeks of hands-on testing, the ASUS ROG Tessen has reshaped how I view mobile gaming. What started as scepticism about whether any mobile controller could offer a console-like experience quickly turned into admiration for what ASUS has delivered. The Tessen didn't just meet expectations — it challenged them.

Strengths That Stand Out

For a casual gamer who appreciates thoughtful hardware, the Tessen's foldable design, mechanical feedback, and zero-latency USB-C connection proved game-changing. It transformed my phone into a reliable handheld console — ideal for travel, downtime, or commuting. While the symmetrical stick layout required some adjustment, and the lack of iOS support or auto shut-off are missed opportunities, these drawbacks are easily outweighed by the responsiveness, portability, and intuitive paddle controls. The RGB lighting may affect battery life at high brightness, but it adds to the Tessen's overall polish and premium feel.

A Premium Fit for a Specific Gamer

The ROG Tessen's value depends mainly on how and where you game. For Android users who frequently play on the move, its compact form, solid performance, and seamless setup easily justify the higher price. It may not be for everyone — particularly those seeking iOS compatibility or all-day ergonomics — but for gamers like me who prioritise convenience without compromising on quality, the Tessen earns its place as an everyday essential. It's a rare piece of gear that feels both practical and fun — and that, to me, is the true win.