Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Yes—if you play controller-friendly games on a compatible Android phone, the ASUS ROG Tessen can make mobile gaming feel more precise and comfortable. Its physical sticks and buttons, two rear paddles, wired USB-C connection and foldable design address real touchscreen drawbacks. But it is Android-only, physically tethered, and no controller can make a touch-only game support gamepads.
What the Tessen changes in actual play
A phone controller changes the way you interact with a game; it does not improve the phone’s graphics, frame rate, network connection or the game’s underlying performance. The Tessen’s potential benefit is a more direct control interface: analog sticks for movement and camera adjustments, buttons and a D-pad for physical inputs, and grips that let you hold the phone-controller combination more like a conventional gamepad.
That can mean less of the display covered by your thumbs and more consistent inputs than virtual controls, particularly in controller-friendly shooters, racing games, platformers, action RPGs, emulators and cloud or remote-play sessions. Whether it feels like an upgrade depends on the game, the player’s preferences and the game’s own controller implementation.
ASUS specifies a 500 Hz polling rate and markets the wired connection as providing near-instantaneous input. These specifications support the case for minimizing delay between a controller input and its delivery to the phone; they do not eliminate latency from the game, display, operating system, network or cloud-streaming service. ASUS’s product announcement gives the polling-rate claim.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Which Tessen features matter most?
Foldable design for travel
The Tessen folds inward, with the design protecting and aligning its USB-C connector for storage. ASUS lists folded dimensions of 94 × 92 × 85 mm, extended dimensions of 191.5 × 92 × 40 mm and a weight of 136 g. That makes the controller easier to stow than many extended-grip designs, but it is more accurate to call it a portable performance controller than a pocket-sized accessory: attach a phone and the whole setup is considerably larger. See the US specifications.
Mechanical buttons and console-style grips
ASUS describes metal-dome mechanical switches for the face buttons and D-pad, designed for short actuation and tactile feedback. Players who like a crisp, clicky response may prefer them; those who favor quiet, softer-feeling controls may not. The controller also has outward-extended grips intended to provide a more familiar hold than a slim phone clamp. Comfort is personal: hand size, the phone’s weight, button reach and session length all affect how the setup feels.
ASUS specifies an 18 mm right stick and a 22° range of movement. Those figures describe the hardware, not a guarantee of better aim or a competitive advantage. Stick calibration, game dead zones and a player’s own preferences still matter. ASUS’s product page describes the controls and design.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Two rear paddles for frequent commands
The two aluminum rear paddles can be assigned to face-button inputs using the ROG Button or Armoury Crate. In a supported game, a paddle can put a frequent command—such as jumping, crouching or interacting—within reach without lifting a thumb from a stick. That is most useful when a game’s controls and the player’s chosen layout make the shortcut worthwhile. Do not assume the paddles provide unrestricted macros or can remap every touch action in every game.
Wired USB-C and pass-through charging
The Tessen connects to an Android phone by USB-C and has no listed wireless mode. A wired connection avoids Bluetooth pairing and means there is no controller battery to charge, but the phone is tethered and its USB-C port is occupied. The Tessen’s pass-through port allows charging while playing; ASUS specifies up to 18 W pass-through charging and notes that actual speed varies with the phone, battery level, cable and power adapter. It is not a promise that every phone will receive 18 W in every setup.
Software customization
ASUS says Armoury Crate can configure button remapping, ROG Button behavior, lighting and functions such as screen capture or gameplay recording. Basic physical input and advanced customization are separate questions: the documentation cited here does not establish that every feature works identically on every Android phone, that an app is required for basic play, or that profiles and touch mapping behave the same across games and app versions. Check the current Armoury Crate support and permissions on your phone before buying if a particular customization is essential.
Rank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere — perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style — just close the grip, press down, twist 90°, and snap on a new top.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile — a timeless essential for any phone.
- PopSockets Ecosystem: Mix and match your favorite PopSockets products — from grips and wallets to cases and mounts — all designed to work together seamlessly.
Check phone fit before you buy
ASUS lists Android compatibility, phones up to 7 inches, and a supported thickness range of 7–14.5 mm. It says rubber support pads and an extended USB-C connector accommodate some cases, but warns that cases with ring holders or straps may not fit. A listed size range is not a guarantee that every phone with those measurements will clear the controller arms, camera bump or side buttons.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Confirm the phone runs Android and has a compatible USB-C port.
- Measure the phone with its case installed, and compare its thickness with ASUS’s 7–14.5 mm range.
- Look for a ring, kickstand, strap, unusually thick camera protection or other case feature that may obstruct the arms.
- Check the port position and whether the phone’s camera bump or side buttons interfere with seating it securely.
- Confirm the overall phone size is within ASUS’s stated limit of up to 7 inches, then check model-specific fit information if available.
The ASUS US specification page lists Android compatibility; USB-C alone should not be taken to mean iPhone support. Although the Tessen is not limited to ROG Phones, fit can still vary with a particular phone’s case, port and camera layout.
Controller support is a game-by-game question
A phone recognizing a controller does not mean every game will respond to it. Separate these cases when judging compatibility:
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
- Games with native controller support: These are the straightforward choice. Check the game’s settings or official support information for controller input.
- Cloud and remote-play apps: These can work well with physical controls when both the app or service and the game accept the input. Network and streaming delay are separate from the controller connection.
- Emulators: Physical controls can suit games designed around a gamepad, but compatibility and setup depend on the emulator and the game.
- Touch-first and competitive games: A connected controller may do nothing if the game lacks support. Some games have their own restrictions or inconsistent external-controller support, which can change with updates.
Armoury Crate customization should not be treated as a universal fix for games built only for touchscreen controls. If support is uncertain, look for the specific title’s controller settings and policies before relying on the Tessen for it.
Set it up and diagnose common problems
- Check fit: Measure the phone with its case on, and remove incompatible rings, straps or bulky attachments.
- Open and seat the controller: Fold the Tessen open carefully, place the phone in landscape orientation, then connect its USB-C plug to the phone.
- Test a supported game: Start with a title known to accept physical controller input. Check its own controller settings if inputs do not respond.
- Configure optional features: Use Armoury Crate if you want to customize buttons, the ROG Button, lighting or supported capture functions. Grant requested permissions for those features as needed.
- Charge for longer sessions: Connect a compatible charger and cable to the Tessen’s pass-through port. Delivered charging speed depends on the phone and power setup.
If the phone will not seat properly, remove the case and detachable accessories, then recheck the thickness and port alignment. If the controller connects but a game does not respond, reconnect before launching the title, check its controller settings and test a known compatible game. If one game works and another does not, that points to a difference in game support rather than proving the controller is defective. For unexpectedly slow charging, check the adapter and cable and consider whether the phone is limiting charging because of its temperature or battery state.
Who should buy it—and who should skip it?
The Tessen is a strong fit if you
- Play controller-friendly games on an Android phone that fits securely.
- Prefer physical sticks and buttons to touchscreen controls, or want to keep your thumbs off the display.
- Will use the rear paddles for frequent commands in supported games.
- Want a foldable controller and are willing to trade some pocketability for larger grips.
- Value a wired connection and charging through the controller during longer sessions.
Look elsewhere if you
- Need iPhone support, wireless play or a standalone gamepad.
- Mostly play touch-only games or competitive titles with restrictive controller policies.
- Need Hall-effect sticks or triggers, quieter controls or the lowest-cost option.
- Have a phone case or phone layout that prevents secure seating.
- Want the smallest possible controller rather than a folding design with substantial grips.
How it compares with alternatives
These options emphasize different priorities; confirm the exact model, supported phone and current regional price before choosing.
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
| Controller | Best fit | Advantage over the Tessen | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Tessen | Android players seeking folding portability and rear paddles | Foldable design, mechanical face controls and wired USB-C | Android-only, wired, and dependent on phone and game compatibility |
| GameSir G8 Galileo | Players prioritizing substantial grips and Hall-effect hardware | Official product information lists Hall-effect sticks and analog triggers, plus two mappable back buttons | Its full-size grip approach is less travel-focused than the Tessen. Official US storefront results have shown different price signals: $59.99 on one page and $79.99 on another, so check the current listing. |
| GameSir G8 Plus MFi | Buyers looking for an MFi-oriented full-size alternative | Secondary coverage describes MFi support, swappable button caps, vibration motors and Hall-effect inputs | Verify the exact model, supported devices and current price; the available information does not establish a comparable price. |
| Razer Kishi V3 Pro | Buyers who value broader device support and Razer’s ecosystem | Razer lists USB-C phones, iPad mini and Android tablets up to 8 inches, with Android/iOS positioning | Razer’s US page lists $149.99; it does not offer the Tessen’s fold-in-half design. |
| Backbone One | Players who want a mainstream mobile-controller and software-discovery option | Backbone lists iPhone and Android support and says its app is not required for basic controller use | It is less focused on the Tessen’s rear paddles, mechanical face controls and substantial grips. |
Sources: GameSir G8 Galileo product page and GameSir G8 Galileo collection listing; GameSir official site and TechRadar’s G8 MFi review; Razer Kishi V3 Pro product page; Backbone platform information and Backbone products.
Is the Tessen worth its price?
Price is a moving target, not a fixed advantage of the design. ASUS’s US product page has displayed $129.99, while its US buying page has displayed $109.99 against a $129.99 reference price. Those are different, date-sensitive listing signals—not a guaranteed current checkout price. Check the US product page and US buying page for current availability.
At a premium-controller price, the Tessen makes the most sense if its combination of folding storage, mechanical controls, rear paddles, wired play and pass-through charging matches how you game. If Hall-effect hardware or a lower price matters more, compare the G8 Galileo. If iOS or tablet support is the priority, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro or Backbone One is a more natural starting point. The best option is still the one that fits your phone and works with the games you actually play.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
