Asus ROG Tessen Unleashes Lightning-Fast Mobile FPS Performance
Asus ROG Tessen Review: A Solid Mobile Controller with a Few Quibbles
The Asus ROG Tessen is an excellent mobile controller that checks all the right boxes when it comes to delivering an immersive gaming experience on Android devices. With its solid build quality, ergonomic design, and impressive feature set, it’s well-equipped to handle even the most demanding games.
Durable Design and Ergonomics
The ROG Tessen’s metal rear paddles and folding mechanism are a highlight, providing both durability and convenience. While the angular design of the grips may not appeal to everyone, they offer excellent comfort during extended gaming sessions. The tactile face buttons and d-pad are similarly well-designed, with satisfying feedback that’s on par with some of the best PC controllers available.
Impressive Triggers and Thumbsticks
The triggers on the ROG Tessen are a game-changer, delivering quick yet satisfying motion that makes Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile a lot more enjoyable. The thumbsticks, while not sporting Hall effect technology, still perform well and offer impressive precision.
Disappointing iOS Support
There’s one major letdown, however: the Asus ROG Tessen doesn’t officially support iOS, despite being a wired controller. This limitation means users with iPhones will have to look elsewhere for a decent gaming experience.
Glossy RGB Lighting (and a Lack of App Support)
Another niggle is the underwhelming app that controls the impressive RGB lighting. It’s a shame, as colorful accents would have elevated the overall design.
Who Should Buy the Asus ROG Tessen?
Despite these minor issues, the Asus ROG Tessen is still a best-in-class mobile controller at its price point. If you’re primarily an Android user who appreciates a solid gaming controller, the ROG Tessen is an excellent choice.
Price and Availability
The Asus ROG Tessen costs $109.99 / £109.99 / AU$179 and is available direct from Asus or at online retailers like Amazon. While it’s a bit pricier than the Backbone One 2nd Gen ($99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.99), the additional features offered by the ROG Tessen make it a reasonable investment.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 7.5 in x 3.6 in x 1.5 in / 191.5 mm x 92 mm x 40 mm
- Weight: 0.29 lbs / 136 g
- Connection type: Wired (Type-C)
- Compatibility: Android
- Software: Armoury Crate
How We Tested
We tested the Asus ROG Tessen for over a month, pairing it with a Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and playing a wide variety of games. We also directly compared it to other top mobile controllers, including the Backbone One 2nd Gen, Turtle Beach Atom, Scuf Nomad, and Razer Kishi Ultra.
