The CRKD Atom appears sufficiently small to be a recreation controller for a doll, but it surely’s designed to clip in your keychain for gameplay wherever you go. It’s a technique to have some enjoyable together with your iPhone when you end up with some sudden time to kill.
I performed with it, and whereas the whole lack of sticks significantly limits the controller, it’s doable to have enjoyable with retro video games.
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CRKD Atom iPhone recreation controller overview
When taking part in a hack-and-slash RPG or first-person shooter on an iPhone’s touchscreen, I discover it nearly not possible to maintain my fingers in the suitable spots on the display to hit the controls, so I find yourself pissed off. That’s why I strongly suggest taking part in superior video games in your iPhone or iPad with an exterior controller.
However that’s another factor to hold round. Even a really moveable one like the Turtle Seashore Atom Controller I reviewed earlier isn’t pocket-sized.
However the CRKD Atom actually is pocket-sized. You may take it anyplace you convey your automobile keys. If you end up ready round someplace, it’s at all times prepared so that you can do some gaming.
Desk of contents:
Such a wee tiny iPhone recreation controller
Photograph: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The CRKD Atom is lower than palm-sized. It’s a mere 2.7 inches by 1.4 inches by 0.6 inches, and below an oz.
It’s so small I’m grateful it has a loop to connect a strap — I linked an AirTag to it so I wouldn’t misplace the factor. Or I may have put it on my keychain.
Given the minuscule dimensions, there’s no approach for CRKD to slot in all the usual recreation controls. Plus, tiny joysticks would have been too fragile. So these have been neglected. It’s a design choice that’s considerably unavoidable however critically limits the video games that may be performed with the Atom.
Shoulder buttons and triggers are included, however are set side-by-side, not one above the opposite. It’s a clumsy association.
However the ABXY buttons are fairly good — agency and responsive — as is the one D-pad. And that saves the CRKD Atom.
You retain the wi-fi recreation controller charged up through a USB-C port. It’s nonetheless working within the first cost I ever gave it.
Overlook about fashionable RPGs and FPSs
Photograph: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Instantly drop any thought you might need about taking part in superior RPG or FPS video games with this tiny controller. Each one I attempted it with requires a stick to maneuver and one other to go searching. The CRKD Atom lacks each.
True, iOS and iPadOS allow you to change what buttons do, so it’s doable to make the D-pad simulate a joystick. That permit me play Lego Star Wars — a traditional favourite — and I loved that. However the restricted controls put each superior recreation I attempted out of my attain.
I’d be extra important of the side-by-side format for the shoulder buttons and triggers besides that the dearth of sticks stopped me from even strolling or trying round so difficulties in aiming or capturing are immaterial.
Enjoyable for retro video games
Earlier than I may pitch out the CRKD Atom, it occurred to me that retro video games didn’t require a full set of controls. They have been truly designed to work with comparable setups to this controller.
I instantly loaded up the retro recreation emulator Delta and was fortunately taking part in DigDug in below a minute. After which I moved on to Last Fantasy.
These video games have been performed with the Sport Boy Advance emulator. The CRKD Atom matches the straightforward controls of the GBA.
On the opposite facet of the coin, I couldn’t get Tremendous NES video games performed through Delta to acknowledge that this controller is even linked.
CRKD video
CRKD Atom iPhone recreation controller last ideas
Those that take pleasure in retro gaming on an iPhone or iPad would possibly get a number of enjoyable out of this tiny controller. It’s so very moveable you’ll be able to simply carry it in all places and at all times be able to kill a while gaming in your iPhone.
However the lack of joysticks eliminates most up-to-date RPGs and FPSs from the listing of video games playable with the accent.
★★★☆☆
Pricing
CRKD Atom prices solely $19.99. That low worth contributed to me not being extra harsh concerning the limitations of the wi-fi iPhone recreation controller.
Purchase it from: Amazon
Atom is available in a variety of colour combos. My pattern unit is gray, and there are additionally purple, blue, pink, inexperienced and extra.
CRKD offered Cult of Mac with a overview unit for this text. See our critiques coverage, and take a look at extra in-depth critiques of Apple-related gadgets.