Mobile gaming has evolved significantly, and with it, so has the demand for high-quality controllers. From stretchy telescopic controllers to wireless Bluetooth ones, gamers now have more choices than ever. But with so many options, choosing the best one can be a challenge. That’s where the ROG Tessen comes in. This premium USB-C mobile controller from ASUS offers a foldable design, low-latency wired connection, and customizable features. With RGB lighting and pass-through charging, it’s designed for serious mobile gamers.
But is it worth the premium price? Or are there better alternatives? Let’s break it all down.
Why I Chose the ROG Tessen Over Other Controllers
There are many gaming controllers on the market, so why did I go with the ROG Tessen? The answer is simple: it solves a lot of common problems with mobile controllers.
One of the biggest issues I have with Bluetooth controllers is that they need to be charged separately. With the ROG Tessen, that’s not a problem—it’s powered directly through USB-C, eliminating battery anxiety. I never have to worry about keeping another device charged just to play my games.
Another reason is latency. While Bluetooth controllers work fine, a wired connection ensures zero lag. For competitive gaming, this makes a huge difference, and the ROG Tessen has a 500Hz polling rate, making it one of the most responsive controllers available.
Portability was also a major factor. Unlike other bulky telescopic controllers, the ROG Tessen folds up, making it super easy to carry. It’s small enough to fit into a small bag or pocket, making it a great option for on-the-go gaming.
The build quality and button feel also played a big role in my decision. The buttons, thumbsticks, and triggers all feel high-end and responsive. Although there are a few minor complaints (which I’ll get into later), overall, the controller is comfortable and fun to use.
1. Wired USB-C Connection – No Battery Anxiety
One of the standout features of the ROG Tessen is its wired USB-C connection. Unlike Bluetooth controllers, which require their own battery, the Tessen draws power directly from your phone.
This means no need to charge another device. You just plug in and start playing, with no interruptions due to a dead controller battery. If you hate dealing with low-battery warnings, this is a huge advantage.
Another benefit of a wired connection is that it completely eliminates latency. Bluetooth controllers often introduce a tiny bit of input lag, which may not be noticeable in casual games but can impact competitive gaming. With USB-C, your button presses are instantaneous, giving you the fastest possible response times.
For reference, here’s how the ROG Tessen’s polling rate compares to other controllers:
| Controller | Polling Rate |
|---|---|
| ROG Tessen | 500Hz |
| Xbox One Controller | 125Hz |
| GameSir X2 Pro | 250Hz |
| High-end PC Gear | 1000Hz |
The higher the polling rate, the faster the response time. While 500Hz isn’t the highest possible, it’s still twice as fast as some competing controllers and ensures superb responsiveness.
If you play fast-paced games like shooters, fighting games, or rhythm games, the low-latency connection of the ROG Tessen makes a big difference.
2. Pass-Through Charging – Game Without Battery Worries
Another great feature of the ROG Tessen is 18W pass-through charging. This means you can charge your phone while gaming, ensuring your battery never dies mid-game.
For mobile gamers who play long sessions, this is a game-changer. Normally, using a controller means draining your phone’s battery faster, but with pass-through charging, you can game for hours without worry.
Although 18W isn’t the fastest charging speed, it’s enough to maintain or slightly increase battery life while gaming. If you’re playing something like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, your phone’s battery drains quickly, so this feature is incredibly useful.
It also means no need to remove the controller just to charge your phone. Simply plug your charger into the controller and keep playing. This adds a level of convenience that most Bluetooth controllers simply don’t offer.
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3. Folding Design – The Ultimate Portable Controller
The ROG Tessen isn’t just functional—it’s incredibly portable. Unlike most telescopic controllers, which remain bulky even when not in use, the Tessen folds up neatly, making it one of the smallest mobile controllers on the market.
This means you can easily throw it in your backpack, pocket, or even a small pouch. If you travel frequently or like to game on the go, this is a huge advantage.
The folding mechanism is also well-designed. Attaching your phone is simple:
- Unfold the controller halfway
- Plug your phone into the USB-C port
- Unfold the other half and stretch it around your device
This makes setup quick and easy, with no struggle to fit the phone properly.
For comparison, here’s how the ROG Tessen’s portability compares to other controllers:
| Controller | Folding Design? | Portability |
|---|---|---|
| ROG Tessen |  Yes |
Ultra-compact |
| GameSir X2 Pro |  No |
Bulky when not in use |
| Backbone One | No |
Compact but not foldable |
Clearly, the ROG Tessen wins when it comes to portability.
4. Controls & Build Quality – Premium Feel with Some Minor Issues
The buttons, sticks, and triggers on the ROG Tessen feel premium and responsive. However, there are a few small issues worth noting.
The Good:
Comfortable grip and ergonomic design Thumbsticks feel smooth and precise Responsive triggers with good tension
The Bad:
Clicky face buttons – Loud, which isn’t ideal for quiet gaming Mushy rear paddles – Hard to tell when pressed Awkward placement of Start & Select buttons
While these are minor complaints, they’re worth considering if you’re particular about button feel.
Final Verdict – Is the ROG Tessen Worth It?
Pros:
USB-C Connection (No battery issues, low latency) Pass-Through Charging (18W) 500Hz Polling Rate (Ultra-responsive) Folding Design (Super portable) Armory Crate Support (Customizable buttons & RGB)
Cons:
Clicky face buttons (Loud, not ideal for silent gaming) Mushy back paddles (Lack tactile feedback) Premium Price ($100 may be too high for some). Get it HERE>>.
Final Rating: 
☆ (4.5/5)
The ROG Tessen is one of the best mobile controllers available today, combining low-latency performance with premium build quality. If you want a portable, wired gamepad with no battery hassle, this is an excellent choice.
Would you buy the ROG Tessen? Let me know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions About the ROG Tessen Gaming Controller
1. Does the ROG Tessen support Bluetooth?
No, the ROG Tessen only works via USB-C. It does not have Bluetooth connectivity. This ensures zero latency and a more responsive gaming experience compared to wireless controllers.
2. Can I charge my phone while using the ROG Tessen?
Yes! The ROG Tessen supports 18W pass-through charging, meaning you can charge your phone while gaming. This is great for long gaming sessions, so your battery doesn’t drain while playing.
3. Is the ROG Tessen compatible with iPhones?
No. The device is designed for Android phones with USB-C ports. It does not work with iPhones, as they use a Lightning or USB-C port without controller support. If you need an iPhone-compatible controller, consider options like the Backbone One (Lightning or USB-C version).
4. What phones are compatible with the ROG Tessen?
This device works with most Android devices that have a USB-C port. It is officially compatible with: ROG Phone series (ROG Phone 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc.) Samsung Galaxy S series & Fold series Google Pixel series OnePlus & Xiaomi phones with USB-C
However, it does not support devices with a Lightning port (older iPhones) or phones that lack USB-C ports.
5. Can I use the ROG Tessen with a phone case?
It depends on the thickness of your case.
The ROG Tessen includes adjustable grips, allowing it to fit most slim to medium cases. However, if your phone has a thick protective case, you may need to remove it before attaching the controller.
6. Does the ROG Tessen work with cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass or GeForce Now?
Yes! The ROG Tessen is fully compatible with cloud gaming services, including: Xbox Cloud Gaming (Game Pass Ultimate) NVIDIA GeForce Now Google Stadia (discontinued but supported on third-party apps) Steam Link (for PC remote play)
Because it uses a wired connection, you’ll experience lower latency than with Bluetooth controllers, making it great for cloud gaming and streaming.
7. Does the ROG Tessen have Hall Effect thumbsticks?
No. The ROG Tessen does not use Hall Effect thumbsticks, meaning there is a small chance of stick drift over time. However, the thumbsticks are high-quality and durable, so drift is unlikely unless used excessively.
If you want a controller with Hall Effect thumbsticks, consider the GameSir X2 Pro or G8 Galileo.
8. Can I remap buttons on the ROG Tessen?
Yes! The ROG Tessen is fully customizable through the Armory Crate app. You can: Remap buttons to different functions Adjust trigger sensitivity Change RGB lighting effects Assign quick functions like screenshots or video recording
This makes it a great choice for competitive gamers who like to tweak their controls.
9. How much does the ROG Tessen cost?
The ROG Tessen is priced around $100. In the UK, it costs around £90, but you may find discounts during sales.
If this price is too high, you can wait for a sale or check second-hand options on platforms like eBay.
10. What are the best alternative controllers to the ROG Tessen?
If you’re looking for cheaper or different alternatives, here are some great options:
| Controller | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| ROG Tessen | ~$100 | Wired USB-C, Folding, Pass-through charging |
| GameSir X2 Pro | ~$75 | Hall Effect sticks, Xbox-certified, No folding design |
| Backbone One | ~$99 | USB-C or Lightning, Works on iPhone & Android |
| G8 Galileo | ~$75 | Hall Effect sticks, Tablet compatibility |
| Razer Kishi V2 | ~$99 | Wired USB-C, Android/iPhone versions, Pass-through charging |
The best choice depends on your budget and preferences. If you want foldability and a premium feel, the ROG Tessen is the top choice.
Final Thoughts
The ROG Tessen is one of the best mobile gaming controllers available today, but it’s important to consider your needs before buying.
If you prioritize wired performance, a compact design, and premium build quality, then it’s worth the price. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, the GameSir X2 Pro or G8 Galileo might be better options.
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments!
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