Exclusive: The new ROG Tessen Mobile Controller transforms ROG 8 into a veritable gaming handheld

Even though ASUS already has released its ROG Ally gaming handheld, the tech giant can easily transform the newly-leaked ROG 8 into another handheld device with the new ROG Tessen Mobile Controller.

This piece of hardware, leaked to us by a trustworthy source, looks like the perfect companion piece to have if you’re thinking about getting the ROG 8 phone, as it will take its gaming capabilities to the next level.

ASUS has taken the essence of the previous ROG Kunai 3 Gamepad and decided to give it a sturdy twist with additional RGB lights, capable of handling diverse gaming situations. The new ROG Tessen Mobile Controller looks more compact, and it has a firmer handgrip, but that won’t take away its versatility.

Its handgrips are expandable, and it allows for greater mobility, making it a perfect piece of hardware for every phone. It could be a wise purchase, whether you’ll own a ROG 8 or not.

It can be twisted and turned into various modes of play: you’ll have the handheld mode (perfect for the new ROG 8), the all-in-one mode, and the mobility mode, which pretty much serves all the mobile gamers out there. Plus, the ROG Tessen Mobile Controller’s additional Aura RGB lightning makes this device stand out: it’s sleek, subtle, and futuristic.

The controller can be connected to the ROG 8 phone through its wired USB-C connection plug, as you can see in the image above. This means the connection will have near zero latency, allowing for a seamless mobile gaming experience, without any sort of lags, or unresponsive behaviors.

Akin to its previous version, this controller is capable of providing real gaming experiences for mobile gamers everywhere: it combines real control keys with analog triggers and ALPS joysticks.

It will most likely come out in different color versions, but based on the exclusive images that we have, the black version is already looking incredible, as it emphasizes the subtle RGB lights without overdoing them.

When it comes to the price and the battery life, we don’t expect the ROG Tessen Mobile Controller to experience any major differences. This piece of hardware will most likely have a price of $139 to $159, and up to 6 hours of battery life in wireless mode.

It is expected to be released in 2024.