--- title: "Nintendo Switch owners may have a new portable gaming option" url: https://noti.group/nintendo-switch-owners-may-have-a-new-portable-gaming-option/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Technology" published: 2026-11-14T14:00:00.000Z updated: 2026-11-14T14:44:52.239Z id: 629f1b11-489a-4961-9bf0-9f2d12bb8fde source: "The Verge https://www.theverge.com/tech/1013985/crkd-atom-plus-tmr-analog-thumbstick-controller-gamepad-switch-ios-android-hands-on" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/nintendo-switch-owners-may-have-a-new-portable-gaming-option/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Nintendo Switch owners may have a new portable gaming option A new gamepad has been released that offers features and functionalities similar to larger controllers while being relatively small. Traveling with gaming consoles can be a hassle, especially when it comes to controllers. Families who own Nintendo Switch 2 consoles may find themselves bringing along full-size gamepads, as well as smaller alternatives like 8BitDo's Zero 2 controllers. However, these small controllers have their limitations, particularly for games that require analog thumbsticks. In search of a more portable option with the functionality of a larger controller, some gamers have been waiting years for an alternative solution. That wait may be over with the introduction of CRKD's Atom Plus gamepad, which packs in a range of features and functionalities while still being relatively small. Measuring just a half-inch smaller than 8BitDo's Zero 2, this new gamepad offers a significant upgrade in terms of functionality. One notable feature is the inclusion of symmetrical analog thumbsticks with anti-drift tunneling magnetoresistance technology, which should provide smoother and more precise gameplay. Other features include shoulder buttons and triggers, rumble feedback, a dedicated home button, motion controls, and customization options through a mobile app. The Atom Plus gamepad supports multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and its variants, PCs, Android devices, iOS devices, and various smart TVs. This versatility is a common feature among third-party controllers, allowing users to play their favorite games across different devices. To pair the Atom Plus with a device, you need to put it into Bluetooth mode by holding down specific buttons at power-up. The combination of buttons required for pairing involves the home button and a particular direction on the D-pad. This process is straightforward but can be tricky to remember, especially when switching between devices. I found myself frequently referring to the manual or searching online for guidance on which direction to press during device switching. It would be helpful if the pairing instructions were included on the controller itself, perhaps etched into the back alongside other technical information already present. The Atom Plus's design allows it to be used with the Nintendo Switch 2, which I primarily tested the gamepad with as a travel accessory. The thumbsticks on the Atom Plus are comparable in size to those on the original Switch Joy-Con but smaller than those on the Switch 2. The Atom Plus' dual analog thumbsticks are notable for their performance, offering a slightly firmer tension than those found on Nintendo's controllers that can indeed enhance precision in movement-limited situations. The gamepad's compact design does come with its own set of trade-offs, however, as the layout feels somewhat cramped at times. In particular, the D-pad and front action buttons have a pleasant squishy texture, but they're situated so closely together that it's not uncommon for my thumb to unintentionally graze against the left analog stick when using the D-pad. This proximity doesn't significantly impact gameplay, yet it can be a distracting annoyance nonetheless. The shoulder buttons and digital triggers are positioned at different heights on the Atom Plus, which is an attempt to mitigate potential confusion between these two sets of controls. The Atom Plus controller's mobile app allows users to customize its controls and settings through a seamless pairing process. This level of customization is particularly noteworthy, as it lets players tailor the experience to their individual preferences. Users can remap any control on the device, including the dual-function shortcut levers that mimic the Switch's plus and minus buttons. These levers are cleverly designed to reduce clutter on the controller's front, but they do feel a bit small, which is a common theme when it comes to this tiny gamepad. The device's design prioritizes portability over comfort, making it ideal for travel or stashing in your everyday carry bag. However, this compromise may come at the cost of gaming performance. When paired with its mobile app, users can access various settings and features on their phone, such as checking the controller's remaining charge, turning off rumble feedback, and seeing its unique product number through NFC interaction. This level of connectivity is a testament to the Atom Plus' innovative design and its ability to seamlessly integrate with other devices. Despite its many features and customizability options, it's likely that players will need to adapt their gaming habits to accommodate this tiny controller. The Atom Plus may not be suitable for regular gaming rotations due to its compact size and occasional contortion requirements. However, for those looking for a fully featured portable solution, the Atom Plus is certainly worth considering. The Atom Plus gamepad's compact size is a significant achievement in portable controller design, but its limitations are also apparent. Its dual analog thumbsticks are neatly tucked away within the device's slender frame, but they may not be to everyone's liking. Ergonomic considerations play a crucial role in any handheld gaming experience, and the Atom Plus makes some notable compromises to fit its features into such a small package. While it's certainly a capable controller for on-the-go gaming, there are other options available that might better suit gamers with larger hands or more demanding needs. The Xbox Nano controller, announced by Microsoft recently, is an intriguing alternative to consider, offering analog triggers and a more spacious design at a slightly higher price point than the Atom Plus. --- Source: [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1013985/crkd-atom-plus-tmr-analog-thumbstick-controller-gamepad-switch-ios-android-hands-on) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/nintendo-switch-owners-may-have-a-new-portable-gaming-option/