For a controller as small because the Atom from CRKD, you would be shocked at how a lot there’s to say about it. It’s miles out of your commonplace Bluetooth controller. Its light-weight and tiny kind appears like a present from a Christmas cracker quite than a bit of gaming {hardware}. However, it is a surprisingly nifty little bit of package that’s simple to journey with, and regardless that it is a lot smaller than your commonplace controller, it will possibly nonetheless ship a incredible expertise on PC.
Boasting Bluetooth wi-fi connectivity, you will not have to fret about any draping cables clogging up your area. The tiny form of the controller additionally appears like a refreshing change of tempo in comparison with many different PC gaming peripherals.
Bluetooth controllers specifically pack fairly a bulk to slot in all the mandatory elements, however the CRKD Atom reveals that larger would not all the time imply higher. In case your PC would not assist Bluetooth connection, the Atom will also be linked by way of USB-C from a port within the prime of the controller and nonetheless appears like much less of a faff than different funds controllers accessible.
The construct high quality would not really feel low-cost both, which I discovered stunning for a controller so inexpensive. The minuscule form appears like I may crush it in my palm if I received notably indignant at no matter I used to be enjoying, however nothing concerning the supplies used on the controller alludes to this sense. The translucent shell of my Atomic Purple controller feels good and has a barely gritty texture, and the buttons and D-Pad have a satisfying click on behind them quite than feeling low-cost and rattly. The Pal Gray variation additionally mirrors this high quality regardless of not having the translucent shell, which I am assuming will also be stated for the remainder of the stable colors.
Atom Specs
Connection: Bluetooth (Wi-fi) / USB-C (wired)
Battery life: ~ 10 hours
Buttons: 8 (4 shoulder buttons)
Worth: $20 | £20
Aesthetically, there’s rather a lot to like concerning the Atom no matter which colorway you set your coronary heart on. With eight completely different controller colours, there’s additionally an enormous emphasis on the collectability of the Atom. In the event you go the additional step and obtain the True Assortment CRKD app, you can too scan in your controller to get entry to extra details about it, resembling which quantity out of what number of items made yours is. I normally do not love having to obtain an extra app to really feel like I am making essentially the most out of {hardware}, however there’s one thing so satisfying about scanning the NFC chip at the back of your controller and watching the numbers pop up.
With that stated, the Atom does take some getting used to. At first, buttons felt like they had been squashed tightly collectively, and it felt unimaginable to make use of the shoulder buttons with out hitting a number of directly. With time I received used to the structure of the controller and stopped hitting virtually each button directly, however the small construction nonetheless will not go well with everybody. The dearth of joysticks additionally limits what you may play, however I discovered it to be an ideal companion for 2D platformers like Gimmick! 2 and even preventing video games like Granblue Fantasy Versus.
Purchase if…
✅ You need a controller constructed to be on the go
The Atom is a incredible journey companion. Given how simple it’s to hook up with a number of gadgets and the light-weight construct, it is dangerously simple to throw it into your bag and take it with you wherever.
✅ You are a fan of amassing {hardware}
The completely different colourways accessible for the ATOM alongside its affordable price ticket make it tempting to gather the entire vary. Particularly the translucent designs, which are perfect for followers of the golden age of {hardware} when the whole lot seemed prefer it had a sugar shell.
Do not buy if…
❌ You discover smaller controllers uncomfortable
This controller is the dictionary definition of miniature. In the event you’re already scuffling with the scale of smaller controllers, then the Atom is a particular no. Its three-inch dimension is certain to trigger some discomfort, so except you simply need it for show we would advise wanting elsewhere if you realize this shall be a problem.
It additionally has an affordable battery life contemplating its dimension, coming in at ten hours. In the event you’ve been on the hunt for a controller to take out and about with you then the Atom is a unusual companion, particularly with the wrist strap that comes within the field and may simply be connected to a bag or one thing like a set of keys. Ought to you end up operating out of juice, it is easy to cost with a USB-C cable which additionally is available in its packaging. On the subject of truly connecting the controller, it is so simple as holding down the central button and ready for the white gentle to cease blinking and your controller will pop up on no matter you are pairing it to.
However, it is not certain to be for everybody. The dimensions of the Atom and the shortage of options that many higher-quality PC controllers supply could also be off placing for anybody on the lookout for one thing to profit their gaming expertise quite than be a enjoyable addition to an current {hardware} assortment. For individuals with huge arms specifically, I think about the ATOM shall be noticeably uncomfortable and take quite a lot of getting used to. However, for anybody on the lookout for an important reward for a youthful participant, then the Atom might be an ideal match.
It does, although, really feel such as you’re shopping for into the gimmick with the Atom. It is a hilariously small controller, however not in a nasty method in any respect. If you realise for $20/£20 you are getting a comically small, but incredible controller, it is arduous to not suggest it. Particularly for anybody eager for a dose of retro {hardware} within the fashionable age.