CRKD Atom Plus: tiny $29.99 gamepad adds dual analog thumbsticks
GG Brief Editorial Desk · AI-assisted, source attributed
The CRKD Atom Plus is a compact gamepad measuring about 3.5 inches wide that includes a pair of symmetrical analog thumbsticks and other features, and it is priced at $29.99, The Verge reports. The thumbsticks use tunneling magnetoresistance technology that the article describes as anti-drift. The Verge notes the Atom Plus is roughly a half-inch smaller than the 8BitDo Zero 2 while offering more features. The Verge's review also warns that players with larger hands may find the Atom Plus's emphasis on portability a struggle.
- What happened: The Verge reported that CRKD released the Atom Plus, a roughly 3.5-inch-wide gamepad priced at $29.99 that includes symmetrical analog thumbsticks with tunneling magnetoresistance anti-drift technology.
- Why it matters: The Verge describes the Atom Plus as squeezing in considerably more features than the 8BitDo Zero 2 while being about a half-inch smaller, positioning it as an ultra-portable option with full analog controls.
- Context: The Verge's hands-on commentary includes a usability caveat that people with larger hands may find the Atom Plus's compact, portability-first design difficult to use.
- What next: The Verge review mentions product pages and Amazon listings for the Atom Plus but does not establish broader availability, platform compatibility, or long-term performance beyond its hands-on impressions.
What changed
The CRKD Atom Plus is a new ultra-compact gamepad that The Verge measured at about 3.5 inches wide and priced at $29.99. It adds a pair of symmetrical analog thumbsticks that use tunneling magnetoresistance technology, which The Verge describes as anti-drift, plus additional features beyond smaller pocket controllers like the 8BitDo Zero 2.
Before and after
- Before: The Verge contrasts the Atom Plus with the 8BitDo Zero 2, a known ultra-small controller.
- After: The Atom Plus is about a half-inch smaller than the Zero 2 according to The Verge, yet includes more features such as full analog sticks.
Limits
- The Verge's coverage is a hands-on report and notes ergonomics may be challenging for larger hands.
- The Verge mentions Amazon and product pages but does not provide a comprehensive availability or compatibility list in the excerpt provided.
Availability
- The Verge lists the Atom Plus price as $29.99 and references product pages and Amazon listings, but the provided evidence does not specify regions, platforms, or exact release date beyond the reported pricing and hands-on impressions.