Turtle Beach Atom Smartphone Controller review: changing the game on the go

There’s little denying that mobile gaming is on the rise. In fact, it’s been on the rise for many years.

We’re not just talking about video games designed exclusively for mobile, because major first-party console publishers such as Microsoft and Sony are looking at more ways for their customers to access their favourite games by streaming to mobile devices too.

However, as accessible as it might be for some to access Xbox and PlayStation games on their phones, it’s not always a straightforward process for everyone, especially for those that may have a disability.

For example, I am disabled thanks to being riddled with arthritis in both of my hip joints. Unfortunately, that arthritis has now made its way to my hands, which is a painful problem not only as I type up this review but also with my number one hobby, playing video games. And I know that I am not alone.

This is why playing any mainstream AAA ports on mobile is out of the question for me because within seconds my joints will seize up and I’ll get shooting/stabbing pains through my fingers. I can still enjoy games such as Pokémon Go in small doses, albeit in some discomfort.

Thankfully, with the aid of compression gloves, I am able to enjoy console gaming without the instant pain I experience playing on mobile, due to the much larger and comfortable design of a control pad. Sure, I know you can link your controller to your mobile and prop your phone up, but it’s far from ideal. Furthermore, I’m not a fan of those clamps that hold your phone attached to the top of your controller.

Turtle Beach Atom Smartphone Controler

So what other options do we have? Third-party accessory makers are now releasing very handy mobile controllers that essentially clamp your phone in between two ends of a controller, not too dissimilar to the Nintendo Switch. One such manufacturer is Turtle Beach.

The Atom Controller is designed for mobile with Xbox in mind and it's the perfect way to play your favourite Xbox Game Pass games on the go or while the TV is being used by someone else. By connecting via Bluetooth with its 2.4GHz wireless link, this device is split into two separate wireless controller modules that replicate an official Xbox controller.

Moreover, it has low latency, which means that the signals coming from the Xbox cloud to your phone/controller result in near non-existent lag. Of course, you may experience some lag depending on your internet service, so it is worth keeping that in mind.

Turtle Beach Atom Smartphone Controler

What’s more, the controller has a rubbery texture which makes it super comfortable in your hands. Its button layout is also inspired by the official Xbox controller, so gamers of the green brand should feel right at home.

On a full charge, Turtle Beach claims that it can last up to 20 hours before both modules die. Your experience may differ, but I ran close to 20 hours before putting the modules back on charge with the provided 3.0 USB cable. A full charge should take no more than two and a half hours.

In terms of keeping your mobile phone secure, the controllers will fit either side of the horizontally placed phone with the added adjustable clamps, so you need not worry about your phone falling out. Unless of course, you’re really heavy-handed, to which I am not.

Turtle Beach Atom Smartphone Controler

Unlike other mobile controllers of this kind which remain elongated, the Turtle Beach Atom collapses into a compact square shape clipped together by magnets. Once collapsed, the Turtle Beach Atom is no bigger than the palm of your hand and complete with a small travel bag, taking this controller on your travels could not be easier. I even paired the Atom and my Turtle Beach Stealth Pro at the same time, and the results were pure bliss taking my mobile immersion to the next level.

Everything about this controller feels high end and I’m not exaggerating when I say this is a game-changer for me. Seriously, playing Halo, Gears of War or Forza in the palm of my hands is something I never thought possible due to my disability. Whether you are disabled or not, the Turtle Beach Atom Smartphone Controller is a must-buy for Xbox fans, especially if you’re a weary traveller.

The Turtle Beach Atom is available now and can be purchased from TurtleBeach.com as well as various retailers. A review sample was provided by Turtle Beach.

Topics: Mobile Games, Xbox, Xbox Game Pass