- The CRKD Atom is the newest peripheral from the hardware manufacturer
- A keychain-sized portable bluetooth controller, it promises to be as much a collectible as a tool of play
- But how does it measure up? I went hands on with the device, so let’s find out
As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of thumb-bashing experience under my belt (and a few questionable carpal tunnel diagnoses), I’ve seen my fair share of gaming peripherals that promise the world but deliver a disappointing performance. However, when CRKD Atom dropped onto my doorstep like a miniature nuclear device, I was intrigued.
It appears that miniaturization is making a comeback, at least according to CRKD’s expectations. Their latest collection of peripherals, the CRKD Atom, aims to prove this point. This tiny device, roughly the size of a keychain, offers an innovative method for gaming control and serves as a stylish collectible, if their claims are true.
I had a go at using this trendy new gadget. Is it any good, and is it worth considering for your holiday wishlist? How does it fare when it comes to gaming specifically?
Let’s find out!
What you get in the box
The CRKD Atom arrives in a sizeable package, but its contents are quite simple to understand. Inside, you’ll discover the controller, a quick-start manual, a compact USB to USB-C charging cable, and a wrist strap for attaching to the Atom. It was somewhat peculiar to me that there wasn’t an included keychain loop or other attachment options, considering that the Atom is also marketed as a collectible item.
Features
Connecting the CRKD Atom is quite straightforward – all you need to do is press buttons to activate pairing mode. Beyond that, it’s as easy as can be, with a D-Pad and four face buttons at your disposal. The shoulder buttons are an interesting extra, but you might struggle to find games that utilize these without a joystick. If you’re familiar with using a Bluetooth gamepad, then this device isn’t breaking new ground.
Performance
I recently tried out the CRKD Atom gaming controller while playing Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Metal Slug series, games that work wonderfully with controllers lacking joysticks. With lots of button presses and a good mix of movements, these games provided an adequate challenge to test its capabilities. In my view, they’re not ideal for touch screens, and using the Atom controller made it possible to enjoy them without my thumbs covering most of the screen.
I was happy to discover that the CRKD Atom didn’t have any lag with its buttons or D-Pad, which allowed me to perform just as well as I would using a PlayStation controller. In terms of comfort, it felt good, but I did experience occasional discomfort from pressing my fingers too closely together.
From my perspective, the main challenge lies in its compatibility with games, as the arrangement of the face buttons deviates from the typical standard. This means that games like Symphony of the Night, which follow common face button layouts, might not fit seamlessly onto the Atom controller.
It seems to me that the Atom could still be functional without any letters on its face buttons, given they aren’t engraved but embossed, making them invisible or tactilely indistinguishable in most cases unless memorized. However, due to their angular arrangement, it’s quite simple to identify each button by touch alone.
Build quality
As a devoted fan, I’ve always got my eyes peeled for potential concerns when it comes to compact gadgets like the Atom, especially since it markets itself as something that doubles as a keychain accessory in addition to being a peripheral. Luckily, this controller is robustly constructed with just one significant plastic joint connecting the front and back pieces, which felt sturdy and unyielding upon inspection. There was a minor gap near the USB-C input port, but it didn’t seem to cause any problems while charging.
The buttons exhibit some unique behavior, occasionally tilting slightly to the right or left due to their design. Yet, they provide ample feedback when pressed and are ergonomically comfortable as can be expected for their type. They also have a sturdy feel, ensuring that any rotation stays minimal, only resulting in a slight tilt.
Pros
Summarizing all the mentioned aspects, the CRKD Atom was an excellent device overall. It boasts a robust construction, swift responsiveness, maintains a lightweight profile without being fragile, and is straightforward to set up and charge. Although I wouldn’t use it as a keychain or backpack accessory due to potential theft concerns, the fabric loop provided in the case offers an effortless way to transport it and keep it from getting misplaced among office clutter or messy environments.
It’s important to mention that the Atom isn’t limited to mobile compatibility alone. You can connect it with a PC, Nintendo Switch, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device effortlessly, making it a versatile choice for gaming. Although it might not be preferred by hardcore gamers, for those seeking some casual fun without needing a DualShock or fight stick, the Atom offers an added convenience.
Cons
Currently, what I find problematic about the CRKD Atom lies in its price. Although the increase isn’t significant, it’s priced at £19.99 compared to the 8Bitdo Micro which costs £17.99. This difference of £2 might not be a deciding factor for most, but it’s worth mentioning. The broader range of colors and transparent casings may not persuade budget-conscious individuals to choose the Atom over the Micro.
Despite this, I don’t believe that marketing the Atom as a collectible item (using the phrase “collect them all”) will have a significant impact overall in my view. Given its high retail price and the relatively specialized use-case, CRKD can reasonably justify the cost by emphasizing its widespread availability and unique designs, but to a limited extent.
Should you buy it?
In simpler terms, if you’re seeking a compact, budget-friendly controller with extensive compatibility and all essential features without unnecessary extras, the CRKD Atom could very well be your ideal choice, despite its minor drawbacks.
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2024-10-07 17:18