CRKD’s ATOM Controller Is a Fun Pint-Sized Collectible

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Time to read:

4 minutes
The ATOM controller next to a can of Pepsi max.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Price at time of review: $19.99 / £19.99.

Overview

It’s easy to see where the ATOM controller from CRKD fits, and what it is and isn’t trying to accomplish. This micro device isn’t trying to compete with the likes of 8BitDo or Razer to be the best controller going. It’s not even a direct opponent to CRKD’s own excellent Nintendo Switch dock-controller hybrid, the Nitro Deck. Instead, its goal is to be your third favorite pad after your main and that one spare controller you toss to a friend or family member.

The ATOM comes in at just 2.7-inches in length, making it one of the smallest controllers out there. To put that in perspective, it’s shorter than a debit card or a crayon. It’s tiny!

That size means the ATOM isn’t designed to be a competitive gaming controller. It also doesn’t feature any sticks, meaning it’s limited in what it can play. In terms of what’s there, the ATOM sports four face buttons in the Nintendo layout, plus and minus, a d-pad, two longer L and R buttons, and two mini bumpers laid out in a horizontal fashion atop the controller.

What’s surprising here is despite their respective sizes, CRKD has made a point of making each button feel responsive. Face buttons push down with the right amount of force and pop up without any issues, the d-pad feels natural, and the trigger setup — while cumbersome — accomplishes what it sets out to do.

Moving on, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Is the ATOM a good controller? Not really, but complaining that it isn’t as capable as something like a Sony Dualsense misses the point. The ATOM, as far as I’m concerned, is more like a Funko Pop than it is a controller. It’s a fun collectible accessory that also doubles up as a controller. It’s not meant to replace your current favorite, or second favorite for that matter, it’s something that’s only goal is putting a smile on your face, and for that, it hits the mark.

As a fidget toy, it’s great. As something to hang on the wall, thanks to the included keychain, also great. And as a stylish accessory for a bag? It works. I’ve seen some websites say the ATOM works as a retro controller, and they couldn’t be more wrong. It doesn’t. It’s too small, and playing on it for longer than 15 minutes at a time becomes a chore. But, again, being a controller is only a secondary concern. I don’t think anyone buying an ATOM is buying it because they want a new controller. They’re buying it because it’s freaking adorable, and for that, I can recommend it easily.

Use Cases

As the ATOM isn’t a typical controller, that begs the question: Who is the ATOM for exactly? Below are some use cases to give you an idea of who I think should be buying this device.

Person 1: A collector who wants something to showcase their love of gaming that isn’t the usual cheesy gamer-esque, mass-produced stuff that plagues online stores like Amazon. You know the stuff. Grab the keychain, shove some pin board pins in the wall, and you’ve got a stylish decoration that won’t make people cringe every time they see it.

Person 2: A student who carries a rucksack around and wants to jazz it up with accessories.

Person 3: Someone who’s visiting a friend’s place and needs to bring a second controller that is so small it can fit inside a wallet.

Person 4: A parent who wants their kids to get involved, but doesn’t want them breaking their expensive controller in the process.

Alternatives to Consider

ControllerCRKD ATOM8BitDo SN30 Pro8BitDo Ultimate
Size68 x 35 x 12mm144 x 63.5 x 33mm147 x 104 x 61.5mm
CompatibilityNintendo Switch, PC, Mac, MobileNintendo Switch,
X-input,
D-input
Nintendo Switch, SteamOS, PC,
Battery Life10 Hours18 Hours22 Hours
Price$19.99 / £19.99$44.99 / $34.95$30-$60 / £30 – £60
CommentsSuper StylishBest for RetroBest Overall Value

Verdict

The ATOM isn’t so much a controller as it is a collectible, and looking at it purely through that lens, it rocks. Its affordable nature means you’re not dropping serious money on something that will likely not get the same usage as your main controller.

The bottom line: As long as you know what it is you’re getting, chances are, you’re going to love this pint-sized gizmo.

Disclosure: Review unit provided by PR. To learn more about our review policy click here. | Alternatively, click here to find out why you can trust me. 

Wesley Copeland Avatar