Amazon.com in the United States listed the ASUS ROG Tessen mobile gaming controller at $64.99 when we checked its store page on November 5, sold and shipped by Amazon. ASUS’s own US page for the same controller shows an ASUS Store price of $129.99, and Amazon’s page marks the drop as 50 percent.
The Tessen is a wired, foldable controller made for Android phones. 9to5Toys flagged the deal on November 4 at $60 shipped, so the price has already moved once. The page we saw shows no end date, which means the price can change at any time.
What does the ROG Tessen controller offer?
ASUS describes a two-handle controller joined by a telescopic aluminum bridge that holds the phone in landscape and folds down for a pocket or bag. These are the specs ASUS lists:
- Connection: wired over USB-C, with a 500 Hz polling rate
- Charging: 18W pass-through charging while you play, with speed varying by phone, cable and adapter
- Sticks: 22 degrees of movement and an 18 mm tall right stick
- Buttons: mechanical switches for the face buttons and D-pad, plus two aluminum rear paddles
- Software: the Armoury Crate app for remapping buttons and lighting, plus an ROG Button and Aura RGB lighting
- Size and weight: 136 g, 191.5 x 92 x 40 mm, or 94 x 92 x 85 mm folded
9to5Toys also lists analog triggers among the features.
How does the price compare with the ASUS list price?
The ROG USA page for the Tessen shows an ASUS Store price of $129.99. Amazon.com showed $64.99 for a new unit sold by Amazon.com, with a List Price of $129.99 and 50 percent savings on its page. The figure matches the maker’s page, so the comparison does not rely on a store’s own markdown alone.
Prices
- Amazon.com (United States): $64.99, new, sold by Amazon.com, checked November 5
- ASUS ROG USA page: ASUS Store price $129.99
- 9to5Toys report, November 4: $60 shipped at Amazon
All figures are US dollars for the United States. We did not check Amazon stores in other countries, and ASUS prices elsewhere may differ. Prices are those at the time of writing and can change at any time.
Will it fit my phone and my case?
ASUS says the Tessen fits phones up to 7-inches in size and 7-14.5 mm thick. Rubber support pads and an extended USB-C connector let it connect without removing most protective cases. ASUS also warns that certain cases with a ring holder or strap design may not be compatible. The Amazon listing title says Android phones only, so iPhone owners should look elsewhere.
Who it suits
Android players who want physical controls. The Tessen gives a phone two sticks, a D-pad, face buttons and rear paddles, which suits games that support gamepads and are awkward on a touch screen.
People who play for long sessions. The 18W pass-through charging keeps the phone topped up while you play, although ASUS notes that speed depends on your phone and charger.
Travellers and commuters. At 136 g and folding to 94 x 92 x 85 mm, it is easier to carry than a full-size gamepad.
Anyone who wants wireless or uses an iPhone. The Tessen is wired and made for Android, so skip it if you want Bluetooth or play on Apple devices.
What is still unknown?
Amazon has not said how long this price will last, and the 9to5Toys figure of $60 differs from the $64.99 we saw, so expect movement. We have not tested the controller, and compatibility with a specific phone and case is best checked against the thickness figures above.
What should you do next?
Open the Amazon.com page, confirm the price and that the seller is Amazon.com, then measure your phone and case against the 7-14.5 mm range on the ASUS page before you order.
