A clever modder has designed a gamepad that is suitable for portrait-mode games that can be used with any smartphone that has a USB-C port.

If you look at most modern gaming devices, such as a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, you might notice that it is designed for landscape orientation. This makes sense, since the vast majority of games also use this orientation. For fans of certain retro arcade titles, however, this is not ideal. Thankfully, the modding community is on the case.

Mobile gamepad for portrait mobile games

A modder called Wingman94, also known as Max Kern on YouTube, produced a tiny gamepad that can plug into the USB-C port of any smartphone to turn it into a tiny arcade emulator. This portrait orientation is sometimes known as ‘Tate mode’, was used in a lot of classic arcade titles.

Some notable retro games that use this orientation include 1943: The Battle of Midway, Burger Time, Cybattler, and Alcon. Though uncommon in modern games, retro arcade fans appreciate having the option to use portrait mode, and this mod makes it much easier for smartphone emulation users.

• GP2040-CE firmware
• Compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Mac
• USB-powered
• Raspberry Pi RP2040
• Buttons and case 3D-printed by JLCPCB

No Bluetooth connection or batteries are needed, since the pad communicates directly with USB-C and acts as a HID controller. The gamepad uses GP2040-CE firmware, which also allows users to use a local web server Web-UI for configuration if they choose.

The case and buttons are all available as 3D print files. Max Kern used a resin printer for his model to give it a slick translucent look, but PLA or PET-G also work just as well.

All the files to recreate this project are available on Thingiverse and Github, with the YouTube video providing additional assembly instructions. Obviously, it helps if you are handy with a soldering iron. If you have the right skills and equipment, then you too can have a tiny game controller in your pocket ready to play some arcade games as you wait for the bus.

About the Author

Rebecca Hills-Duty

Writing and journalism experience at VRFocus, UploadVR, The Escapist, HTC, PC Gamer, Tech Radar+ and Dexerto. Can sometimes be found playing with retro tech.