CRKD Atom+ Revealed: Pocket-Sized Controller Upgrades With Anti-Drift TMR Sticks
Hardware maker CRKD, best known for handheld accessories like the Nitro Deck, has officially announced the CRKD Atom+ (Atom Plus). This updated edition delivers a major technical leap for the manufacturer’s popular keychain-sized gamepad. While the initial Atom catered primarily to retro titles via a classic directional pad, this new version introduces dual analog sticks without sacrificing its ultra-portable footprint.
Two Anti-Drift TMR Sticks in a Pocket Form Factor
The headline upgrade of the Atom+ is the integration of Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) analog thumbsticks. This cutting-edge magnetic sensor architecture provides higher precision and lower power draw than traditional Hall Effect alternatives, while effectively eliminating stick drift forever. For a controller designed to ride along in a jacket pocket or hook onto a backpack, mechanical durability is paramount.
Despite its petite dimensions, CRKD fitted the controller with a full set of inputs: a responsive D-pad, four face action buttons, complete shoulder triggers (L, R, ZL, ZR), motion controls via gyroscope, and a dedicated turbo mode for fast-paced sequences.
View CRKD Atom Controllers on Amazon→
Universal Bluetooth Compatibility and Companion App Support
Engineered for on-the-go play, the CRKD Atom+ connects over Bluetooth to Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam and Windows), mobile devices across iOS and Android, and Smart TVs. It serves as an ultra-compact option for jumping into classic retro titles on Nintendo Switch Online or streaming games via cloud platforms while traveling.
The gamepad charges through a USB-C port and includes a convenient wrist strap. Players can also sync the pad with the CRKD Companion App to calibrate stick deadzones and download future firmware updates.
My Take
The evolution here is genuinely impressive. The original Atom was a neat novelty, fun for retro titles on a D-pad, but severely restricted by its lack of analog inputs. By embedding cutting-edge TMR sticks without drastically expanding its footprint, CRKD elevates this pocket-sized pad into a genuine everyday travel controller ready for on-the-go Switch or mobile gaming without cluttering your bag.
PC hardware enthusiast and competitive gamer, Arthur 'Heimdall' splits his time between France and the UK working in enterprise B2B software solutions. A business school graduate passionate about component benchmarking, he has been building, modding, and tuning PCs since childhood, optimizing every thermal degree and millisecond of display latency. An avid gamer across Assassin's Creed and sandbox titles, he forged his alliance with Grimtag and Chaya during late-night World of Warcraft raids before joining Pro-Gamer.
