For a controller as tiny as CRKD’s Atom, you’d be surprised how much there is to say about it. It’s a far cry from a standard Bluetooth controller. Its lithe and tiny form gives the impression of a Christmas cracker gift, not a piece of gaming equipment. However, it’s a surprisingly nice piece of kit that’s straightforward to travel with, and even though it’s much smaller than a standard controller, it can still provide a fantastic experience on your PC.
Thanks to wireless Bluetooth connectivity, you don’t have to worry about cables clogging up your space. The controller’s tiny shape also feels like a refreshing change of pace from many other PC gaming peripherals.
Bluetooth controllers in particular take up quite a lot of space to fit all the necessary components, but CRKD Atom shows that bigger is not always better. If your computer doesn’t support Bluetooth, the Atom can also be connected via USB-C from the port on the top of the controller and it still seems less fiddly than other budget controllers available.
The build quality doesn’t feel budget-friendly either, which was surprising for a controller this affordable. The diminutive shape feels like I could crush it in my hand if I got particularly nervous about what I was playing, but nothing about the materials used in the controller alludes to that feeling. The translucent casing of my Atomic Purple controller is pleasant to the touch and has a slightly grainy texture, and the buttons and D-pad have a satisfying click rather than a cheesy and rattling sound. The Pal Gray variety also reflects this quality, even though it does not have a translucent coating, which I assume can be said of the other solid colors as well.
Atom specification
Aesthetically, Atom has a lot to offer, regardless of which color you choose. With eight different controller colors, there’s also a huge focus on Atom’s collectability. If you take the extra step and download the True Collection CRKD app, you can also scan your controller to access additional information about it, such as the number of units produced. I usually don’t like having to download an additional app to feel like I’m getting the most out of my hardware, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about scanning the NFC chip on the back of the controller and seeing the numbers pop up.
Having said that, the Atom takes some getting used to. At first, the buttons seemed to be tightly pressed together and it seemed impossible to apply the shoulder buttons without hitting several of them at once. Over time, I got used to the controller’s layout and stopped pressing almost every button at once, but the tiny design still won’t be to everyone’s taste. The lack of joysticks also limits the gameplay options, but I think it’s the perfect companion for 2D platformers like Gimmick! 2 or even fighting games like Granblue Fantasy Versus.
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Buy if…
✅ You want a controller that’s built for travel
Atom is a fantastic travel companion. Given how easily it connects to multiple devices and its lightweight design, it’s dangerously straightforward to throw it in your bag and take it with you anywhere.
✅ You are a fan of collecting equipment
The different colors available for ATOM and its reasonable price make it tempting to complete the entire range. Especially the translucent designs, which are perfect for fans of the golden age of hardware when everything looked like it was in a sugar shell.
Don’t buy if…
❌ You find smaller controllers uncomfortable
This controller is the dictionary definition of a thumbnail. If you’re already struggling with the size of smaller controllers, then the Atom is a definite no-no. Its three-inch size will certainly cause some discomfort, so unless you want it just for display, we advise you to look elsewhere if you know it will be a problem.
It also has a reasonable battery life considering its size, at ten hours. If you’re looking for a controller you can take with you, the Atom is a quirky companion, especially with the wrist strap that comes in the box and can be easily attached to a bag or something like a keyboard set. If you run out of power, you can easily recharge the battery using the USB-C cable that is also included in the package. As for actually connecting the controller, just hold down the middle button and wait until the white lithe stops flashing and the controller appears on the device you’re pairing it with.
However, this is not a solution for everyone. The Atom’s size and lack of features offered by many higher-quality PC controllers may be off-putting to anyone looking for something that will enhance their gaming experience rather than be a fun addition to their existing hardware collection. I believe that, especially for people with immense hands, ATOM will be noticeably uncomfortable and requires some getting used to. But for anyone looking for a great gift for a younger gamer, the Atom will probably be the perfect choice.
However, you seem to be falling for Atom’s trick. It’s a fun little controller, but not in a bad way at all. When you realize that for $20/£20 you’re getting a comically tiny yet fantastic controller, it’s strenuous not to recommend it. Especially for anyone looking for a dose of retro gear in the up-to-date age.
