CRKD is finally shipping the upgrade to my favorite teeny tiny controller, and I can't wait to get my hands on the Atom+

CRKD announced that the Atom+ – its newest handheld controller for the Nintendo Switch 2, Switch OLED, smartphones, PCs and smart TVs – is now leaving warehouses. The device retails for $29.99 on Amazon (≈£27.99 in the UK) and arrives in four colorways, including transparent Smoke Black and Glacier Blue. Compared with the original Atom, which sold for $19.99 and lacked analog sticks, the Atom+ introduces dual precision thumbsticks equipped with TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance) sensors to curb drift, as well as digital bumpers, triggers, haptic feedback and built‑in motion controls. The launch follows a series of postponed timelines: an initial late‑June 2026 ship date slipped to an August 17‑31 window before the brand finally confirmed dispatch on the day of the announcement. Early adopters on Reddit reported receiving the “Retro Purple” unit weeks ahead of the public release, describing the experience as “worth it,” which underscores the community’s appetite for a pocket‑sized, feature‑rich controller.

The Atom+ arrives at a moment when compact, cross‑platform accessories are gaining traction. Competitors such as 8BitDo and PowerA have long offered mini‑sized controllers, but most still rely on a D‑pad rather than full analog sticks. By integrating TMR sticks—a technology typically reserved for higher‑end gamepads—CRKD narrows the performance gap while keeping the price under $30, a sweet spot for budget‑conscious gamers. Its retro‑themed aesthetics also tap into the nostalgia wave that fuels sales of handheld consoles and themed peripherals. Moreover, the controller’s compatibility with Android, iOS and PC positions it as a versatile accessory for the growing “any‑device” gaming segment, directly challenging the dominance of larger, platform‑specific gamepads.

Looking ahead, the Atom+ will need to prove its durability and latency claims, especially given the added vibration motor and motion sensors in a diminutive chassis. Early user reviews will likely focus on stick precision, drift resistance, and battery life—areas where TMR technology can either differentiate the product or expose shortcomings. If CRKD can maintain a steady supply chain after the initial hiccups, it could secure a foothold in the niche but expanding market for ultra‑portable controllers. Watch for firmware updates that might unlock additional button mapping or platform‑specific profiles, as well as any price adjustments in response to competitor launches later in the year.