Gaming hardware has evolved to make playing more immersive, portable, and accessible. But one part of the experience has received less attention: how players support their bodies during extended sessions. While gaming chairs and desk accessories address some of the physical demands of PC gaming, controller and handheld users often spend hours holding their devices without dedicated arm support.
German gaming accessories company nerdytec is looking to address that gap with the launch of the Couchmaster® CYPAD, a padded support cushion designed for players who game from their sofas using controllers, smartphones, and handheld consoles.
The product marks a shift for the company, whose earlier Couchmaster models primarily targeted PC gamers using a mouse, keyboard, and laptop. The CYPAD extends its approach to a broader audience, including casual gamers who do not use a traditional desktop setup.
Bringing ergonomic support to controller and handheld gaming
The CYPAD wraps around the player and fastens at the back, providing a resting surface for the arms, elbows, and wrists. Rather than holding a controller in mid-air or leaning forward over a handheld device, users can rest their arms on the cushion during longer sessions.
Its design includes two large side pockets for controllers, phones, power banks, and other accessories. An adjustable rear clip accommodates different body sizes, while the cushion measures 25.2 by 25.2 inches and comes with a washable fabric cover in black, camouflage, and brown.
The product is also available with an optional 13-foot USB-C cable that supports data transfer and charging simultaneously. A cable loop routes the connection toward the controller, allowing players to charge their devices without adding unnecessary clutter to their setup.
The timing is relevant as major game releases continue to draw attention to extended console sessions. Grand Theft Auto VI, for example, is scheduled to arrive on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, giving players another highly anticipated release that could involve hours of controller use.
The CYPAD can also be paired with nerdytec’s CYCON Couchmaster line, which offers wired connectivity and charging options for couch-based gaming setups.
Expanding beyond the traditional PC gaming audience
nerdytec has spent years developing products intended to make couch-based PC gaming more comfortable. Its previous models addressed the needs of players using keyboards and mice, including people with limited strength or endurance.
The company’s CYCON³ received a score of 88 out of 100 from PC Gamer, while Windows Central rated the earlier CYCON² at 4.5 out of 5.
“I built the first Couchmaster because hours at a desk were wrecking my back,” said Chris Mut, co-founder and CEO of nerdytec. “Controller and handheld players have the same problem in a different place: their arms and shoulders. The CYPAD solves this problem. Your arms finally get the kind of support your back gets from a good chair, so you can focus on the game instead of on how you’re sitting.”
Roman Jakob, co-founder, CTO, and lead product developer at nerdytec, said the company designed the cushion specifically around controller and handheld use, from its padding configuration to the length of its cable.
The Couchmaster CYPAD is available in two configurations: $69.90 with the USB-C cable and $59.90 without it.
Disclosure: This article mentions a client of an Espacio portfolio company.
