The new Horipad Turbo arrives as an affordable alternative to the official Nintendo Switch 2 controller. Its main selling point is the reduced price and the promise of anti-drift joysticks with greater durability. It includes turbo buttons and reassignable rear triggers, which sounds good on paper. However, not everything is rosy: the battery offers poor autonomy, the triggers and directional pad have a spongy response, and the controller does not work on PC. For the average person, it is a valid option for playing at home, but with notable sacrifices in comfort and versatility.
Technical analysis: durability vs. trimmed ergonomics 🎮
The Horipad Turbo bets on the durability of its analog sticks, using a design that theoretically eliminates the friction wear that causes the dreaded drift. This is a plus for those looking for a controller that can withstand long sessions. However, the decision to cut back on the quality of the triggers and directional pad is questionable. Both components offer a soft feel and lack of precision, especially annoying in racing games or platformers that require quick inputs. The lack of PC compatibility also limits its usefulness, leaving it as an exclusive peripheral for Nintendo's console with an autonomy that forces frequent charging.
The controller that asks you not to play on the computer 🔌
This Horipad seems to have a complicated relationship with computers. It's not that it doesn't work on PC; it flat-out refuses to do so, as if it had a secret alliance with Nintendo to keep you tied to the couch. And hey, if you decide to use it on your Switch 2, get ready for a driving experience where the triggers feel like stepping on a sponge. The best part is, while you're looking for the charger for the third time in the afternoon, you can console yourself by thinking that at least your sticks won't fail. Of course, don't even think about playing the new Mario Kart, because between the battery and the soft triggers, you'll miss the official controller faster than you can say drift.