Hori’s New Switch 2 Controller Lets You Disable Home and Screenshot Buttons
▼ Summary
– Hori has released the Wireless Horipad Turbo, a $54 controller that is $35 cheaper than Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller but lacks premium features like Amiibo support and remote wake functionality.
– The controller includes a lock button on the back that disables the Home, Screenshot, and other central buttons to prevent accidental presses during gameplay.
– It features drift-resistant TMR joysticks and offers extensive button remapping for action, shoulder, trigger buttons, D-pad, and joysticks, plus rapidfire capability.
– Available for preorder in Japan in five colors and expected to launch by year’s end, with no confirmed US release or pricing details, but it is compatible with all Switch versions.
– The Horipad Turbo has a similar design to Nintendo’s controller but omits features like a headphone jack and uses translucent housing.
For players seeking a budget-friendly alternative to Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Pro Controller, Hori has introduced the Wireless Horipad Turbo. This new controller costs approximately $35 less than Nintendo’s $90 offering, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious gamers. While it omits certain premium features like Amiibo support and the ability to wake the Switch 2 remotely, it introduces a practical lock button on the rear. This button allows users to disable the central Home and Screenshot buttons, preventing accidental interruptions during gameplay.
Currently available for preorder in Japan through Hori’s online store and Amazon Japan, the Wireless Horipad Turbo retails for 7,980 yen (about $54). It comes in five color variations: mist black, aquasian, shine yellow, frost white, and ruby magenta. The controller is scheduled to launch before the end of the year and will be compatible with all Switch models. No information has been provided regarding potential US availability or pricing adjustments for international markets.
Visually, the Horipad Turbo closely resembles Nintendo’s Pro Controller, featuring a similar layout with a game chat button positioned between the D-pad and right analog stick. The controller utilizes a translucent housing that gives it a distinct appearance. Hori has equipped the controller with drift-resistant tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks, a technical choice that could prove more reliable than traditional alternatives. However, the company has omitted certain features including a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The back of the controller houses several additional buttons and a toggle switch that can disable various face buttons. Hori has implemented extensive customization options, allowing users to remap the functionality of action buttons, shoulder buttons, triggers, D-pad, and joysticks. The controller even supports programming a single button to perform the functions of two others simultaneously. A dedicated rapid-fire button featuring Hori’s red, white, and blue logo is conveniently located on the front.
The lock button offers multiple configuration options, enabling users to disable the Hori, Home, and Screenshot buttons individually or in combination. An additional setting locks the plus and minus buttons, providing further protection against accidentally accessing menu screens during critical gaming moments. This thoughtful design addresses common frustrations experienced by dedicated gamers.
(Source: The Verge)
