Horipad Turbo Review: A Deep Dive into its Merits as a Budget Nintendo Switch Controller

The Quest for Affordable Switch Control

The Nintendo Switch has established itself as a versatile and enjoyable gaming platform, offering handheld and docked experiences. However, the cost of official Nintendo accessories, such as the Pro Controller, can be a significant barrier for budget-conscious consumers. This reality has fostered a thriving market of third-party controllers, each vying to provide a more affordable yet capable alternative. Within this competitive landscape, the quality and features of these budget options can vary greatly. A reliable controller is paramount to an immersive and satisfying gaming session regardless of price. Even for those mindful of their spending, a responsive and comfortable gamepad can significantly enhance their enjoyment of the Switch’s extensive library of games.

The Horipad Turbo emerges as a wired, officially licensed controller for the Nintendo Switch, positioning itself as a contender in this budget-friendly arena. The user’s query suggests that this controller surpasses typical expectations for a budget option, implying a strong value proposition that warrants closer examination. With a price point hovering around $30, as indicated in some reviews, the Horipad Turbo sits at an accessible price for many gamers. This report aims to comprehensively evaluate the Horipad Turbo, scrutinizing its design, build quality, performance, and features, focusing on its namesake turbo functionality. Furthermore, by comparing it with other controllers in the same price range, this analysis will determine whether the Horipad Turbo elevates the standard for budget Nintendo Switch controllers.

2. Design and Build Quality: Balancing Affordability and Comfort

Upon initial inspection, the Horipad Turbo resembles the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, adopting a similar overall shape and button layout. This familiar aesthetic might appeal to users seeking a more traditional gamepad feel than the Joy-Cons. The controller is available in a standard black colour and themed versions featuring designs from popular Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario. Notably, these officially licensed designs are offered at the same price as the standard black version, presenting an attractive option for fans who want to personalize their gaming setup without incurring additional costs.

To achieve its budget-friendly price, the Horipad Turbo utilizes a predominantly plastic construction, resulting in a lightweight feel. This lightness makes the controller feel “somewhat hollow” and “almost listless” when held. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller boasts a more substantial and premium feel, incorporating textured grips for enhanced comfort during extended play sessions. While the Horipad Turbo lacks these textured grips, user reviews suggest its lightweight design does not necessarily translate to discomfort. The controller is reported to be “comfortable enough” and allows for a firm grip during gameplay.

The Horipad Turbo’s layout follows the standard asymmetrical configuration familiar to Switch Pro Controller users, with vertically offset analog sticks. The face and shoulder buttons (L/R/ZL/ZR) are positioned conventionally. Reviews highlight that the analog sticks and face buttons provide a pleasant and responsive experience. A particular strength lies in the digital ZL and ZR triggers, which are described as “satisfying-to-press” and offer an immediate response, proving advantageous in many Nintendo Switch titles.

However, a significant drawback in the design of the Horipad Turbo is its D-pad. Across multiple reviews, the D-pad is consistently identified as the “weakest element” and a “real letdown”. Its thin profile and “mushy” feel make precise diagonal inputs challenging. Furthermore, one review details a unique design where the D-pad is a plastic disc placed over four individual directional buttons, similar to the left Joy-Con. This construction contributes to a looser and less responsive feel than the solid, plus-shaped D-pad on the Pro Controller. Consequently, users who frequently rely on the D-pad for precise movements, particularly in 2D games, might find this aspect of the Horipad Turbo disappointing, and it is often recommended to utilize the analog sticks for movement whenever feasible.

Finally, the Horipad Turbo is a strictly wired controller. It features a 10ft (3m) cable, which is considered an industry standard length. However, the cable is non-braided, which some users have noted tends to coil up more readily than braided cables. The wired connection ensures a direct and lag-free input, which can benefit competitive gaming scenarios. However, it also limits the controller’s range of use to docked mode or when the Switch is connected to a compatible USB-C-to-A hub or adapter.

3. Performance and Responsiveness: Where it Counts

Despite its budget-oriented build, the Horipad Turbo generally delivers commendable performance on the Nintendo Switch. User feedback indicates that the controller is “perfectly responsive across all fronts”. The thumbsticks and buttons are reported to feel good and react promptly to inputs. This responsiveness is crucial for an enjoyable gaming experience, allowing players to execute actions precisely.

A standout feature contributing to the controller’s performance is its set of digital triggers (ZL/ZR), which are frequently praised as “excellent”. Unlike analog triggers on other controllers, digital triggers register an immediate on/off input when pressed. This trigger type is particularly well-suited for most first-party Nintendo Switch games, where nuanced pressure sensitivity is not a standard requirement. The satisfying tactile feedback of these triggers further enhances the gaming experience.

The Horipad Turbo has been tested with several popular Nintendo Switch titles, demonstrating its capability in various genres. Games like Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are mentioned explicitly as games where the controller performs well. These titles often involve quick and decisive trigger presses, which align perfectly with the strengths of the Horipad Turbo’s digital triggers.

However, the absence of certain features does impact the performance of specific games. The lack of gyro aiming is a notable omission, particularly in titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Splatoon 3. In these games, gyro controls offer many players a more intuitive and precise aiming method. While analog sticks can be used for aiming in Splatoon 3, those accustomed to gyro functionality often consider it a less optimal control scheme. Similarly, while considered less critical overall, the absence of rumble can diminish the sense of immersion in games that utilize haptic feedback to convey in-game events.

Beyond the Nintendo Switch, the Horipad Turbo also offers compatibility with PCs. However, it does not function as a standard Xinput controller, the common input protocol for many PC games. Users may need to manually configure the controller settings within individual games to ensure proper functionality. One review suggests that enabling the Switch Pro Controller option within Steam’s Big Picture mode can help with compatibility for games launched through the Steam platform. This workaround indicates that while PC gaming is possible, it might require some additional effort from the user compared to a plug-and-play Xinput controller.

4. The Turbo Function: Rapid Fire on a Budget

As its name suggests, the Horipad Turbo includes a Turbo function. This functionality allows players to set certain buttons to register multiple rapid inputs with a single press and hold. The Turbo function is particularly beneficial for simpler, arcade-style games and retro titles often found within the Nintendo Switch Online libraries. Rapid and repeated button presses are frequently required in these games, and the Turbo function can alleviate the need for continuous manual mashing, potentially reducing fatigue and improving gameplay.

The Horipad Turbo offers three distinct turbo speed settings: 5, 10, and 20 inputs per second. This range of speeds provides a degree of customization, allowing players to tailor the rapid-fire rate to the specific game or their preference. Activating the Turbo function for a particular button is a straightforward process, typically involving holding down the dedicated Turbo button located on the controller and then pressing the desired face button. The controller’s manual, as referenced in one of the snippets, may provide more detailed instructions on setting and adjusting these turbo speeds, potentially involving using the right analog stick while holding the Turbo button.

User reviews indicate that the Turbo button performs effectively, especially in retro games. For example, in classic shoot-’em-up titles like Blaster Master and Super R-Type, the Turbo function can automate rapid projectile firing, making gameplay more manageable and potentially reducing the difficulty. This feature can be a significant advantage for players who enjoy these older titles or find rapid button pressing physically demanding.

Despite its utility on the Nintendo Switch, the Turbo function of the Horipad Turbo does not extend to PC use. This limitation might be a consideration for users who intend to use the controller for gaming on both platforms and desire consistent functionality. Additionally, the controller’s manual specifies that the Control Pad (D-pad) can only be set to the regular Turbo mode and is incompatible with the Turbo Hold function. Turbo Hold, as described in the manual and some product listings, allows for continuous rapid firing without the need to hold down the button. The manual also clarifies which buttons are compatible with both Turbo and Turbo Hold modes, typically including face and shoulder buttons. It’s also important to note that active Turbo settings are deactivated when the HOME button is pressed, requiring users to re-enable the function upon resuming gameplay.

5. Feature Comparison: Standing Against the Competition

To fully appreciate the Horipad Turbo’s value proposition, it is essential to compare it with other budget-friendly Nintendo Switch controllers available on the market. One controller that frequently arises in comparison is the GameSir Nova Lite. This controller is often priced similarly to or even slightly lower than the Horipad Turbo, typically around $25.

The GameSir Nova Lite offers several notable advantages over the Horipad Turbo. One key difference is its wireless connectivity, supporting both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections. This provides greater freedom of movement compared to the Horipad Turbo’s wired-only design. Furthermore, the Nova Lite incorporates Hall effect analog sticks, which are known for their resistance to sticking drift, a common issue in some controllers. The Nova Lite also boasts multi-platform compatibility, working with the Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices, and includes motion control functionality. Unlike the Horipad Turbo, however, the GameSir Nova Lite does not feature a dedicated Turbo function. It does include analog triggers, which some players might prefer for games that benefit from variable input. Reviews of the Nova Lite highlight its smooth Hall effect thumbsticks, even comparing favourably to the sticks on the DualShock 4. However, some users have reported issues with accidental diagonal inputs on its D-pad. The Nova Lite also lacks back paddles and a built-in gyroscope.

Other budget controllers worth considering include the 8BitDo Ultimate C. This controller is often praised for its excellent build quality despite its low price and features, such as responsive digital triggers. However, like the Horipad Turbo, it is a wired controller and does not offer wireless connectivity. The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is another option frequently available at a price similar to the Horipofferingo, offering various designs and generally positive user feedback. For those seeking the absolute best options, the PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ Audio controller stands out with programmable back paddles and a unique 3.5mm audio jack, t. However, it might have a lighter build quality.

To provide a more precise comparison, the following table summarizes the key features of the Horipad Turbo and its main budget competitors:

6. Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective

Based on the available research, the Horipad Turbo presents various advantages and disadvantages for budget-conscious Nintendo Switch gamers.

Pros:

• The controller features responsive and pleasant-feeling analog sticks and face buttons, crucial for accurate gameplay.
• Its digital triggers (ZL/ZR) are highly regarded for their immediate response and satisfying feel, and they are well-suited for many Switch games.
• The availability of officially licensed Nintendo character designs (Zelda, Mario) at no extra cost adds aesthetic appeal for fans.
• The integrated Turbo button functions effectively in retro games, offering three distinct speed settings for customized rapid-fire action.
• Despite its lightweight plastic construction, the controller is generally comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
• The wired connection ensures minimal input lag, providing a responsive, advantageous experience in competitive scenarios.
• The controller offers compatibility with PCs, expanding its potential use beyond the Nintendo Switch.
• The overall build quality is described as sturdy, suggesting a degree of durability.

Cons:

• Being a wired-only controller limits its portability and freedom of movement compared to wireless options.
• The budget-oriented build results in a lightweight and somewhat hollow feel, which might not appeal to users seeking a more premium feel.
• The D-pad is a significant weakness. It is characterized by a mushy feel and difficulty with precise diagonal inputs, making it less ideal for games that heavily rely on it.
• The controller lacks byro aiming and vibration support, features that enhance immersion and are present in some competing controllers.
• The non-braided cable tends to coil up, which can be a minor inconvenience.
• The Turbo function is not supported when using the controller with a PC, limiting its functionality across platforms.

7. Conclusion and Recommendation: Is the Horipad Turbo a Budget Champion?

In summary, the Horipad Turbo presents a compelling option for Nintendo Switch owners seeking an affordable controller. Its strengths lie in its responsive controls, particularly the excellent digital triggers, and the inclusion of a functional and customizable Turbo mode that proves especially useful for retro gaming. The availability of officially licensed Nintendo designs at no extra cost is also a noteworthy advantage for fans. However, the controller does have compromises, primarily in its budget build quality, the disappointing D-pad, and the lack of wireless connectivity, gyro aiming, and rumble.

Regarding the user’s query of whether the Horipad Turbo “goes above and beyond” as a budget controller, the analysis suggests that while it offers some standout features like the Turbo functionality and official licensing, its limitations prevent it from being a definitive budget champion. The emergence of other similarly priced controllers, such as the GameSir Nova Lite, which offers wireless connectivity and Hall effect sticks, indicates that budget-conscious gamers may not have to sacrifice as many features as the Horipad Turbo does.

Ultimately, the Horipad Turbo is best suited for budget-minded gamers who primarily play games that do not heavily rely on gyro aiming or precise D-pad inputs. Retro gaming enthusiasts who appreciate the adjustable Turbo function will also find value in this controller. However, gamers prioritizing wireless freedom, motion controls, a more premium feel, or a superior D-pad experience should consider exploring alternative options, even if it entails a slightly higher expenditure. The GameSir Nova Lite, in particular, stands out as a strong competitor, firing wireless and drift-resistant analog sticks for a comparable price, making it a compelling alternative for many users. In conclusion, the Horipad Turbo is a capable and functional budget controller with specific strengths. Still, its overall value depends heavily on individual gaming preferences and priorities within the increasingly competitive landscape of affordable Nintendo Switch accessories.